ov iafmeWhat is a building automation system? It is a system that controls various components within a building. This includes lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other systems. There are several reasons to use a building automation if your audio video system needs an upgrade, including:

  • Reducing the consumption of energy
  • Minimizing operating costs
  • Increase the efficiency of building systems
  • Improving comfort for the building’s occupants

The above list is not exhaustive and there are many more reasons to equip a facility with a building automation system.

 

What is Pushing the Adoption of Building Automation Systems?

Perhaps, we can get a clue by looking at what the manufactures of these systems take pride in. Manufacturers of building automation systems are happiest when their solutions ensure the comfort people’s comfort. They also feel pride when solutions prove themselves economically and environmentally efficient.

The economic benefits of a building automation system today are critical today. Companies everywhere want to minimize costs without having to do away with a part of their workforce. However, increased regulations in most industries have forced top executives at organizations to look for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Building automation systems promise this that by changing the internal operations of businesses. Also, by helping them meet their environmental and efficiency goals. However, it is not just the companies that are benefiting from BA systems

 

Who Can Benefit?

Firstly, educational institutions are also able to make their learning environments comfortable and effective.

Next, hospitals are another type of center that could benefit from this. Healthcare centers today utilize BA systems in order to increase patient safety and satisfaction. This furthermore minimizes the consumption of energy. Building automation systems have enabled the improvement of the overall atmosphere for patients. These systems excel at tying together lighting systems, the temperature, and the monitors.

In addition to the above, BA systems have made it possible to gather data from all areas of the building. This then turns data into insights used to make improvements to the building wherever they are needed.

In short, building automation systems promise to change not only the way facilities are run and managed, but also how we live in our everyday environments. Several components make up a building automation system. With any of these components missing, the system wouldn’t be able to provide all the benefits that it currently does. Following are the components of a BA system that ensure a smart building system:

 

1. Sensors 

Sensors are one of the most important components of a BA system. This is because they monitor building factors such as lighting levels, room occupancy, temperature, etc. This information flows from the sensors to centralized controllers of the BA system.

2. Terminal Interface

This is the interface through which users can view and interact with the BA system. To allow users to keep track of the building’s atmosphere and condition, the terminal interface displays this information. Also, depending on the requirements of the facility, users can also choose to manually override the settings.

3. Output Devices

Electrical relays and actuators spring into action, following the orders once a command is sent out by the controller. Some of the actions performed by these output devices include dimming of lights in vacant offices, heat increase/decrease in a specific area of the building, and switching on the A/C before people start to arrive to work.

4. Controller

The controller is otherwise known as the brain of the BA system. The controller first gathers information from the sensors. Then, it commands connected devices, such as security alarms, lighting systems, HVAC unit, etc. to perform some sort of action.

5. Communication Protocols 

The fifth and final main components of a BA system are communication protocols. This means that the system has a set of rules that it follows and uses to communicate with each other. The most commonly used options for communication protocols are Modbus and BACnet.

These are the five main components of a building automation system. Having discussed these aspects a system, let’s now look at three main advantages of a building automation system.

 

The Main Advantages of Building Automation Systems

There are main three advantages of a BA system that is equipped with the appropriate sensors and meters. Following is a brief look at each: 

1. Comfort Advantages

The increased comfort for those in a building is the main benefit of a BA system. The increased comfort comes from the automated regulation of temperature and the amount of fresh air allowed into a building. Another way that the BA system adds to the comfort of a building is by maximizing the ratio of natural-to-artificial light.

2. Financial Advantages

If used appropriately, a BA system will deliver significant cost savings, including utility bills over time. In some cases, building automation systems have helped facilities save up to 30% in utility bills in a year. Additionally, some users are experiencing even more savings by using the systems to optimize the use of energy to achieve energy efficiency.

In addition to the above, a BA system can help to lower costs for a building by bolster the use of heavy equipment. This increases the system’s ‘useful’ life, and helps achieve more savings indirectly. Also, facilities equipped with a BA system are more desirable to people looking for a rental space for their company. This is because of the comfort and environmental benefits the system provides. This is great news for building owners, as they can demand higher rental prices. 

3. Environmental Advantages

The third and final advantage of a BA system is its positive impact on the environment. Compared to other facilities, buildings with a BA system have a far smaller carbon footprint. This means that they have less of an impact on the environment. It also allows them to meet all of their environment-related regulatory requirements.

A building automation system is important because it helps building owners and tenants reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, increase the efficiency of building systems, and improve overall comfort of the building. All of this makes BA systems a breakthrough technology, forever changing how buildings are managed and thought of.

 

Why Hugh’s?

The impact of building automation throughout commercial industries cannot be overlooked. Technology is constantly undergoing change and advancements. Due to this, it would benefit you to have an audio visual company by your side. Whether it be answering your questions or being there to inform you on recent technology when it is time for an upgrade, we will be there every step of the way.

At Hugh’s, we can design, supply, and install these systems with the care and consideration that it requires. Our experts offer the best solutions for meeting your needs to ensure customer satisfaction. Contact us today!

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