December 2012 |
Babel Buster Network Gateways: Big Features. Small Price. |
Intelligent Buildings
From Theoretical to Practical |
Paul Ehrlich, Ira
Goldschmidt
& Angela Lewis December Issue -
Column
|
Articles |
Interviews |
Releases |
New Products |
Reviews |
|
Editorial |
Events |
Sponsors |
Site Search |
Newsletters |
|
Archives |
Past Issues |
Home |
Editors |
eDucation |
|
Training |
Links |
Software |
Subscribe |
|
Over the years I have written articles, delivered talks, and
participated in industry events promoting the concept of the
“Intelligent Building”, so when I was recently asked by a colleague to
define the concept of an Intelligent Building, I was ready to roll out
a standard answer – something like this:
“Use of technology and process to create a sustainable building that is
more productive for its occupants, and more operationally efficient for
its owners”
This would be followed by a description of open systems, networks and
integration of building systems. Instead I paused and realized
that while all of that is true, there is a large gap between the
theoretical definition of an Intelligent Building and the practical
project delivery that we work on every day. The theoretical smart
building has building systems on a shared enterprise network, and a
vast variety of systems connected including HVAC and lighting, fire
alarm, security, elevators, blinds, etc. The practical systems
are driven by owners’ goals to reduce energy costs and to provide a
practical platform for operations. Here are the key
characteristics of what comprise these systems:
The end result is a practical application that meets owners’ goals and
provides tangible benefits. With the advent of new energy
efficiency standards under ASHRAE 90.1 2010, the use of optimization
and integration is moving from being desirable to required.
Without doubt, Intelligent Buildings will continue to evolve.
What we are delivering today will become an expectation in the
future. It is a fairly safe bet that as the benefits to larger
scale integration are more clearly defined they are a natural extension
to these systems and the theoretical vision of today may become the
practical reality of tomorrow.
About
the Authors
Paul
and Ira first worked together on a series of ASHRAE
projects including the BACnet committee and Guideline 13 – Specifying
DDC Controls. The formation of Building Intelligence Group provided
them the ability to work together professionally providing assistance
to owners with the planning, design and development of Intelligent
Building Systems. Building Intelligence Group provides services for
clients worldwide including leading Universities, Corporations, and
Developers. More information can be found at www.buildingintelligencegroup.com
We also invite you to contact us directly at
Paul@buildingintelligencegroup.com or
ira@buildingintelligencegroup.com
[Home Page] [The Automator] [About] [Subscribe ] [Contact Us]