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Building automation - intelligently networking building operation

All commercial buildings are now built with automatic building controls. Heating, light, air conditioning, cooling, shade control and door and window technology are networked,and communicate with each other. The components can be controlled conveniently, centrally and with little contact using intelligent building management systems.

Objectives: energy efficiency, comfort and safety

It is not only cars that will drive themselves in the future: buildings are also becoming increasingly automated. They automatically regulate heating, ventilation and air conditioning themselves. They switch lighting to right level depending on the external brightness and whether there are people present in the room. They raise or lower blinds, and open and close windows and doors. And they do all this while responding precisely to users’ or residents’ needs as they pass through the building. When they leave the building, energy consumption is automatically reduced to a minimum, accesses are locked and the alarm system is activated.

This type of automation technology is now installed in all new public buildings and commercial properties. Older, existing properties are also optimised. The key phrase is definitely building automation. Automation means any action not performed by a human that affects a device or system. Building automation (BA) refers to the sum of equipment used for automatic control, regulation, monitoring and optimisation in buildings.

This means that all the sensors, actuators, operating elements, consumers and other technical units in the building are networked. Building automation then automatically performs specific functional processes as part of the building technology, in accordance with the prescribed settings. Technical building equipment, which can often be complex, is therefore efficiently and centrally managed. The goal is to make building operations more energy-efficient, economical and safer, and to offer maximum comfort to users and residents.

Structure of the building automation in accordance with DIN EN ISO 16484

The management level monitors the system and optimises its operation using special software - a building management system. The software visualises and saves information and data.

The automation level handles the collation and evaluation of information. Switch and positioning commands are sent back to field level. However., they can also be transferred to all of the other levels in the command level.

The field level involves the execution of all functions and measurement and reporting of data. This data comes from sensors (for example temperature sensors, air quality sensors, luminosity sensors, movement detectors, window contacts, wind speed sensors, rainfall sensors) and actuators (servo motors for valves and flaps, switch and dimming equipment for the lighting, drives for sun shades, windows and doors) and other push buttons and switches.

To transfer information from the sensors or positioning commands to actuators, the devices need to be linked in a shared network.

EU Regulation on the overall energy efficiency of buildings

The EU regulation on the overall energy efficiency of buildings is the driver behind building automation. After all, 40 per cent of total energy consumption within the EU is within the building sector. According to the EU regulation, the overall energy performance of all buildings needs to be improved. This is primarily dependent on the thermal envelope and the nature of the technical building equipment. The facilities can also be further improved by installation of an automation system.

A study at the Biberach University of Applied Sciences (“Ensuring energy efficiency via building automation with respect to DIN V 18599 and DIN EN 15232”) examined how much energy the individual functions in building automation can save. Among the study results, it was found that automated lighting in combination with a light-directing external blind produced a savings potential of around 40 per cent. If investment costs and savings are compared, the result is an average amortisation time of two to ten years for building automation systems.

In summary, the study identified that building automation could make a big contribution to the energy efficiency of a building. It has therefore been scientifically confirmed that normal user behaviour often leads to unnecessarily high energy consumption.

Automation as an ‘ideal’ user

‘Ideal’ users would need to turn the heating off when they air rooms, and then close windows as quickly as possibly again. Additionally, they would turn lights on only if the room is being used, and then use only the number of lights needed. In unused rooms, and usually at night or on public holidays, they would noticeably decrease the air temperature in offices.

Since these types of ideal users are very rare – indeed non-ideal users forget about open windows and leave them open overnight - this gap can be significantly closed with the help of building automation. Smart Buildings therefore behave in a more energy-efficient way than people.

Automated ventilation for better indoor air and greater hygiene

Building automation can improve not only energy efficiency, but indoor air quality too. This is because smart window systems that are networked with the building management system enable automated, natural ventilation. This allows rooms to be ventilated as needed and supplied with fresh air – completely contactlessly thanks to smart window automation. This avoids physical contact and thus the possibility of transmitting germs and viruses. A further advantage: regular air exchange improves indoor air quality – this is good for concentration and reduces the concentration of aerosols, thus also reducing the risk of infection from viruses.

