Building Automation Systems After 11^th September

A. Bhatia, B.E.

Course Outline

This 3-hour course intends to describe the Building Automation System (BAS) for commercial buildings. BAS represent the state of art microprocessor based technology, which integrates the security, fire protection, electrical, telecommunication and HVAC systems at one centralized location. BAS ensures efficient, comfortable and safe environment in the building. The course is intended for use primarily to the students, end users, consultants, architects, contractors and HVAC designers.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Be knowledgeable about the service functions of the building's;
• Be knowledgeable about the necessity of integrating and automating the building service functions; and
• Be able to conceptualise, judge and select the right system.
  

Course Introduction

The building developers, property managers and owners in pursuit to realize their goals of life cycle economics, comfort, convenience, safety, flexibility and marketability tend to construct buildings that are intelligent and safe. The designers, engineers, architects forever endeavor to provide a landmark design.

An intelligent building is one that provides a productive and cost-effective environment. Building Automation Systems (BAS) is one such area of intelligent building that enables facilities to be driven and managed by sophisticated electronics. In a broad sense, the "intelligent buildings" are designed so that the HVAC environment, lighting, and security systems perform at the highest efficiency possible. From an HVAC perspective, the automated systems are often referred to as Facility Management Systems (FMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS).

Course Content

The the course content is in a PDF file Building Automation Systems After 11^th September. You need to open or download this document to study this course.

Course Summary

The automation system go by many names: Building Automation System (BAS), Energy Management System (EMS), Energy Management and Control System (EMCS), Central Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) and Facilities Management System (FMS). Essentially the function of each is the same.

Building Automation Systems help facility managers understand their buildings, make intelligent decisions, and respond more easily to changing conditions. Building Automation Systems are computer driven to control such HVAC-related issues as temperature, humidity, airflow, and equipment operation. In addition to helping you make more informed decisions regarding the challenges and changing conditions of your facility, a Building Automation System monitors and controls the day-to-day operation of your building's HVAC, safety, lighting, and security systems.

It is learnt that the BAS have high potential of providing benefits to the building services:

• Better and reliable operation
• Improved control, comfort and security
• Improved monitoring of building, equipment and historical analysis
• Comprehensive overview of installations
• Reduce response time or fast reaction to breakdowns
• Scheduled maintenance
• Savings in manpower costs
• Reduced equipment operating times, energy consumption (10-30% energy savings)

The cost of BAS is around 15 to 20% of the total project cost depending upon the sophistication desired. Benefits of energy saving will offset the extra cost of the BAS. The usual payback is around 2 to 4 years depending on the energy costs and operating time.

In case the facility is not geared up for BAS system for what ever reasons of capital scarcity or life cycle economics, it is strongly recommended to keep provisions in the specification to adapt BAS at a later date.


Related Reading

Six Ways to Perform Economic Evaluation of Projects

When you decide to implement a Building Automation System, you must take into consideration all the fixed and variable costs. Since the cost of BAS alone is significant portion of the project costs, it is wise to carry out the life cycle assessment before implementing. A course titled 'Six ways to perform economic evaluation of projects' provides techniques to carry out the financial analysis of new or retrofitting projects. This is a generic 2-hour course recommended for the project advisors, architects and project engineers.

Life Cycle Assessment for Building Projects

HVAC system is a significant proportion of the overall building cost. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a decision making process that is applied to large scale building projects for evaluating the appropriate selection. The LCA takes into account all capital costs, recurring operation & maintenance (O&M) expenses, replacement costs, energy, environment and the code issues for the life cycle of equipment. The overview of life cycle assessment (LCA) is presented in a course titled 'Life Cycle Assessment for Building Projects'. This is a generic 2-hour course recommended for engineering and financial planners.


Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

---

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

---