For more than twenty years, the commercial building industry has discussed the value of connecting lighting occupancy data to HVAC systems. The concept is straightforward. When a space is empty, there is little reason to keep conditioning it at full comfort levels. In larger buildings with building management systems, progress has been gradual. In smaller commercial buildings that rely on thermostats, practical solutions have been even harder to find.
That is beginning to change.
New software platforms are making it possible to link networked lighting controls or standalone occupancy sensors directly to smart thermostats. These solutions are designed for many light commercial buildings that use constant-volume packaged units or heat pumps. They aim to reduce unnecessary HVAC runtime while maintaining comfort when spaces are occupied.
One of those solutions is OpenNLC from KenergyAI. OpenNLC uses artificial intelligence to interpret occupancy patterns and adjust thermostat behavior accordingly. The software is provided at no cost to the industry. The goal is to remove a common barrier to adoption and help more buildings put occupancy-based control into practice.
KenergyAI is currently collaborating with CalNEXT, a California utility program created to evaluate and pilot emerging building technologies. Through this partnership, multiple demonstration projects will be deployed over the next six months. These projects will connect KenergyAI's AI software with lighting controls and smart thermostats in real commercial buildings.
The company is also working with partners that include established thermostat manufacturers and lighting controls providers. The intent is to make installations straightforward for contractors and building owners, while generating practical field data on performance and energy savings.
For years, occupancy-based HVAC control in thermostat-driven buildings remained more concept than reality. Practical tools are now arriving. OpenNLC is one of them, and the coming months of CalNEXT projects will help show how it performs in the field.
Managing a light commercial building on packaged units or heat pumps? OpenNLC's CalNEXT pilot is enrolling sites now. Get in touch to know more.
