Why Automation is the Key to Energy Efficiency in Healthcare Facilities
Faced with rising energy costs and the need for sustainability, healthcare facilities are increasingly turning to automation to achieve energy efficiency.
Hospitals and clinics are among the most energy-intensive buildings, given their 24/7 need for climate control, lighting, and powered operations. The functionality of these systems directly impacts patient outcomes, making energy efficiency vital for both operational excellence and patient safety.
By automating power systems, healthcare facilities can optimize energy efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to a greener planet — all while maintaining reliable power to life-saving operations.
Benefits of Automation in Healthcare Facility Management
Automation is revolutionizing energy management in healthcare facilities. Implementing automation can increase total energy savings by up to 15%, depending on the specific systems and processes being automated.
Smart HVAC Systems use real-time data to optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation, adapting to changing conditions and occupancy patterns. And, Building Management Systems (BMS) integrate HVAC, lighting, and security into a unified platform to allow for centralized monitoring and control.
Automation within these systems can provide several benefits, such as:
Real-time monitoring and control;
Data-driven insights on costs and performance;
Comprehensive reports on energy consumption and patterns;
Predictive maintenance
Challenges with Integrating Automation into Healthcare Facility Operations
Integrating these technologies within existing power infrastructures can require extra time, money, and training. Operators may struggle with compatibility issues, technical limitations, costly upgrades, or concerns about security and privacy.
When taking the leap to automation, facility directors and operators should consult with experts in system and data management. Together, facility and technology partners can seamlessly deploy systems, maintain security, and ensure ease of use.
Expert Solutions in Automation
Keyfive’s EnergyOS presents a significant advancement in automation technologies through its advanced capabilities in integration, control, and AI.
The system works by aggregating operational data from HVAC, BMS, and other systems to provide holistic and actionable insights, informed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). With Machine Learning (ML), EnergyOS can evaluate energy needs and risks and prompt responses in real-time.
The infographic demonstrates Keyfive Strata’s edge, pipeline, and cloud interactions, providing operators with advanced insights and control into virtually any facility system.
The EnergyOS software is built on top of Keyfive Strata, a robust digital twin platform that enhances system and data management by mirroring the status of multiple devices and operations in a single digital space. With detailed algorithms, EnergyOS can digest large, complex dataset to make automated adjustments and uncover new opportunities for efficiency.
Together, automation and AI offer transformative benefits for energy efficiency in healthcare facilities, leading to reduced operational costs and greener practices. As technologies and operations within healthcare facilities continue to evolve, the need for reliable and operable energy systems will persist. Only healthcare facilities that adopt smart and sustainable solutions will be able to keep pace.