2011 POY Finalists: Networked BAS, EMS
Finalists in Networked Building Automation Systems/Controls, Energy Management Systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Advanced application controller
Alerton’s VLCA-1688 is an advanced application controller that includes a high-resolution, 12-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter, 32-bit processor, and real-time clock. The controller also features monitored on-board hands-off auto switches, Ethernet or MS/TP connectivity, and additional math functions that provide the ability to develop a wide range of applications. It also leverages display data channel (DDC) function blocks such as a sunrise/sunset calculator and wet bulb calculator. The MS/TP communication option allows the product to coexist with unitary controllers on the MS/TP trunk. Connectivity using BACnet/Ethernet or BACnet/IP allows flexibility and provides an increased connection speed option.
Air economizer
The EcoBreeze from APC by Schneider Electric is a modular indirect evaporative and air-to-air heat exchanger, which has the ability to switch automatically between the two cooling methods. The unit can be located outside the perimeter of a data center and leverage temperature differences between outside ambient air and IT return air to provide economized cooling. The product prevents outside air from coming into contact with the data center air, regardless of cooling mode. The device meets ASHRAE 90.1/TC 9.9 requirements for efficiency and economization with multiple frame sizes with varying voltages and phases.
Building automation controllers
CAN2GO’s line of building automation controllers support wireless mesh communication and serial link and can manage wired and wireless (EnOcean, Zigbee) end-devices at the same time. The controllers automatically convert all end-devices into BACnet objects and host a complete building automation web interface. The controllers can support HVAC and lighting applications simultaneously and offer several networking options, including wireless mesh, chain-link connections, and IP/Ethernet. Each unit supports in-node multiprotocol integration, programmability, and BACnet IP server duties. The system also supports variable air volume (VAV) functions and applications and can be programmed with real-time scripting.
www.can2go.com
Touchscreen display
The Reveal touchscreen display from Honeywell was designed and tested in part by contractors to improve ease-of-use and efficiency. The display’s features include high-definition image, full-color display, and up to three data points for continuous display, providing the ability to monitor live data. The screen measures 6 in. by 3.5 in. It has up to 150 configurable display screens and can reference up to 150 points from one or multiple controllers that are networked on any data bus in the system. It allows configuration of permission levels that limit access to system functions based on each end user’s role.
Web application
QA Graphics’ Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard (EEED) is an interactive solution for showcasing an organization’s sustainable initiatives and educating building occupants and visitors on energy-efficient practices. The educational factor allows viewers to understand how the building’s sustainable features work and how they benefit the environment. The dashboard can display real-time resource use if it is integrated into the building’s control system, and the application is editable so sustainable initiatives can be updated. The EEED can communicate with BACnet IP, BACnet MS/TP, Lon devices, or Modbus to display real-time building data in hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly increments.
Energy management system
Schneider Electric’s Cassia energy management system is an in-room energy solution for hotels and other multi-unit facilities that can increase efficiency in heating, cooling, and lighting. The system uses a customizable software interface that provides real-time energy monitoring and reporting tailored to the needs of the facility. In each room, battery-powered thermostats, lighting controls, and sensors communicate via Zigbee wireless technology. The system allows guests to control their temperature and lighting settings while in the room, and when the guest vacates the room, wireless sensors restore the temperature to the facility operator’s original settings.
www.schneider-electric.us
Solar impact sensor
The QLS60 solar impact sensor from Siemens Industry, Inc. helps building systems designers implement renewable energy strategies in new construction and remodeling projects by using solar loading data as an input for control. The sensor can be used as a reference sensor in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning control schemes where compensating for solar radiation is required, especially in buildings with extensive exposure to sunlight. Solar thermal hot water systems and window blind controls can also be regulated by input from this sensor. The sensor is also useful for acquiring LEED points per USGBC standards.
www.usa.siemens.com
CO2 sensors
The Veris Industries CWLP Series is a line of CO2 sensors with embedded BACnet and Modbus communication protocols that give a more direct communication to the controller. These nondispersive infrared analyzers (NDIR) measure CO2 levels in ventilation systems and indoor living spaces. They connect to the facility’s automation system, alerting when CO2 levels are too high and triggering an inflow of fresh air to stabilize the environment. The sensors are configurable to multiple baud rates, and they can also act as humidity and temperature sensors. There is an adjustable setpoint relay, setpoint slider, and override button for local input.
Redundancy controller
WAGO Corp.’s 750-882 Ethernet 2.0 media redundancy controller provides two redundant networks via dual, independent Ethernet interfaces without additional hubs or switches, which can help increase the reliability of critical applications within building automation networks. With this simultaneous media redundancy, networks are accessible through two different IP addresses and MAC IDs; independent Ethernet ports permit redundant connection of two transmission paths. Designed for fieldbus communication via Modbus/TCP, the product can process 1000 instructions in less than 235 microsec. It also accommodates HTTP, BootP, DHCP, DNS, and FTP. This flexibility supports energy solutions, such as three-phase power measurement modules.
www.wago.us
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