Building automation - intelligently networking building operation

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.

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.

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.