BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND INTELLEGENT SYSTEMS

• Building management /Intelligent systems.

  Overview of 'intelligent buildings' and 'intelligent homes' systems

  The area of Intelligent Buildings, Intelligent Homes, Building Management Systems (BMS) encompasses an enormous variety of technologies, across commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic buildings, including energy management systems and building controls. The function of Building Management Systems is central to 'Intelligent Buildings' concepts; its purpose is to control, monitor and optimize building services, eg., lighting; heating; security, CCTV and alarm systems; access control; audio-visual and entertainment systems; ventilation, filtration and climate control, etc.; even time & attendance control and reporting (notably staff movement and availability). The potential within these concepts and the surrounding technology is vast, and our lives are changing from the effects of Intelligent Buildings developments on our living and working environments. The impact on facilities planning and facilities management is also potentially immense. Any facilities managers considering premises development or site relocation should also consider the opportunities presented by Intelligent Buildings systems and concepts.
  Until recent years, energy efficiency has been a relatively low priority and low perceived opportunity to building owners and investors. However, with the dramatic increase and awareness of energy use concerns, and the advances in cost-effective technologies, energy efficiency is fast becoming part of real estate management, facilities management and operations strategy. The concepts are also now making significant inroads into the domestic residential house building sectors.
  For lighting, energy savings can be up to 75% of the original circuit load, which represents 5% of the total energy consumption of the residential and commercial sectors.
  Energy savings potential from water heating, cooling, or hot water production, can be up to 10%, which represents up to 7% of the total energy consumption of the domestic residential and commercial sectors.
  Experiences from studies in Austria suggest potential heating and cooling energy savings are up to 30% in public buildings. Even allowing for the fact that buildings used in the study may have been those with particularly high energy usage, the figure is an impressive one.
  
  The origins of Intelligent Buildings and Building Management Systems have roots in the industrial sector in the 1970's, from the systems and controls used to automate production processes and to optimise plant performances. The concepts and applications were then adapted, developed and modularized during the 1980's, enabling transferability of the technology and systems to the residential and commercial sectors.
  

  Intelligent Homes - control theory

  The essence of Building Management Systems and Intelligent Buildings is in the control technologies, which allow integration, automation, and optimisation of all the services and equipment that provide services and manages the environment of the building concerned.
  Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) formed the original basis of the control technologies.
  Later developments, in commercial and residential applications, were based on 'distributed-intelligence microprocessors'.
  The use of these technologies allows the optimisation of various site and building services, often yielding significant cost reductions and large energy savings. There are numerous methods by which building services within buildings can be controlled, falling broadly into two method types:
  
• Time based - providing heating or lighting services, etc., only when required, and
• Optimiser Parameter based - often utilising a representative aspect of the service, such as temperature for space heating or illuminance for lighting.

Heating - time-based control

Time-based controls can be used to turn on and off the heating system (and/or water heating) at pre-selected periods (of the day, of the week, etc). Optimiser Parameters: whatever the conditions, the controls make sure the building reaches the desired temperature when occupancy starts.

Heating - optimizers parameter-based (temperature) control examples

• Temperature control: protection against freezing or frost protection generally involves running heating system pumps and boilers when external temperature reaches a set level (0°C).
• Compensated systems: will control flow temperature in the heating circuit relative to external temperature. This will give a rise in the circuit flow temperature when outside temperature drops.
• Thermostatic radiator valves: these sense space temperature in a room and throttle the flow accordingly through the radiator or convector to which they are fitted.
• Proportional control: involves switching equipment on and off automatically to regulate output.
• Other methods can include thermostats, occupancy sensing PIR's (passive infra-red sensors), and manual user control.

Lighting control methods

Different control systems exist, again time-based control and optimiser parameter-based where a level of illuminance or particular use of lighting is required.

• Zones: lights are switched on corresponding to the use and layout of the lit areas, in order to avoid lighting a large area if only a small part of it needs light.
• Time control: to switch on and off automatically in each zone to a preset schedule for light use.
• Passive Infra-Red (PIR) Occupancy sensing: In areas which are occupied intermittently, occupancy sensors can be used to indicate whether or not anybody is present and switch the light on or off accordingly.
• Light level monitoring: this consists of switching or dimming artificial lighting to maintain a light level measured by a photocell.  

