True IP Building Automation
For many years, building automation systems have connected to a building IP network with a single IP communication gateway that is connected to an operator workstation. Downstream of that single IP controller is a network of legacy MSTP controllers. MSTP is the network communication protocol of BACnet, first published in 1995. This is the legacy view of IP in building automation, lacking the capabilities of today’s true IP-based building automation solutions.
Today, a true IP-based Building Automation solution consists of IP Controllers for IO (Input/Output) control and monitoring, communicating over the BACnet/IP protocol. Such a BAS configuration can be 100% IP, and coexist on the same network with MSTP Controllers. The combination of IP Controllers for control and monitoring and BACnet/IP communication protocol make possible significant improvements in facility performance and reliability which are described in this two-part series. These are improvements that are simply not possible in a legacy building automation solution with a single IP communication gateway.
What is BACnet/IP?
Simply put, BACnet/IP is a game changer for any building, no matter the size, no matter the use. But let’s back up a minute. What is BACnet/IP?
For many years, you probably heard about BACnet as an open standard protocol for Building Automation Systems. Developed between 1987 and 1995 by ASHRAE’s BACnet committee, BACnet is a “data communication protocol for building automation and control networks.”[1] It is one of the major data communication protocols in building automation and is used by most major manufacturers in the development of their building automation solutions.
Well, if BACnet is a data communication protocol, then BACnet devices need a network to communicate. Since 1995, that has been a MSTP network which continues to serve building operators well. However, the needs of facility owners and operators have expanded beyond the capabilities of MSTP.
Needs such as greater flexibility in BAS system architecture, faster system performance, and connections to other systems called for the BAS industry as a whole to shift to IP Controllers for control and monitoring of equipment throughout the building.
That’s where BACnet/IP enters the scene. BACnet/IP is that part of ASHRAE’s BACnet standard that “describes how BACnet networks may be formed from collections of devices that use the TCP/IP family of protocols for communication.”[2]
Simply stated, BACnet/IP represents the latest Building Automation technology where IO Controllers run over IP networks with capabilities for increased energy efficiency, improved building operations, and a better occupant experience.
BACnet/IP’s Impact in Facilities
Improved Performance
We are talking speed and throughput here. Significantly faster speed of data communications across the building automation network. Speed means more data, faster. This translates into several practical benefits for building operations.
- Equipment Monitoring: When BAS IO Controllers run over IP, building engineers can track the performance of equipment with greater efficiency across more equipment than with a legacy BAS network. The benefit is richer information about actual equipment operations over time compared to expected operations. This helps to better identify equipment maintenance issues before they become equipment replacement issues.
- Graphics load faster. In some legacy systems, graphic load time can be so slow that it is just not worth it. Yet graphics are a powerful tool to allow any operator on any shift to quickly identify building issues that may require a fast response.
- Trend reports run faster. Trend reports are valuable but they take a lot of data. When trend reports are easy to access, they are more likely to be used. They are an important tool in looking at the health and energy consumption of a building over the long-term.
- BAS Data Exports. Operators are often called on to report building data for ESG purposes. These data exports simply run faster when IO Controllers communicate over IP. Operators can meet the reporting requirement efficiently and consistently.
- 3rd Party Mobile App & Software Integration. There are many 3rd party mobile apps and software that add value to building operations. These all need data from the BAS. IP opens the door to greater usage of these mobile tools for increased energy efficiency, building performance tracking across multiple properties, meeting ESG objectives, and much more.
Robust & Reliable
BAS IP IO Controllers communicate over ethernet cable, whereas legacy BAS MSTP Controllers communicate over 485 twisted pair. Structured cabling of IP networks is far more reliable, especially due to the RJ 45 connectors. These connectors for terminations to IP controllers and devices are simply more reliable than twisted pair terminations. The reliability of cabling greatly reduces the prevalence of system communication issues caused by wiring issues. And, reliability begets robustness because the system is up and running more of the time, with fewer system outages. And that’s what building operators want. A system that works. It’s a simple thing, yes. But a huge benefit to building operators and occupants.
A roadmap is key when upgrading to BACnet/IP
Migrating your existing BACnet to BACnet/IP with IP IO Controllers is about working with a BAS system integrator who will show you how to plan the migration, accounting for the needs of your occupants and operations team, your budget, and the needs of your building. These factors should dictate the pace of the migration on a clearly laid out roadmap. A good roadmap will spell out what parts of the building will be upgraded from BACnet to BACnet/IP and how the existing network and new IP Controllers can coexist. This is one of the biggest keys to executing your migration as your budget allows. To develop the upgrade roadmap, your system integrator should listen to you, make recommendations in your best interest, and give you all the information and support you need to feel confident in the migration to IP and its potential for building operation enhancements. The right system integrator who will help you develop that roadmap is the key to success.
SOURCES
[1] “BACnet: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions,” http://www.bacnet.org, April 2022
[2] “BACnet/IP Tutorial,” http://www.bacnet.org
Coming in Part 2
Learn about the possibilities of Adaptable Architecture, Advanced Applications, and Collaborative Security associated with IP Building Automation. Hear about impressive results seen in Education and Commercial Office Buildings from the application of IP Building Automation.
