Technology Trends in Building Automation Systems
Andover Controls Corporation
1990• Independent Systems
• Multiple Operating Systems
• Firmware
• Dial-up—modems
• Proprietary Networks
• Proprietary Databases
• Proprietary GUIs
2000• Integrated Systems
and Interoperability
• Windows NT
• Software
• WANs and Communications via the Internet
• Standard Networks (Ethernet TCP/IP)
• Open Databases
• Open GUIs - Web Browser Interface
Technology Trends in Building Automation Systems
Communicationand Networking
• Ethernet has emerged as the standard “system level” network.
– Universal acceptance—It’s here to stay.– Low cost that continues to drop.– High performance that continues to improve.– It’s becoming a utility like electricity.
• Continuum controllers reside directly on Ethernet and use the TCP/IP protocol. No gateways—true controller support of Ethernet.
• “Use an existing corporate network.” Allows controllers to connect to an existing, shared Ethernet infrastructure for lower overall system cost and easier network management.
(Supports 4 Million Nodes on Ethernet)Continuum System ArchitectureScalable across LANs and WANs
Ethernet
Integrated Systems
Tangible Benefits
Today, HVAC, security, access control, lighting, and reporting can be effectively integrated into a single system.
• In many facilities costs can be reduced and facilities management can be streamlined with integrated systems. Benefits include:
– Coordinated control strategies:• Equipment alarms can be reported to
security desk after hours.• Lighting can be controlled to respond to
security breaches.– Information can be used for dual purposes.– A single network infrastructure for both
systems.– Training and support of a single system.
Standards and Interoperability
BACnet and LonWorks®
• Andover is committed to providing interoperability solutions.
• We have been a pioneer in integrating our systems with other manufacturer’s intelligent devices.
• Andover Controls has been a member of the BACnet committee since 1987 and is an active supporter and developer of BACnet solutions.
• Andover offers BACnet and LonWorks solutions today.
BACnet and LonWorks®
• Primary controllers (CXs) can communicate using BACnet protocol via a factory installed option.
• Continuum software has been designed on the BACnet messaging structure to communicate via BACnet protocol.
– Upcoming versions will communicate with other manufacturer’s workstations and directly to other BACnet devices.
• Primary controllers can integrate with LonWorks networks via an optional LonMark communication port. Supports all LonMark SNVTs. Up to 4,096 variable capacity.
BACnet and LonWorks®
• Neither of these technologies tell the whole story. One single protocol solution does not exist.
• Beyond BACnet and LonWorks, there are other networks and protocols that need to be addressed to provide integrated BAS solutions.
• Our product philosophy is focused on providing highly flexible interoperability solutions—not adherence to a single protocol.
• Solutions that allow you to embrace BACnet, LonWorks, and other networks as well as legacy systems.
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