Building management systems and intelligent buildings - Environmental and greenhouse gas benefits

Greenhouse gas emission reductions depend on and correlate to reductions in energy use.
Intelligent Buildings and Building Management Systems technologies contribute directly to the reduction in energy use, in commercial, industrial, institutional and domestic residential sectors.
In short, Intelligent Buildings and suitably applied Building Management Systems are good for the environment.
Legislation and environmental standards; health and safety regulations; and global trends towards improving indoor air quality standards are all significant drivers of - and provide a continuous endorsement of the need for - Building Management Systems and the Intelligent Buildings technologies. 
However according to European Commission as many as 90% of all existing buildings have inapplicable or ineffective controls, many of which require complete refurbishment of control systems.
Moreover conventional control systems stop short of automated Intelligent Buildings full capabilities. A significant human element is required for optimal effective operation even if control systems correctly specified and installed.
Given typical installations and equipment there is often a difficulty for building occupants (residential) or managers (commercial) to operate them correctly. Usage and correct operation are vital for effective results.
Education of users; improved systems-design user-friendliness, and the provision of relevant instructions and information are all critical to enable theory to translate into practice, and for potential effectiveness and savings to be realised.

Practical benefits

Energy-effective systems balance a building's electric light, daylight and mechanical systems for maximum benefit.
Enhanced lighting design is more than an electrical layout. It must consider the needs and schedules of occupants, seasonal and climatic daylight changes, and its impact on the building's mechanical systems.

Lighting systems

Adding daylight to a building is one way to achieve an energy-effective design. Natural daylight 'harvesting' can make people happier, healthier, and more productive. And with the reduced need for electric light, a great deal of money can be saved on energy. Nearly every commercial building is a potential energy saving project, where the electric lighting systems can be designed to be dimmed with the availability of daylight. Up to 75% of lighting energy consumption can be saved. In addition, by reducing electric lighting and minimizing solar heat gain, controlled lighting can also reduce a building's air conditioning load.

Mechanical systems

The HVAC system and controls, including the distribution system of air into the workspaces, are the mechanical parts of buildings that affect thermal comfort. These systems must work together to provide building comfort. While not usually a part of the aesthetics of a building, they are critical to its operations and occupant satisfaction.
The number one office complaint is that the workplace is too hot. Number two is that it's too cold.
Many people cope by adding fans, space heaters, covering up vents, complaining, conducting 'thermostat wars' with their co-workers, or simply leaving the office. Occupants can be driven to distraction trying to adjust the comfort in their space. Improper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and indoor air quality can also have significant impacts on productivity and health. When we are thermally comfortable we work better, shop longer, relax, breathe easier, focus our attention better.
In order to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment the building mechanical system must:

• Provide an acceptable level of temperature and humidity and safe guard against odours and indoor air pollutants.
• Create a sense of habitability through air movement, ventilation and slight temperature variation.
• Allow the occupant to control and modify conditions to suit individual preferences.

Resistance to building management systems and intelligent buildings technology

• "Our buildings are already energy-efficient." (Is the whole building energy-efficient, or is the landlord limiting his focus to common areas and gross leased spaces?)
• "We prefer the equipment with the lowest first cost when fitting out tenant space." (Does the specifier have any idea who will bear the increased operating costs of such a strategy?)
• "We need a two-year simple payback or less." (Is this still realistic, given that the percentage return on money markets is literally one-tenth what it was 20 years ago?)
• "Tenants pay all energy costs, and will get all the savings." (Do tenants really pay all energy or just the energy over a pre-set base year or expense stop?)
• "We're selling the building." (Should we assume then that lowering the operating expenses and reaping the increased asset value are not important?)

