Technology Trends in Building Automation Systems

Andover Controls Corporation

1990• Independent Systems

• Multiple Operating Systems

• Firmware

• Dial-up—modems

• Proprietary Networks

• Proprietary Databases

• Proprietary GUIs

2000• Integrated Systems

and Interoperability

• Windows NT

• Software

• WANs and Communications via the Internet

• Standard Networks (Ethernet TCP/IP)

• Open Databases

• Open GUIs - Web Browser Interface

Technology Trends in Building Automation Systems

Communicationand Networking

• Ethernet has emerged as the standard “system level” network.

– Universal acceptance—It’s here to stay.– Low cost that continues to drop.– High performance that continues to improve.– It’s becoming a utility like electricity.

• Continuum controllers reside directly on Ethernet and use the TCP/IP protocol. No gateways—true controller support of Ethernet.

• “Use an existing corporate network.” Allows controllers to connect to an existing, shared Ethernet infrastructure for lower overall system cost and easier network management.

(Supports 4 Million Nodes on Ethernet)Continuum System ArchitectureScalable across LANs and WANs

Ethernet

Integrated Systems

Tangible Benefits

Today, HVAC, security, access control, lighting, and reporting can be effectively integrated into a single system.

• In many facilities costs can be reduced and facilities management can be streamlined with integrated systems. Benefits include:

– Coordinated control strategies:• Equipment alarms can be reported to

security desk after hours.• Lighting can be controlled to respond to

security breaches.– Information can be used for dual purposes.– A single network infrastructure for both

systems.– Training and support of a single system.

Standards and Interoperability

BACnet and LonWorks®

• Andover is committed to providing interoperability solutions.

• We have been a pioneer in integrating our systems with other manufacturer’s intelligent devices.

• Andover Controls has been a member of the BACnet committee since 1987 and is an active supporter and developer of BACnet solutions.

• Andover offers BACnet and LonWorks solutions today.

BACnet and LonWorks®

• Primary controllers (CXs) can communicate using BACnet protocol via a factory installed option.

• Continuum software has been designed on the BACnet messaging structure to communicate via BACnet protocol.

– Upcoming versions will communicate with other manufacturer’s workstations and directly to other BACnet devices.

• Primary controllers can integrate with LonWorks networks via an optional LonMark communication port. Supports all LonMark SNVTs. Up to 4,096 variable capacity.

BACnet and LonWorks®

• Neither of these technologies tell the whole story. One single protocol solution does not exist.

• Beyond BACnet and LonWorks, there are other networks and protocols that need to be addressed to provide integrated BAS solutions.

• Our product philosophy is focused on providing highly flexible interoperability solutions—not adherence to a single protocol.

• Solutions that allow you to embrace BACnet, LonWorks, and other networks as well as legacy systems.