Efficiency Redefined: Building Automation Mastery
Building Automation Systems (BAS) are centralized, interlinked, networks of hardware and software, which monitor and control the environment in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. While managing various building systems, the automation system ensures the operational performance of the facility as well as the comfort and safety of building occupants. Typically, such control systems are installed in new buildings or as part of a renovation where they replace an outdated control system.
What is 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)
- Roof-top Units (RTUs)
- Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
- Heat Pump Units (HPUs)
- Variable Air Volume boxes (VAVs)
- Lighting control is, likewise, low-hanging fruit for optimizing building performance.
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
