BEMServer vs FTW

BEMServer is an open-source platform for deploying a modular building energy management system. It gathers information from building management systems and sensors alongside weather, occupant feedback, building descriptions, and contextual data. The platform connects building hardware with data-oriented services, storing building models, time series, and events for access through documented REST APIs. Its data model follows IFC and Haystack standards. Processing modules interpret collected information to identify issues or inefficient operation and support recommendations and decisions. Listed modules cover fault detection and diagnosis, renewable energy simulation, energy management, load forecasting, indoor environmental quality, and visualization. The software is licensed under AGPL-3.0, and sellers using a modified version must publish their modifications under that license. There is no software license fee, although installation, configuration, maintenance, and selected modules may be paid services. The maker recommends help from someone with Python and Docker knowledge and says installation was tested on Debian 9. BEMServer currently supports building monitoring; other uses require extending its functionality.

FTW connects supported solar equipment, batteries, and car chargers from different brands for home energy use. Its Energyplan weighs charging needs, electricity prices and tariffs, solar and household forecasts, battery state, and efficiency to plan energy use. FTW Core checks proposed plans and commands against site and equipment limits, with a local fallback if the planner is unavailable. The beta indicates whether controlled devices are following FTW, waiting, limited, or need attention, using device readings and separate meter confirmation where available. Lua drivers connect supported meters, inverters, and batteries, although supported models, firmware, and verified functions vary. OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1 chargers can connect to FTW's built-in server without a Lua driver, subject to their supported functions. FTW also lists API and Home Assistant connections for observation or automation. It runs on a user's own host, with Linux and Docker installation paths and Raspberry Pi or Linux deployment described. FTW is an early 0.x beta; active control requires a working site meter and confirmed main fuse rating.