A new generation of Energy Management System installers is getting ready for the future
While electric cars remain plugged into charging stations and smart thermostats regulate our heating, more and more solar panels are appearing on rooftops. The demand for professionals who can install and manage these systems is growing. The Energy Management Systems (EMS) Installer course at CVO Brussels prepares students for this field.
An energy management system must distribute acquired energy usefully
‘Sunlight provides energy.’ Karel Besard, teacher and energy management expert, explains how the 15 solar panels on campus KAAI supply us with electricity. ‘One panel delivers 400 watts of peak power under standard test conditions. That means 1000 watts of light irradiation per m² at a temperature of 25°C. But conditions vary. What if it’s cloudy? What if the sun isn’t at its peak? Then you want to distribute the acquired energy usefully. That’s where EMS comes in.’
The solar panels on the facade of campus KAAI. This project was made possible by Edusprong.
Karel took care of purchasing and installing the equipment for the course. ‘Each electrical cabinet in our classroom simulates a home. We manage heat, electricity, solar shading, and insulation for each. Students learn to program them. They distribute energy and learn to avoid peaks. An installer ensures that heavy appliances don’t run unnecessarily. You want to make the most of the free energy obtained and try to automate this as much as possible. If the sun is shining and your solar panels are producing a lot of energy, you charge batteries, start the washing machine, or charge the car. But if there’s no sun? Then you need to ensure that this doesn’t happen.’
Students also learn to manage the connection between EMS and home automation. ‘This can really make a difference,’ Karel explains. ‘Instead of running the air conditioning, for example, you can automatically lower the solar blinds. This way, the room stays cool and you save energy.’
How students see themselves evolving
Students who choose an EMS course are primarily looking to the future.
Mohammed is already working as a self-employed electrician but wants to learn more. ‘Two years ago, I saw various automatically controlled techniques in a building. This was managed with EMS. I realized my knowledge was outdated. The sector is constantly evolving. In the meantime, I’ve learned a lot about charging stations, digital meters, batteries... When I visit a client, I can even immediately recognize the brand of the installation. I want to use this new knowledge to work for a large company. Then I can still practice my work as an electrician as a side job.’
Jeremiah wants to specialize further in home automation after this course. ‘Customers often know little to nothing about this topic. The additional knowledge I can gain gives me more job security in the future.’
Wail also sees EMS as a long-term investment. After this course, he wants to specialize in electromechanics. ‘This course gives me job security, and the knowledge remains relevant because sustainability and energy management will continue to be important.’
Teacher Karel adds: ‘People who think ecologically don’t just look at the price but also at the impact. As an installer, you need to be able to explain that EMS is important for both the wallet and the planet.’
Students in the EMS class: via an app, they control the equipment.
The benefits of an energy management system
Not yet convinced why the EMS course is so interesting? Here’s a list of its benefits:
- Cost savings: You learn to use acquired energy smartly and lower the bill.
- Sustainability: You optimize the use of renewable energy.
- Safety: You learn to install and maintain everything correctly to avoid risks.
- Job security: This is a growing sector; EMS knowledge is needed everywhere.
A course for the future
The Energy Management Systems Installer course thus prepares you for a field that will only become more important in the coming decades.