Intelligent homes

Building management systems for residential applications

With the widespread adoption of digital technologies there will be a profound change in how we communicate with others. Even how, in our homes, we shop for goods and services, receive news, manage our finances, learn about the world, and, conduct business, manage resources, find entertainment, and maintain independence and autonomy as we enter old age.
These activities increasingly take place in the home. As our perception of banks, shops, universities, communities, and cities change in response to new technologies, so home building management systems are taking on an extraordinary new importance.
As it exists today the home cannot meet these demands or take advantage of new opportunities created by social and technological changes. Most people live in spaces poorly tailored to their needs.
Until recently, the majority of homes were wired with little more than the main electrical circuits, a few phone lines, and a few TV cables. Times have changed. Electrical and security system contractors routinely install low voltage communication network cables for a wide range of intelligent home or 'smart home' systems.
Services and equipment that utilise these networks include: security; home theatre and entertainment; telephones, door-phones and intercoms; PC and internet networks; surveillance cameras; driveway vehicle sensors; communicating thermostats; motorized window blinds and curtains; entry systems; and irrigation systems.

Intelligent  homes

'Intelligent home' is an alternative term for a smart residential building, or an intelligent home. A few years ago these concepts were considered futuristic and fanciful. Now they are reality. These terms are now commonly used to define a residence that uses a control system to integrate the residence's various automation systems.
Integrating the home systems allows them to communicate with one another through the control system, thereby enabling single button and voice control of the various home systems simultaneously, in pre-programmed scenarios or operating modes.

• The development of smart home systems focus on how the home and its related technologies, products, and services should evolve to best meet the opportunities and challenges of the future. The possibilities and permutations are endless.

A Building Management System (BMS) is a computer-based control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems. A BMS consists of software and hardware; the software program, usually configured in a hierarchical manner, can be proprietary, using such protocols as C-bus, Profibus, and so on, recently, however, new vendors are producing BMSs that integrate using Internet protocols and open standards such as DeviceNet, SOAP, XML, BACnet, Lon and Modbus.

BMS SCOPE

BMS may be used as a collective noun for a range of computerised systems including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) Disributed Control Systems (DCS) Outstation controller and Instrumentation.
BMS may be deployed and managed centrally as a large network of system that may comprise different vendor products or as a low complexity stand alone system.
We provide Low Voltage / Extra Low Voltage Systems. Vintage provides end to end systems integration  solutions for safety, security, building automation/management systems. The following are some of the products/services provided by the company.

• Structured Cabling -Voice/Data Networking Systems
• Building Management Systems(BMS)
• Home Automation Systems
• CCTV Systems
• Access Control
• RFID – Personnel Tracking and Asset Management
• Security Systems
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Central Battery and Emergency Lighting Systems
• Public Address and Mass Notification Systems
• Hotel Room Management Systems
• Hotel Interactive TV
• SMATV / IPTV Systems
• Audio/Video Intercom Systems
• Audio/Visual Systems (Audio/Video Conference Systems, etc...)
•  IT Security Systems
• Helipad Lighting Systems

A One stop gateway in IT, Telcoms, Network & Internet Deployments

The physical connection in the TCP/IP network in a building is almost always based on Ethernet. Ethernet defines the cable needs and type of connectors. Because of standardisation TCP/IP via Ethernet offers many advantages, however, for the time being it will not be the only network in a BMS. Until now ICT and BMS have been two separate entities. Project developers deliver buildings with basic provisions, usually incorporating a BMS with associated controls, with the network infrastructure normally installed at a later stage by the building user. This means that the installation contractor cannot use the network for communications between the intelligent controllers during installation.

CCTV Surveillance

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted, though it may employ point to point wireless links. CCTV is often used for surveillance in areas that may need monitoring such as banks, homes, casinos, airports, military installations and convenience stores. The increasing use of CCTV in public places has caused a debate over public surveillance versus privacy. People can also buy consumer CCTV Systems for personal, private or commercial use. A more advanced form of CCTV, utilizing Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), provides recording for possibly many years, with a variety of quality and performance options and extra features (such as motion-detection and email alerts). In industrial plants, CCTV equipment may be used to observe parts of a process from a central control room; when, for example, the environment is not comfortable for human. CCTV systems may operate continuously or only as required to monitor a particular event..
The first rule in Chinese general and philosopher Sun Tzu’s book “The Art of War” is “Know your enemy” The same principle applies today with respect to defending ourselves, the government, public infrastructures and the general populace. With the use of quality equipments that will provide an interface both for the authorities and the public to view traffic congestion, traffic flow, density, average speed and Incident detection.(London Bombing) The main aim of this system will be to eradicate crime and possibly reduce manual traffic road supervision.
Looking Out For You", issued by the Home Office in 1994, and paved the way for a massive increase in the number of CCTV systems installed. Today, systems cover most

