University of Texas at San Antonio
Tier2-5: Energy Management System

Siemens centralized energy management system controls and monitors approximately 95% of all campus buildings (some remote facilities and leased space not on Siemens). System monitors and controls individual space temperature via thermostat control and control of air mixing ducts. Heating and Cooling valves on HVAC equipment is monitored and controlled. HVAC equipment can be started/stopped via Siemens central computer, via Siemens control boxes at the building, and at the actual piece of equipment. Each piece of HVAC equipment has a three-position switch (Auto/Hand/Off) for maximum operability and control. All equipment is ordinarily in the Auto position. Major pieces of equipment and buildings are trended (15 minute intervals) to ensure efficient operations. Alarm notifications are generated via escalations. Priority 3 only requires acknowledgement remotely, Priority 2 requires acknowledgment and restoration to normal/automatic operation, Priority 1 is same as priority 2 but is for emergencies and for major pieces of equipment. All alarms are logged on the Siemens system and in an Operations Log Book. Main Campus Facilities Utilities Operations Office monitors and controls the system 24/7/365 (all three campuses). DTC and Hemisfair Park Campuses are manned Mon thru Fri / 8 thru 5. During non-working hours, Main Campus personnel monitor and control DTC and Hemisfair Park Campuses. During non-working hours, DTC and Hemisfair Park Campus Operations staff can monitor and control their campuses via a Siemens laptop upon notification/direction from Main Campus Operations staff (they can also independently control/monitor if immediate response is required although not commonly practiced). Facilities Utilities Operations Office monitors and controls Siemens system. Facilities Controls Technicians adjust and set control points/settings and perform maintenance on Siemens system. Several UTSA Facilities personnel (Directors, Energy Manager, Utilities Engineer) have “monitor” capability but not control capability of the Siemens system.