Submitted by American Energy Management/Connecticut Temperature Controls
2024 marked a transformative year for American Energy Management (AEM) and Connecticut Temperature Controls (CTC) as we expanded our presence, enhanced our technology, and prioritized sustainability in our building automation solutions. Our growth into new regions and industries helped us reach more clients than ever, and we’re proud to have secured partnerships with key players in many industries.
Our commitment to innovation drove significant advancements in our offerings this year, with a focus on delivering intelligent, reliable solutions through our partnerships with Distech and KMC Controls. Leveraging Distech’s open architecture and advanced IoT capabilities, we provided clients with seamless, scalable systems that enable real-time monitoring of air quality, energy use, and occupancy. This made buildings more responsive and efficient, supporting healthier, more comfortable environments. With KMC Controls, we further enhanced our automation capabilities, utilizing their secure, flexible platforms to deliver precise control of HVAC, lighting, and energy systems. Through these collaborations, we empowered our clients with cutting-edge tools for smart building management, creating sustainable solutions that support long-term operational efficiency and security.
Both offices have had an active year, finishing up ongoing projects and kicking off new ones. Our Westborough office (AEM) significantly increased our presence in the hospitality sector. AEM completed a 5-phase project for the Westin Copley, which involved a comprehensive upgrade of the building control system. Phase 1 included setting up a new fiber network from the 37th floor to the garage, with a central server for building controls. Phase 2 focused on upgrading air conditioning units and boilers with new IP-based controllers and network connections. Phase 3 transitioned old systems to digital controls and updated heating, cooling, and exhaust systems with new controllers and wiring. Phase 4 updated AC units on floors 1–6 and the hot water system with new controllers and wiring. The final phase involved upgrading VAV and FTU controllers on floors 1–6 with new IP-based controllers and connections. This comprehensive upgrade significantly enhanced the Westin Copley’s building management capabilities, improving energy efficiency and overall system performance throughout the hotel.
As we move into 2025, AEM will concentrate on new retrofit projects for the Dagny Hotel and the Westin Seaport Hotel. The Dagny Hotel project involves installing a new Building Automation System (BAS), which will replace the existing pneumatic controls with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) for HVAC equipment, including central plant equipment, air handlers, and unitary equipment. Similarly, the Westin Seaport project will implement a new BAS to replace the outdated JCI system with an open Tridium/Niagara-based solution. This new system will feature BACnet IP-based controllers for the central plant equipment, garage exhaust, and the 14 air handling units (AHUs), along with software integration for the existing BACnet/N2 ERU, VAV, and exhaust fan controls. These upgrades will enhance operational efficiency, improve system reliability, and ensure both hotels are equipped with state-of-the-art building management technology.
Our Cromwell office (CTC) had a successful year in the educational sector. In 2024, we completed a project for Washington Middle School in Meriden, Conn., which involved furnishing and installing an open-protocol Distech Controls Building Management System. This system included software, building controllers, application controllers, and input/output devices for the DDC control of HVAC equipment. CTC will implement a web-based Distech BACnet DDC network on the Tridium Niagara platform, accessible via any browser. This includes Distech Supervisor Software supporting up to 200 controllers. CTC will install and wire DDC controls across systems including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, VAV boxes, air handling units, cafeteria rooftop units, fan coils, and cabinet heaters. This involves setting up temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors, control valves, pumps, actuators, and new Distech controllers. With these upgrades, Washington Middle School gains a robust, integrated system that enhances building efficiency, comfort, and ease of maintenance. The completed project showcases CTC’s expertise in delivering advanced, user-friendly building management solutions tailored to the needs of educational facilities.
In 2025, CTC will concentrate on the Norwich, Conn. Water Pollution Control Facility project, which includes new construction, system upgrades, and modifications to existing infrastructure. CTC will install a Distech Controls Building Management System (BMS) with BACnet DDC controllers, sensors, and devices for HVAC control in areas such as the Headworks and Secondary Sludge Pumping buildings. This system, built on the Tridium Niagara platform, provides web-based access without requiring additional software licenses. CTC will also install explosion-proof sensors, controllers, and actuators, with communication over fiber optics. CTC will provide communication links to various factory-installed DDC controllers for equipment such as boilers, pumps, rooftop units, air handling units, and make-up air systems. This includes wiring and installation of sensors, control valves, and relays. CTC will also wire and install temperature sensors, flow switches, and damper actuators. Additionally, CTC will assist with start-up support for these systems.
As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue our focus on sustainable technologies to shape smarter, greener, and more resilient buildings for the future.