Impacts of Remote Surveillance

The greatest impact of computer-enabled surveillance(Remote Surveillance) is the large number of organizations involved in surveillance operations:

• The state and security services still have the most powerful surveillance systems which they use in unveiling several secret information that probably will be referred to as hidden when required.But today's level of state surveillance have increased, and using computers we are now able to draw together many different information sources to produce profiles of persons or groups in society.
• Many large corporations now use various form of "passive" surveillance. This is primarily a means of monitoring the activities of staff and for controlling public relations. But some large corporations actively use various forms of surveillance to monitor the activities of activists and campaign groups who may impact their operations.

What Can I Control? Lighting Probably the most popular control category and a great way to get involved with home automation. Starter kits begin at less than $60 and are plug-and-play easy to install. Dim light fixtures you could never dim before, and control them from anywhere in the house (or world via the Internet). Security Systems & Access Control Have your home call you and/or loved ones if there is an alert situation. You can save money on security monitoring services or even monitor for non-traditional security events like water in the laundry room or basement. Additionally, Smarthome products include devices that will allow you to unlock the front door to let friends in or close the garage door from your office via the web. Home Theater & Entertainment Just imagine replacing that pile of remotes with just one controller. Now, imagine not having to know all 10 steps to starting up your home theater - just press the HBO icon and your home automation products/system will do the rest. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are especially popular with homeowners as they provide beautiful sound throughout the house while adding no clutter whatsoever. Phone Systems Phone systems that are usually used for small business applications are surprisingly convenient in the home. With caller ID and a home automation controller you can even screen your calls for only those you wish to cause your phone to ring. Voice control software turns every phone in your home into a remote controller. Thermostats Remote-control thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature from bed at night or even from a cell phone while on your way home (or to your second home!). They can even trigger a notice to you if the temperature gets too low (to prevent pipes from freezing) or too high (to protect your pets, plants, etc.). Irrigation Have your sprinklers turn on only when it's not raining. Some of our customers even turn the sprinklers on when there's motion in the yard at unwanted times - imagine an intruder trying to explain the wet clothes to the police! Cable & Structured Wiring Home automation can be accomplished using various types of connectivity. What's great is that many of today's home automation products need no new wires - so they are perfect to retrofit into an existing home. If you are building new or doing a major remodel, please consider adding networking, audio, video and control wiring while it is easy and relatively inexpensive. Later on you'll be happy you did. How Can I Control Them? Remote Control Remote control gives you the convenience of controlling lighting, appliances, security systems and consumer electronics from wherever you happen to be at the time, like your couch, car or even in your bed. There are several different "methods" of controlling devices remotely. Below we highlight the pluses and minuses of each. What are the Benefits of Home Automation? Convenience We've all gotten used to controlling our TV from the couch; just wait until you are able to dim the lights as well. Imagine adjusting the temperature from your bed or controlling the volume of your whole-house audio system from any room. Or imagine the wall/ceiling heater in your bathroom coming on automatically on chilly mornings 5 minutes before your alarm clock goes off so that it is warm when you enter. Many Smarthome products also save energy -- we'll all agree that's a nice convenience. Safety We're all used to opening the garage door from the car, but you'll be surprised how much safer you'll feel coming home to a lit home and even turning on more lights from your keyfob remote upon your arrival. With a couple of basic products you can have your whole house light up like Fort Knox when there is motion detected at any corner of your house. Imagine your house sending you an email if there is motion where there shouldn't be any. Or you can have your security system call you if there is an alarm, which might include your typical security alarm or even a low or high temperature or water in the laundry room or basement. Fun High-tech products for the home are fun to use and share with others. Whether viewing visitors at your front door on your TV or tuning your stereo by using voice recognition, you'll find home automation surprisingly enjoyable. And when it comes to impressing the friends, you'll be happy to show off your newfound applications. With the broad selection of home automation products offered by Smarthome, you can control just about anything you wish in your home. ..