BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM

BASIC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

 WHAT IS A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM?
• BAS: network of integrated electronic
devices designed to monitor and control
building systems.
• Other names:
• Building management system
• Smart building
• Distributed control system
• Used for HVAC, lighting, security, fire alarms etc.
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

• BACnet, short for building automation

control network, is a data communication
protocol for building automation and
control networks. BACnet is both an
international (ISO) and ANSI standard for
interoperability between cooperating
building automation devices.
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

• LonWorks: local operating network. Proprietary protocol

developed in 1988. Networking platform created to
automate controls.
• Many others types exist:
• Modbus
• Profibus
• X10
BACNET STANDARD Fire
Life
Safety
Access Security
• The BACnet Standard addresses Control

integration across a broad range

Vertical
of building systems. HVAC Transport

• BACnet provides a collection of objects

that manufacturers can combine to build Lighting CCTV

devices tailored to specific applications. Laboratory

INTEGRATION OF BAS AND SAFETY SYSTEMS
• Opportunities to integrate:
 Smoke control systems and HVAC
 Fire alarm systems
 Elevator occupant evacuation operation (OEO)
integration
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND HVAC

Smoke control = mechanical equipment

Obvious choice for integration
 Fans starting/stopping
 Dampers open/close
 Doors closed and light turn on/off
More control.
BAS AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
 Fire alarm products now have a
BACnet gateway
 Allows monitoring but little/no control
 Manufacturers of both fire alarm and
BAS can have bidirectional
communication if listed to UUKL
 Research underway at NIST
Sensor data to estimate fire conditions.
BAS AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Most fire alarm systems on the market
today have the capability to output
fire alarm signals over BACnet
protocols. This is accomplished via a
BACnet gateway that allows the fire
alarm system to output signals to
third-party equipment as BACnet
objects. The third-party equipment
can be configured to read and react
to data received from the gateway.
ELEVATOR OCCUPANT EVACUATION
OPERATION (OEO)
Occupant evacuation elevators “In Case of Fire –
Use the Exit
Many additional requirements Stairs???”
EXIT
Controls/communications
 Two-way communications
 Elevator status monitoring
 Lobby status indicator. …or elevator?
BENEFITS TO BAS
Improve occupant comfort
Efficient operation
Reduces energy consumption
Improve life cycle of utilities
Consolidates building information at a central location;
simplifies workstations
Expedites system acceptance
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Challenges
 Unauthorized changes to BAS programming
What is possible today?
BACnet gateways built into fire alarm panels
BACnet smoke control system (UUKL)
Future?
More integration, less interface equipment, such as relays
Wireless technology may replace traditional wired BAS infrastructure