by Shane Henson — June 26, 2013—The global technology company Selex ES of Finmeccanica unveiled Di-BOSS, a new generation of intelligent building operating systems, during IBCon 2013, a conference focusing on all aspects of the “intelligent building” that was held June 12-13 in Orlando, Florida.
Di-BOSS is a joint development of Selex ES, Rudin Management, one of the largest privately held property management companies in New York City, and Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.
“Di-BOSS is an entirely new digital building operating system solution that resulted from this remarkable, collaborative effort,” says Fabrizio Giulianini, CEO of Selex ES. “Di-BOSS represents a significant development in the Selex ES smart systems portfolio that spans integrated networked infrastructures for large urban environments through to specific breakthrough products with a direct impact on citizens’ lives, allowing for a more responsible and collaborative approach to energy savings in skyscrapers.”
Di-BOSS is also capable of tracking occupancy on a large scale.
“Linking the system with occupancy is a cutting edge capability,” says Columbia University energy researcher, Dr. Roger Anderson. “The Di-BOSS system’s continuous feedback loops give building managers data to make decisions that improve operating efficiency.”
Rudin Management piloted Di-BOSS in one of its largest New York City properties. Di-BOSS was developed organically “from the engine room out” with guidance from experienced building managers who influenced the cockpit style control interface design and analytical capabilities. Testing quantified energy savings, says Selex ES.
Di-BOSS is also “smart” and learns by continuously analyzing real time data. Di-BOSS forecasts energy requirements and recommends settings, start-up and ramp-down times, and other energy factors. The system flags variances between expected and actual consumption for correction.
Di-BOSS predicts adverse conditions such as power grid failures, allowing managers to clear elevators and enact security measures. The Di-BOSS system also analyzes tenants’ occupancy and energy consumption. Online portals show tenants data for their floors. Since tenants control roughly 60 percent of energy consumption, Di-BOSS helps achieve real savings for them and for the total building, says Selex ES.