Smart Building and Smart Home

A Smart Home helps to save costs. Professional initial installation in a two bedroom home costs between 800 and 4,000 euro - with a potential energy saving of around 20 per cent.

Smart home technologies are a growing market. © Exorbitart / GEZE GmbH

Smart Building Systems are not only used in office and industry buildings, hotels or hospitals, however. There is also growing interest in automation technology for homes. ‘Smart Homes’ are those where the power supply and consumption controls are networked with household devices and lighting.

Home networks with entertainment electronics, monitoring and safety systems, blinds, window and door closer systems can also be connected. These functions can be adapted to the individual needs of users and therefore ensure increased comfort. They also help to save costs and to save on resources.

More about Smart Building

What is BACnet?

BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control Network.

BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control Network.

BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control networks. It was developed in 1995 under the auspices of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) as a higher-order protocol in building automation. BACnet has been documented in ISO 16484 Part 5 since 2003.

What is so special about BACnet?

The aim of BACnet was to create a manufacturer-independent communication protocol for intelligent components and systems in building automation applications. This means that BACnet allows automation components from different manufacturers to exchange information with each other without incurring license fees for special data transfer hardware.

How is BACnet used?

BACnet is used when many different actuators and components from different manufacturers are to be linked in a network via one protocol. 

The prerequisite for interoperability between devices from different manufacturers are the BIBBs defined in ISO standard 16484-5. BIBB stands for BACnet Interoperability Building Block and defines the needs that must be met to use the BACnet protocol.

Good to know: All supported BIBBs, object types, character sets and communication options are stated in the PICS (Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement) documents for each device.

Go to the GEZE network solutions with BACnet and KNX

The next generation of networking

© GEZE GmbH

GEZE window and door drives can be integrated into a building automation system via open interfaces © GEZE GmbH

With myGEZE Control, we bridge the gap in building automation with a smart solution for networking door, window and safety systems. The myGEZE Control connectivity platform with modular software and open interfaces heralds completely new approaches to building automation for planners and operators everywhere.

  • For greater efficiency, safety and comfort
  • For dynamic safety and fire protection concepts, intelligent smoke and heat extraction and the targeted release of escape routes
  • For more networking options

The central device is a standard control unit (PLC). The hardware components consist of an embedded PC control system that has a certified BACnet communication interface. myGEZE Control can be integrated into building management system, danger management and CAFM systems from any manufacturer. In addition, stand-alone visualisation solutions for GEZE product systems are made possible by the myGEZE Visu software option. The advantages of the new platform: Automated processes and central monitoring make the system easier, more comfortable and safer to use – while also enabling energy-efficient operation of the entire building. So you have complete control!

MORE ABOUT MYGEZE CONTROL

Comprehensive support by all experts involved

GEZE supports all the experts involved in every aspect of planning for multifunctional windows and doors.

Architects, metal workers, safety planners, fire protection experts and electrical installations and system integrators are included in the planning as early on as possible to guarantee that the individual systems can interact properly while offering the maximum benefits. Standardised networking components and customised project support from GEZE promise everyone concerned planning reliability.

Architect hotline

Our project consultants are available via the GEZE architect hotline (Mo-Thu: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) to provide you with detailed information and advice on our products and their use. Give us a call on +49 (0)7152/203-112.

Smooth and interdisciplinary action

The BACnet open communication protocol facilitates smooth and interdisciplinary action. It offers plug & play components allowing you to quickly connect devices and products. This helps with the system interactions, guarantees quick integration into the communication system and assures the flexibility needed, even in case of short term changes in planning.

GEZE helps with maintenance, support and training

With myGEZE Control​​​​​​​, operators of a building can save a great deal of money and increase the safety of the building at the same time, in itself and for users of it. The staff benefit too: myGEZE Control​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ is easy and convenient to use: the status of doors, windows, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit systems can be easily controlled and securely monitored from anywhere and at any time, from any IP capable device.