Building Automation- A Step towards Enhanced Comfort
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
Complete autarchic domination is what the concept of automation revolves around. The basic target is to have an efficient control and management system through which easy regulation of the basics can be achieved. For example- in the case of building automation, an efficient and automatic HVAC system, power back-up, etc. Mainly it targets to achieve more comfort without involving much of the traditional work processes.
The main purpose of a building automation system is to get to a cost-effective maintenance of the systems of a building. Proper management and maintenance of the building that is not regulated demand a high cost. However, with the process of automation, the systems become more energy-efficient and require the involvement of less man power, making it an absolute cost effective system.
Because of the more dependency on technology and easy and effective maintenance and management, an automated building is often referred to as a smart building because of the smarter solutions for an efficient system management.
In the recent times, virtually all buildings are automated and are designed in a way so that it allows automatic heating and cooling, air and energy conservation, etc. The most important and significant feature of an automated building is the humidity and ventilation management systems.
Transmission of a Building Automation System
The transmission and the connectivity of the systems are largely dependent on the wireless systems connected through the cloud management systems based on web processes. However, to connect the high and lower energy controllers the traditional fibre connections are used which help in providing and establishing a stable connection. The LTE and IEEE are some of the most commonly used wireless systems. However, there are more than these which are specific for each building.
For reading variable readings, the analog input systems are used commonly, while a digital system is used for knowing the power of the system (whether on or off).
While for knowing the position or the speed of a device, the analog output is used. To shut and open devices the digital outputs are used.
Therefore a perfect blend of the analog and digital input and output system helps in building an effective automation process.
Contrivances used in the Building automation process and the various new products for such contrivance
- Controllers
Controllers are mainly computers that are built to effectively control the common systems used in a building. These computers feature a good capability of input and output systems leading to a well- managed a system of the building. They control and manage the systems like heating, cooling, humidity, etc. of the building.
The controllers of an automated building can be broadly categorised into three main categories:
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- System controllers
- Terminal unit controllers
Apart from this, there is also another type of controller that allows the effective use of an external device in a centrally controlled building. For example in a centrally air conditioned building the use of a stand-alone air conditioner if required.
THE AX AUTOMATION CONTROLLER- the new single system solution for a streamlined monitoring and management of a building
Among the various options that you get for a building automation controller, this is the one system that is a single step solution. It is a web managed system that enables management of both large and small facilities and allows acceptance of various communication protocols. The systems are energy efficient and allows control of all the systems starting from HVAC systems to the humidity controllers. Moreover, the best part of the system is that for this they do not require any external software. Even the installation of the system is such that they do not require a complicated drawing. They are simple to use and install. This product has made the building automation a way simpler solution.
STAT CONTROLLER- control the complex systems in a simple way.
They are the most suitable option for the small buildings and where there are different requirements for each of the different section of the building (talking mainly about a multi-tenant building). They can help to control 20 thermostat programs at a time making it the best device to control complicated solutions. Along with the heavy features of the system, they also have an option of having a customizable graphics for the floor plans. The alert and notification options are what have made this controller a unique device. This is one of those new products in the industry of building automation that has made things way simpler.
BUILDING MANAGER- lowering the entanglements of an automatic building management
This is one of the most used controllers. They effectively control the various HVAC systems and the various ventilating systems. Moreover, all the controls are done only through one single interface. They are best known for the HVAC controllers because of its features to efficiently control the HVAC systems. They use internet systems for the whole and effective control.
Some of the companies building devices for an automated building manufactures controllers that are cost effective, as well as that, provide effective control solutions. The best thing about the market is that there is a huge competition in the recent times making each company build something new and some new featured controllers. Controllers are the most important parts in a building automation projects, hence, choosing a controller is what lies in the effective building management.
- Air handlers
The very purpose of the air handlers is to blend well the outside and the conditioned air so that less energy is required to control the air and humidity inside a building. Air handlers are also a part of the controllers only that are managed by the system controllers. However, the reason why it is separately classified is that of its important functions. Some of the modern systems are up there in the market that manufactures controllers that can effectively manage the functionality of the air handlers as well. They specifically help in managing the air quality, humidity, and ventilation inside the building that are not a broad part of the controllers. Air handlers can yet be divided into-
- CAV( Constant Volume Air Handling Units)- the system helps in regulating temperature with the help of the various water valves inside the building
- VAV (Variable Volume Air Handling Units) - they use the regulation of the pressure to manage the humidity and temperature of the building.
With the new products launched in the market of the building automation systems, the leading companies in the market are constantly aiming at making solutions that are energy efficient and environmental friendly in the age of modernisation. Other than the controllers and the air handlers new products in the hot and chilled water systems are also launched so that the systems used for heating and cooling the water can also be effectively managed. These products are also a part of the controllers only but with new products launched in the market the scope for managing these systems are also increasing individually.
However, managing so many different units individually for managing each of the automation systems gets complicated. Therefore the inventors are now making units that can just be a one-step solution to an effective overall control. One such new and innovative product as mentioned above will help in getting the systems well managed and less hard on the environment.