Understanding Building Automation.
Technology is now well established in the operation of our modern buildings, but it often remains misunderstood. Smart buildings are the future, and many contractors and entrepreneurs are following suit. To fully understand this phenomenon, here is an overview of the future of building automation, or building automation systems.
The building automation and control market.
Did you know that in 2016, the building automation market was worth $53.7 billion USD? But it doesn’t stop there. Sales in this sector are expected to reach $100 billion USD by 2022. This is not surprising when you consider that we spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors. Building technology therefore helps us improve our lives. At BAULNE, we are aware of this. That’s why we create automation and control systems based on an open communication system while optimizing energy efficiency. Installation and operating costs are therefore kept to a minimum, while security is maximized.
Building Automation : the Brain of Buildings.
A building automation system functions for a structure like the brain does for the human body. Among other things, it enables better management and interoperability of the various systems in your buildings. These include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, access control, camera, and other equipment systems. All these different elements can function well independently, but with a good automated system, they can perform better by communicating with each other.
The goal is to maximize human comfort and the operational efficiency of systems, reduce operating energy costs, and extend the life of equipment. This can be as simple as lighting only occupied rooms through real-time information transfer. Combining the HVAC system with electronic, lighting, and security controls creates what is known as a smart building. Since 2000, most commercial buildings have been equipped with automated control systems. This is even more essential in a green building.
A Real Case of Building Automation: Hotels of Today and Tomorrow.
Building automation is becoming increasingly common in hotels because it offers guests optimal comfort. In some renowned hotels, when a loyal customer enters their room, the temperature is adjusted according to their habits and preferences. For example, their room will be kept at 21°C from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., then the temperature will be lowered for the night. These connected rooms can even be programmed in advance, at the time of booking. If the guest wants to close the blinds, change the color of the lighting, play a game projected on the wall, or turn on the air conditioning, they can do so from a tablet available in their room.
This example illustrates the advantages of a building automation system for the hotel industry. But managers of office towers, commercial buildings, or any type of building can also increase occupant comfort while reducing operating costs.
6 Advantages of Integrating Automation into your Building.
What if better data management could help you improve your results? With a good building automation system, you can optimize the overall management of your buildings. The many benefits include:
- Reduce your operating costs by 15%.
- Make it easier to maintain your real estate assets by having faster and easier access to the various statuses of your equipment.
- Maximize occupant comfort and system reliability with more accurate equipment management.
- Lower your energy costs with more efficient interconnected systems.
- Increase the value of your building by boosting your operating income.
- Enjoy happier, more productive employees thanks to better air quality and increased comfort.
The Key Players in a Successful Building Automation System.
To benefit from a high-performance, reliable system, you need to ensure that five essential elements are able to communicate effectively with each other.
- Software and graphics centers
- Network managers
- Automatic regulators
- Probes and sensors
- Actuators
All these factors work together to offer occupants an exceptional experience and unparalleled comfort. Thanks to all these interconnected technologies, we can enjoy smart buildings which improve everyone’s lives.
If you would like to experience the benefits of building automation, please contact one of our experts who will be happy to discuss your project.
Article written in collaboration with Marc Doyon, Engr., Manager of the Building Automation Department
Other sources:
statistica.ca
ashrae.org
caba.org