Have you heard of AI?

Yes, and probably a lot already (too much?). No, this isn't about presenting yet another shaky, perhaps useless, AI application in a new field.

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Let's clarify: when can AI be relevant? The answer is simple and applies to any tool or technique: if it allows us to do things much more efficiently or things that were previously impossible!

The topic of interest here is that of Foobot and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) regulation in commercial buildings: how to best meet user needs while reducing energy consumption?

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The Challenges

In a commercial building, HVAC accounts for 40 to 60% of energy consumption.

Between regulatory constraints and the need to reduce energy consumption, building managers must make decisions and implement solutions now:

• New regulations (BACS decree and tertiary decree)
• Optimizing occupant comfort
• Maintaining sufficient air quality
• Significant fluctuations in energy costs

Conveniently, SCorp-io and Foobot have partnered to deliver a simple Plug & Play solution for commercial buildings!

The results are impressive: between 17 and 30% reduction in energy consumption for optimized comfort! We'll explain how...

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The Solution

When regulating temperature in a building, there are several approaches, including:

• ‍Manual control : Setpoints are adjusted based on occupant comfort. This method carries the risk of having overheated or underheated rooms, and, more importantly, forgetting to turn off heating and ventilation overnight and on weekends!
• ‍The controller : It allows for adjusting setpoints based on outdoor temperature (weather compensation) and potentially ambient temperature feedback. This represents a first step in a building's digitalization.
• ‍The controller + Foobot AI : The controller's setpoints are optimized based on temperatures, upcoming external events, the building's structure, and its thermal inertia. The AI does not replace the controller but significantly improves its regulation process.

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Why combine SCorp-io and Foobot?

The answer is simple: for a visual analogy, imagine SCorp-io as the cockpit of an airplane and Foobot as the autopilot.

SCorp-io is an ultra-modern no-code supervision platform that not only connects any controller on the market but also controls equipment and presents data to various building stakeholders, whether they are operators, maintenance personnel, or owners.

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SCorp-io also enables native data provision to the Foobot AI solution. In just a few clicks, the AI solution can retrieve the necessary elements to run its algorithms and send its commands directly to the equipment!

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So, how does this work on your site?

For a site without a BMS:

1. Control system audit : On-site visit and in-depth analysis of your site's needs.
2. Installation of controllers or interfaces : Implementation of systems for data acquisition and control of existing equipment.
3. Installation of sensors and actuators : Addition of devices for HVAC optimization if necessary.
4. Installation of the SCorp-io Connect module : Enables the link between the BMS and the AI, as well as the acquisition and control of existing PLCs or supervision systems.‍
5. Commissioning of the SCorp-io BMS application with the Foobot AI interface.

For a site with BMS:

1. Installation of the SCorp-io Connecter module : Enables the connection between the BMS system and the AI, as well as the acquisition and control of existing PLCs or supervision systems.
2. Commissioning of the SCorp-io BMS application with the Foobot AI interface

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In both cases, the goal is to optimize existing infrastructure!

Foobot's Artificial Intelligence Technology

The methodology is simple:

1. Audit and identification : Analysis of the site's equipment, infrastructure, and energy consumption.
2. Creation of a digital twin : Based on the audit, this digital model is trained to predict achievable energy savings. It will serve as the basis for control.
3. Control and continuous optimization of HVAC equipment : Once implemented, the system makes constant adjustments to the control to maximize energy efficiency. This time, it relies on real-time building data.

Important : AI-based control does not conflict with traditional automated control systems. AI optimizes the settings derived from conventional equipment control (AHUs, heat pumps, boilers, etc.). AI does not replace equipment controllers but improves their efficiency.

Note : The AI control feature is reversible, allowing operators to activate or deactivate it with a simple button.

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Observed results

An example? Foobot AI was implemented with SCorp-io in 33,000 m² offices in the Paris region. And since then:

The start-up time of over 1000 terminals is optimized every night to ensure desired comfort exactly at opening time, without wasting energy.

• Optimization of the restart time for Fan Coil Units (over 1000) based on building inertia, zones, and weather forecasts (temperatures, wind, sun)
• Setpoints: 21°C winter / 26°C summer
• Operation: Office hours Monday to Friday

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‍Savings achieved between January 17 and July 5, 2024:

• 536 MWh saved, or 24.1 tons of CO2 avoided
• 23% on HVAC
• €58,918 excl. VAT

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Let's recap

AI represents a significant advancement in optimizing HVAC systems in commercial buildings. While manual configuration can be imprecise and traditional regulation already provides a first level of energy savings, AI adds a substantial extra layer of optimization, enabling the ambitious goals of the 'décret tertiaire' to be met.

For AI to effectively manage a building, it requires a robust interface with the equipment, which can be a real challenge. This is where SCorp-io comes in: our solution ensures the transmission of building data to the AI and relays commands to on-site equipment, while allowing users real-time operation through useful and attractive dashboards!

SCorp-io and Foobot, to learn more, it's here !