Building Automation and Control Systems
Hoffmann Brothers Mechanical Contractors can provide Building Automation Systems (BAS) that are centralized, interlinked, networks of hardware and software, which monitor and control the heating and Air Conditioning systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. While managing various building HVAC systems, the automation system ensures the operational performance of the facility as well as the comfort and safety of building occupants.
Typically, such heating and cooling control systems are installed in new buildings or as part of a renovation where they replace an outdated control system.
Related Terms
You may hear any of the following terms to describe the Heating and Air Conditioning control or automation of buildings:
· Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS), Building HVAC Control System (BCS), and/or
· Building Management System (BMS)—same as “Building Automation System” or the subject of this page.
· HVAC Controls—This term is appropriate in describing discrete devices that control particular pieces of heating and cooling equipment or processes.
· Direct Digital Control (DDC)—describes the communication method used in modern devices (hardware and software). Collectively, DDC products control various building HVAC systems and form the automation system.
· Energy Management System (EMS)—generally understood to be the same as a “Building Automation System” but may have special emphasis on energy metering/monitoring of the Heating and Cooling System
· Energy Management and Control System—well, you’re getting the idea.
· Smart (Intelligent) Building—a building equipped with a data-rich BAS.
What Mechanical Systems are Controlled?
Generally, building automation begins with control of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. For instance, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is almost always controlled, including control of its various pieces of equipment such as:
· Chillers
· Boilers
· Air Handling Units (AHUs)
· Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
· Heat Pump Units (HPUs)
· Variable Air Volume boxes (VAVs)
Other systems that are often controlled and/or brought under a complete automation system include:
· Power monitoring
· Security
· Close circuit video (CCTV)
· Card and keypad access
· Fire alarm system
· Elevators/escalators
· Plumbing and water monitoring
Types of Building Automation and HVAC Control Systems
Early Heating and Air Conditioning control systems were pneumatic or air-based and were generally restricted to controlling various aspects of the HVAC system. Common pneumatic devices include controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, positioners, and regulators. Due to their large base of installation throughout the 1960s and 1970s, pneumatic control systems are still in place in a majority of existing buildings, especially in established metropolitan areas.
Analog electronic control devices became popular throughout the 1980s for use in Mechanical systems. They provided faster response and higher precision than pneumatics.
However, it was not until digital control or DDC devices came on the scene in the 1990s that a true automation system was possible for the heating and cooling contractor. However, as there were no established standards for this digital communication, various manufacturers, created their own (proprietary) communication methods.
The automation system was fully functional but was not “interoperable” or capable of mixing products from various manufacturers. Thus, a given building or portfolio could be “locked” into a specific manufacturer. This is not necessarily a problem unless the relationship with the associated service provider is challenging.
By the late 1990s and especially into the 2000s, movements were afoot to standardize on “open” communication systems. The American Society of Heating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed the BACnet communication protocol that eventually became the industry open standard.
What Does a Building Automation System (BAS) Look Like?
Most of the automation system is behind the scenes as hardware devices mounted to HVAC equipment or hidden under floor or in the ceiling. Some personalized control can be made available through thermostat-like devices. From a central management perspective, the BAS resides as software on an operator workstation (computer) or is available as a web page. Various types of “controllers” manage Heating and Air Conditioning equipment and portions of the network. “Sensors” provide input data to the controllers. From a Mechanical Contractors perspective here is a generalized view of a
Hoffmann Brothers Mechanical Designs and Installs Control Systems
Our properly trained in-house staff can manage the operation and the maintenance of the BAS and your mechanical systems. We provide design and installation using HVAC controls professionals. We are not a sub-contractor to the mechanical contractor. Hoffmann Brothers Mechanical has a dedicated controls division. Mechanical contractors with controls teams are not common and are necessary for today’s complex facilities.
Our controls professionals can provide on-going service or train your in-house staff to self-perform service.
The automation system can also offer you an incredible amount of data related to building performance and with this data in hand, you can make more intelligent decisions on how to operate your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems.
And, if you are building green, be aware that an automation system can contribute greatly to your ability to earn such recognition as the EPA ENERGY STAR or the LEED certification associated with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Contact the Expert HVAC Mechanical Contractors at Hoffmann Brothers
Hoffmann Brothers HVAC Mechanical Contractors has the right team, with the right experience, to handle all of your commercial HVAC needs. Please give us a call today at (314) 664-3536 or send us an email on our Contact Us page.
Hoffmann Brothers HVAC Mechanical Contractors has the right team, with the right experience, to handle all of your commercial HVAC needs. Please give us a call today at (314) 664-3536 or send us an email on our Contact Us page.
