Smart buildings are on the rise. Modern buildings are becoming increasingly complex and with this, the need for building management systems (BMS) to control the various technologies installed in them will only grow too. Vladimir Zrnic, Sales Manager for Southern Europe at Advanced explains more.
BMS is a relatively new addition to modern buildings. Just 30 years ago each individual system in a building had to be controlled separately and manually. This evolved into each system being controlled and monitored by a computer. Finally, they were unified into one master control system that networked all the mechanical, electrical, IT and security systems of a building, sharing information and working together seamlessly. And so BMS was born.
Integrating all the components into a single cohesive unit allows the various systems to share information so they can work more effectively. This means greater efficiency, lowered operating costs and a safer, more secure and responsive building environment. It also improves reporting, information management and decision-making with facility-wide insight and control for better performance. Other benefits include more efficient resource deployment, which can result in reduced operational costs, empowering operators, simplifying training and reducing false alarms.
Early BMS were limited to having all the equipment from one manufacturer, but this can prove expensive and limits choice. A rise in open communication protocols such as BACnet and Modbus has simplified BMS integration with third-party devices, such as fire panels. So how do third-party devices communicate with the BMS?
Taking control
A field controller for integration, such as the Advanced Commander, is a powerful IP-based solution for customers requiring protocol translation between an Advanced addressable fire panel and a BMS. The Advanced Commander is compatible with both BACnet and Modbus open networks, acting as a simple bridge between manufacturers’ components, providing seamless integration and delivering guaranteed performance. It is also bi-directional so it can monitor and communicate with other systems the BMS is connected to. For example, in a fire an Advanced panel and BMS could work together to close dampers in the ventilation system to stop smoke spreading, shut down fans, start the smoke extraction system and send all the elevators to the ground floor and park them to prevent people from using them. It can also unlock doors, control emergency lighting systems, and lift ramps and barriers to allow emergency service access.
It’s also desirable to be able to configure exactly what is needed rather than having to use a controller that has extensive but unrequired device options or has a predefined sequence of information. Advanced Commander users can configure exactly what they need to meet the fire safety needs of each building. The Commander supports up to 640 Objects/Tags of information, which can be configured and passed between network components and delivered to the BMS using TCP/IP technology and is compatible with all Advanced addressable fire panels including the MxPro5. TCP/IP connectivity allows the Commander to be located locally to the distributed network of fire control panels, but at the same time caters for remote programming and BMS access.
The Advanced Commander also has a built-in Webserver to provide advanced control, display and management. Its powerful Windows-based software management suite enables engineers to write ‘cause and effect’ strategy, check data logging, calendar and timer functions. Users can read panel, zone and device status by reading values representing Normal status, Disablement, Faults, Pre-Alarm and Fire. Users are also able to mute, silence/resound and reset the network or panel, disable the device, activate disablement group and generate an external alarm and external fire.
Applications
BMS are used in a variety of applications which have specific requirements. For instance, in airport facilities they rely on several specialised systems to facilitate airport-specific processes, such as aeronautical navigation and surveillance, ground handling and the processing of passengers and baggage, requiring a BMS system that offers easy configuration to meet these complex needs. Integrated systems may include a PA system, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), elevator control, the airport information system and other security systems such as access control and video surveillance.
Meanwhile, BMS in healthcare has different requirements and must have the capability to predict challenges and respond to changing conditions, as well as maintaining environmental conditions critical for hospitals. The use of integration may include elevator control, HVAC, emergency lighting systems and environmental condition monitoring.
BMS integration is set to go further still. As buildings become smarter, so does the BMS which will be able to control a building completely remotely, allowing users to monitor and change things in a building from a distance. BMS is already offering greater efficiency, reduced costs and reliability, and with the advent of open communication protocols and field controllers, like the Advanced Commander, users can seamlessly integrate their fire system and monitor and control their buildings, cementing it as an essential part of the smart buildings of the future.For more information email enquiries@advancedco.com or go to www.advancedco.com
