Panasonic and Schneider Electric partner to simplify energy management

Panasonic Corporation, the worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions along with Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has announced an integrated HVAC equipment and building management solution that brings new levels of HVAC control and energy efficiency to todayÂ’s commercial buildings.

Both companies have developed a new interface wireless solution which enables direct serial communication between Schneider Electric’s building management system and room controllers with Panasonic’s variable refrigerant flow (VRF)-based HVAC systems via the ZigBee® wireless communication standard. This integration allows building owners and managers to view all of their core building systems including HVAC equipment, lighting, security, power and electrical distribution anytime and anywhere via a single interface and delivers actionable insights to reduce energy consumption and drive savings.
 
“We have invested heavily in our commercial and residential air-conditioning products and support services to fully address our customers’ needs and are excited to deliver additional benefits in building energy management through our partnership with Schneider Electric,” said Toshiyuki Takagi, Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation and President of Panasonic Air-Conditioner. “By combining the power of building management with cutting-edge VRF technology, we are able to help our customers further reduce capital and operating expenditures and reach new levels of sustainability.”
 
“Creating interoperability between major energy consuming systems such as HVAC equipment with building-control systems allows facility managers to simplify their operations, better optimize the efficiency of their buildings and reduce energy costs,” said Laurent Bataille, Executive Vice President, EcoBuilding Division, Schneider Electric. “By partnering with Panasonic, we’re able to provide complete building management from the device level to the cloud, regardless of building type, size or age. This strong digital backbone provides enhanced visibility of the building environment and is a key component in enabling buildings of the future.”