Optimiser
An optimiser is a control system employing an optimum start algorithm.
Optimum start is: ‘…a control system or algorithm which starts plant operation at the latest time possible to achieve specified conditions at the start of the occupancy period.’
Optimum stop is: ‘…a control system or algorithm which stops plant operation at the earliest possible time such that internal conditions will not deteriorate beyond preset limits by the end of the occupancy period.’
Ref Non-domestic Building Services Compliance Guide For Scotland, 2015 Edition v1.1, published by the Scottish Government, Building Standards Division in April 2018.
The Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services, Third Edition (BG 31/2017), by David Bleicher, published by BSRIA in 2017, describes an optimiser as: ‘…a time switch which can control the length of time needed to pre-heat a space before the start of the occupancy period. It does this by measuring the internal and external temperatures and calculating the point at which the heating plant needs to be switched on. The advantage that optimisers have over conventional time switches is that excessive pre-heating during mild weather is avoided and energy is saved. In practice, the optimiser is usually combined with a compensator in a single unit.’
See also: Optimiser control.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
About the 5 Percent Club and its members
The 5% Club; a dynamic movement of employers committed to building and developing the workforce.
New Homes in New Ways at the Building Centre
Accelerating the supply of new homes with MMC.
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.