Benefits of Building Automation Systems in Today’s World

Trends come and go, but every now and then they form the world we live in. This, of course, also refers to building automation systems. Environmental consciousness and the desire for a better future are driving the growth of smart buildings and cities. There is a lot going on right now in various fields, but all the processes are heading in the same direction: an accessible, low-emission environment, with the help of building automation systems.

What is a Building Automation System (BAS)?

A building automation system (BAS) is a system that regulates various electric, electronic, and mechanical devices in a building. It is also known as a building management system or a building control system.

It is a distributed control system that combines various types of building systems into a single centralized location. Building automation systems are mainly used to monitor the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in a building, but they are also used to control lighting, surveillance, and other building systems.

What are the Key Components of a Building Automation System?

Building automation systems may be installed during new construction or as part of a retrofitting project for an existing structure. It creates a smart building environment by combining five different component types. They are as follows -

• Controllers

This part serves as the “brain” of the building automation system. It gathers data from the various light and sound sensors before sending commands to HVAC units, security alarms, lighting systems, and other linked components.

• Sensors

Temperature, humidity, the number of people in a building, lighting levels, and other such parameters are all monitored with the help of sensors. This data is sent to centralized controllers by the sensors.

• Communication protocols

The building automation system communicates with the other components in a language that is understood by them. The most commonly used languages are BACnet and Modbus.

• Output devices

Actuators and relays respond to commands from the controller by acting in accordance with the requirements. They can, for example, lower or raise the temperature in a specific area of the building, dim lighting in empty offices, or switch on the air conditioning before people arrive at work.

• Terminal interface

This graphical user interface allows users to communicate with the building automation system. It displays data (temperature of the room, the various sensors that are activated, etc.), so that users can keep track of the building's condition or manually change some settings.

Which are the Various Systems Controlled by Building Automation Systems?

• HVAC

Building automation systems control the most energy-efficient HVAC systems. This is the most popular method for integrating building automation systems into a building's electronic and mechanical systems.

• Lighting

The lighting in a room can be regulated by building automation systems based on the number of people in the room. It can also control lighting depending on whether it's day or night.

• Security Systems

Building automation systems have the ability to monitor when security devices are enabled and when they are not. Video surveillance, keyless entry, remote access, and passcodes, are all things they can handle.

• Air Purification/Ventilation Systems

Building automation systems control air purification and ventilation, particularly in large buildings where these are absolutely important.

• Air Handlers

Building automation systems are needed for the maintenance of air handlers in specific industries, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, and nuclear power plants. Mechanized air handlers have the requisite safeguards and reinforcement to ensure the safety of staff and the surrounding public.

• Sanitization Systems

The proper operation of sterilizing or sanitization units necessitates the use of building automation systems. Automation is needed for much of what is done in such systems.

What are the Various Benefits of Building Automation Systems in Today’s World?

There are several advantages of having a well-functioning building automation system in today’s modern world. Among these advantages are the following:

• A comprehensive building automation system can monitor several systems (such as fire and flood protection, ventilation, and security) at the same time, reducing the risk of human error.
• When electronic or mechanical failures occur, a building automation system may have fail-safe mechanisms to bring the central working system back online. This is particularly critical in high-risk, dangerous work environments.
• Lockouts, which ensure that machinery doesn't turn on until it's supposed to, can be controlled by a building automation system.
• A well-integrated building automation system eliminates redundancy, which can occur when too much of a building's automation overlaps.
• It can improve the efficiency of the other systems operating within a building. Moreover, by continuous monitoring of the systems, it has the ability to minimize energy usage and, as a result, the running costs of the various systems involved.

Building Automation Systems and Energy Management Go Hand in Hand

As of 2014, more than half of the large-sized buildings in the United States (those larger than 100,000 square feet) were controlled by building automation systems. According to studies, building automation systems have shown a variety of energy savings over the last ten years, from 2010-2020. This spectrum includes no energy savings to savings of more than 30%. According to Research Dive, the global building automation system market is anticipated to surpass $142,257.3 million and surge at a CAGR of 9.9% by 2027.

Thus, without a question, building automation systems are the way of the future.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.