September 2015 |
BTL Mark: Resolve interoperability issues & increase buyer confidence |
Future of Open Protocols
While we now have good choices in terms of robust protocols for use in commercial buildings, areas remain where more effort is needed. |
Paul Ehrlich,
Ira
Goldschmidt
& Angela Lewis September Issue -
BAS Column
|
Articles |
Interviews |
Releases |
New Products |
Reviews |
![]() |
Editorial |
Events |
Sponsors |
Site Search |
Newsletters |
![]() |
Archives |
Past Issues |
Home |
Editors |
eDucation |
![]() |
Training |
Links |
Software |
Subscribe |
![]() |
This
summer marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of ASHRAE Standard 135
– better known as “BACnet”. Over the past two decades, the
building automation industry has largely been transformed from a
business based upon proprietary communications to one where customers
have options for open protocols including BACnet, LonTalk, Modbus, and
others. Vendors now offer broad support for open protocol based
systems, and standards such as BACnet are continuously being updated
and improved.
As an industry then, have we “solved” the issue of
interoperability? While we now have good choices in terms of
robust protocols for use in commercial buildings, areas remain where
more effort is needed. Here are a few key areas to look for continued
improvements:
Device Support:
Today it is common to be able to specify HVAC controls that comply with
open protocols such as BACnet. There are though many other systems in
buildings such as lighting, meters, elevators, IT equipment, kitchen
appliances, solar panels, fire and security systems that should
potentially be integrated. These systems follow a frustrating
combination of open, industry specific, or proprietary protocols,
making integration complicated and expensive, if not impossible. With
the new “Internet of Things” movement, expect to find more devices in
buildings that are good candidates for integration. The need for easier
device support is an area that needs to continue to evolve.
Management and Supervisory Support:
Protocols such as BACnet can readily be applied through something as
basic as a sensor or controller up through a workstation but building
systems continue to become more highly integrated, merging with the
larger world of IT systems. For example, many BAS systems today
are using web services (web browser, cloud storage, IP communications,
etc.) as a key part of their operations. Future buildings will be
more integrated with renewable resources and the grid. Expect to
see more work in the area of how IT standards can readily be applied
for building systems.
Information Management:
Most of the current open protocol work has been focused on sharing data
(points, or objects) between devices and workstations. But
critical operational information such as the definition of how devices
are configured, programmed and information is identified is not
generally covered in the protocols and instead has been left up to the
system supplier. This has proved to be an area of ongoing frustration
for building owners as they experience the challenges of supporting
various programming tools, integrating systems, and connecting to
services such as analytics analysis. Efforts such as Project Haystack
are attempting to set some guidelines for how to improve the area of
semantics, but much more work is needed in this area to be able to move
toward a “plug and play” solution.
Currently there is work going on in this area by many organizations
including the Department of Energy, Gridwise Alliance, and
ASHRAE. Expect to see further changes and improvements so that
systems can become even more open and interoperable.
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]