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one another and linked in to a supervisory
building master control system.
The need for intelligent, networked building
automation is increasing all the time driven,
among other things, by the demand for
increased convenience, security, efficient
use and cost control. Other factors, such as
saving energy and minimizing CO 2
emissions,
add to these demands.
Everything over IP?
To date the many modules of building automation
have tended to work with their own
protocols and transmission technologies.
Over the last 30 years, several independent
standards have become established on the
market, such as BACnet, LON, EIB, KNX,
DALI and SMI. With the help of special
gateways, these systems can be linked to one
another and the superordinate IT. In recent
years, more focus was placed on the idea of
communicating using a single protocol: the
Internet Protocol (IP). Based on Ethernet
network technology with its standardized
interfaces, the IP enables a surprising number
of new, efficient applications – not just the
World Wide Web.
And that is why the IEEE further developed
the Ethernet protocol systematically to ensure
it could also be used for building automation.
From today’s standpoint – in the era of
digitalization, the cloud and the Internet of
Things – this consolidation would be a logical
step. The result would be more intelligent
buildings with standardized, affordable Ethernet
connectivity and uniform IP addresses
for every building technology module.
Such intelligent buildings have no problem
exchanging information between the
systems. They could be controlled remotely
over LAN and the Internet. People could talk
to buildings using a virtual assistant. Due to
the better exchange of information between
the individual parts, buildings could save
significant amounts of energy and resources.
University surveys have shown that operating
expenses in buildings could be reduced by up
to 40 % in this way.
Building automation today and tomorrow
Today
Building automation works independently from the data network
technology. It is used to monitor, control, regulate and optimize systems
and building technology. The components (sensors, actuators, devices) are
usually networked using independent bus systems and protocols. Building
automation and data networks are connected to each other using complex
interfaces (gateways).
Tomorrow
Building automation migrates to IP/Ethernet and communicates via the
standard IP protocol. Manufacturer-independent network technology
connects the individual components. This consolidated IP infrastructure
simplifies planning, installation, maintenance and operation. Component
costs are reduced due to scaling effects.
Management building technology Management network Smart building manager
Building
automation
IT server IT server
MANAGEMENT
IP IP IP
SPS
IT switch
FLOOR LEVEL
Switch
IP/radio
HVAC
KNX gateway
Light
DALI gateway
Shading
SMI gateway
KNX DALI SMI bus
ROOM LEVEL
Smart
rooms
Digital
Ceiling
Work
area
Copper Copper Copper
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CONNECTIONS 10I2018–55
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