I would like to know as to what scope is included within the term " Building Automation Systems". Does this apply only to managing the utilities and controlling the climate of the building or does it extend to building safety, security and other systems as well which include fire/heat detection, CCTV monitoring, cable TV/Internet connections, access control etc, intruder alarms etc.

My question therein is: Are there specialist companies that provide the whole range of integrated services or is this done by different specialists under the project team's direction and design ?

 

The gap between building hvac controls and access/security is narrowing every day. The company for which I am a systems technician has completed projects which include hvac, cctv, and/or access control as one "package" access from a single front-end.

For more information, start with:
http://www.digicon.ns.ca
http://www.reliablecontrols.com
http://www.andovercontrols.com

Gordon

 

Hi,

Building Automation System as a minimum refers to a system used to monitor various control systems in a building. It may also be integrated with the control systems for mechanical (HVAC) and electrical services (this is
fairly common and has many advantages particularly with mechanical controls).

The Building Automation System would generally not include:

- lift controls (very proprietary, regulated and safety related)

- fire monitoring or controls (as above although some manufacturers can provide this as part of the BAS - depends on the manufacturer and local regulations)

- CCTV monitoring (very little in the way of common technology although digital CCTV may change that)

- Intruder detection and access control (although there are many examples of systems able to provide both BAS and security and many buildings do have integrated systems. OTOH many designers avoid this approach for security
reasons and because good BAS contractors are not necessarily good security contractors and vis versa)

- cable TV/Internet (very little in the way of common technology and few contractors who understand both systems)

In respect of your last question. There are very few if any contractors that understand all of these technologies. Most of the work would need to be sub-contracted to specialists.

Depending on your local market, approaches may vary but typically:

- BAS is either a separate sub-contract to the Builder or a sub-contractor to the Mechnical contractor (more commonly). In both cases it is preferable that both the BAS and the Mechnical controls are from the same manufacturer.

- Electrical controls are either part of the BAS or part of the Electrical services. Common technology is desirable but not essential. Generator controls are usually part of Electrical and are proprietary to the generator system.

- Hydraulic controls are best left as part of hydraulics. Then they only have themselves to blame if the basement floods due to a control failure.

- Security can be a separate sub-contract or part of Electrical. Don't put as part of the BAS unless the BAS contractor has a well established track record in this area.

The use of open protocol systems based on BACnet or LONMark can in theory make integration of systems from multiple manufacturers easier but someone needs to be appointed to be responsible for integration. This is usually the BAS contractor.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Peter Whalley
Magenta Communications Pty Ltd
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
e-mail: peter*no-spam*@magentacomm.com.au
delete *no-spam* before sending

 

The scope of a Building Automation System (BAS) applies to all of the sub-systems you have mentioned and many others. My company, Andover Controls, provides an integrated system named Continuum which can be applied by our in-house systems integration group or through an extensive network of 3rd party systems integrators.

 

I agree with the reply sent by Andover Controls, in that BAS addresses all the aforementioned subsystems and more. Your best bet would be to first find a reputable engineering firm to make sure that all of your sub systems are planned and designed for current, as well as future use. A design incorporating a structured cabling system to support all the BAS sub-systems, and voice/data is recommended, and you can find a lot more information in the TIA/EIA 862 Standard. Our Special Systems Design Group, within RTKL, has done such designs on a very large scale, and I would be glad to help further. When I'm asked what a 'Smart Building' is....my staple answer is 'It's as smart as your pockets are deep!'