Building automation
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Building automation typically involves the automatic control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, access control, energy management, fire alarms and other building services. This may involve the use of an electronic building management system (BMS). Commercial, industrial and residential buildings fitted with such systems are often called ‘smart buildings’ or intelligent buildings’.
Most commercial buildings constructed after 2000 are fitted with some form of Building automation systems (BAS). These are typically distributed control systems in which a variety of electronic devices monitor and control mechanical devices which in turn can be instructed to alter the state of an environment at any particular time or at predetermined set times. The user interface – whether for homeowners or building maintenance personnel – displays the system status, detects possible problems and makes necessary adjustments. Building facilities managers and home owners can input their required comfort settings and these will be maintained until changed.
This may include maintaining room temperatures within a specific range at certain times; switching lights on and off depending on occupancy; lowering the energy consumption of a building’s water circulation pumps through variable frequency drives; monitoring system performance and, in the event of impending malfunctions, providing notifications via email, text message, mobile voice call and/or an audible alarm to the end user.
[edit] Benefits
Compared to a non-controlled building the benefits of a BAS can include:
- Enhanced occupant comfort and productivity.
- Improved operation of systems.
- Increased energy efficiency and so lower emissions.
- Better connectivity and monitoring of systems.
- Improved safety.
- Maintenance staff can be more efficient and productive.
- Lower maintenance costs.
- Time savings.
[edit] Components
A building automation system’s hardware typically comprises:
- Servers – which run the BAS software through desktop or rack-mounted PCs to collect and serve data.
- Controllers – small, programmable control systems to control inputs and outputs to air handling, heating and other systems (based on inputs received).
- Field buses – the way field controllers communicate with supervisory devices.
- Supervisory devices – usually installed in dedicated devices and typically with an Ethernet NIC and a field trunk port.
- Inputs – signals from devices such as temperature or pressure sensors.
- Outputs – BAS controller sends a command as an output to say, a relay or actuating device etc.
Software can include:
- Databases – store information, eg alarms, trends, reports, schedules etc.
- Configuration software – configures servers, other devices and field controllers.
- User interfaces (UI) – installing or downloading applications, using web browsers to access the BAS.
[edit] Potential issues
Cyber security can be a problem. A BAS may not be secure and can feature vulnerabilities which can be exploited by hackers. It is possible to improve the security of a BAS by taking steps such as:
- Ensuring each user has a unique username and password.
- Ensuring passwords are as complex as possible.
- Use of a firewall.
- Closing any unused ports.
For more information see: Cyber threats to building automation and control systems.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air conditioning.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Automated blinds.
- BACS building automation controls - the information revolution.
- Building analytics market trends.
- Building energy efficiency - is building automation the answer?
- Building energy management systems BEMS.
- Building management systems.
- Building services.
- Commercial building automation market.
- Continental Automated Buildings Association CABA.
- Cyber threats to building automation and control systems.
- Energy management and building controls.
- Global building energy management systems market.
- HVAC.
- Internet of things.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing MEP.
- Parking reservation systems.
- Plant room.
- Smart building market projections through 2030.
- Smart buildings.
- US Smart Connected HVAC in Commercial Buildings Study 2017.
- Wireless vs wired building energy management system.
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.