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Open Systems Integration Through LonWorks and BACnet

Overview:  Today's building automation systems are utilizing an "Open Architecture" design.  Open systems provide a solution to building owners by allowing multiple vendors and manufacturers to freely communicate through system integration.  In the past, the centralized systems (HVAC, security, lighting, elevators, etc.) could only communicate through gateway devices and operated as "Individual Islands".  Although this method is still widely employed today, it provides limited functionality and may "trap" building owners into using a single proprietary source for installation and service needs.  The benefits of an open system are extremely desirable and readily apparent to engineers, owners and property developers. 

Benefits:

• Reduce Installation Costs.  Installing independent systems requires an infrastructure to be provided for each system.  By specifying an open control system, multiple vendors may be able to utilize a single communications backbone and operator workstation.  Open systems may also reduce the total number of devices needed for an installation (i.e.. HVAC and Lighting Control might use the same occupancy sensors).

• Promote Competitive Pricing.  Building owners can capitalize on the competition between both manufacturing vendors and distributors.  After the initial installation, often a sole proprietary vendor can dictate pricing for maintenance and expansion of the existing project. 

Protocol Implementation

One key to making open systems work is the ability of devices to communicate with each other.  The older systems utilized a client server architecture, which relied on the server to control communication to all of the client nodes.  If the main server device fails, communication stops to all clients.  More modern systems utilize  peer to peer networking architecture, which allows any device on the network to initiate communications.  This provides a more stable network, where failure of one device does not disrupt all network communications.  The two main protocols adopted by the Building Controls Industry and Consulting Engineers are LonWorks and BACnet.

LonWorks was developed by the Echelon Corporation.  All Lon Works devices are manufactured with a Neuron communications chip.  This chip identifies the node on the network and allows the device to use the Lon Works Protocol to share information with other LonMark Compliant devices.  The use of LonMark Compliant devices guarantees that products from different manufacturers installed on the same network will communicate and interact  without the need for gateways.

BACnet was developed by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).  BACnet specifies common functions such as: analog and binary inputs, output and values; control loops; schedules; etc, that universally apply to the HVAC Industry.  The protocol came into wide use in 1996, by a large number of mechanical equipment manufactures and controls system vendors.  The use of BACnet devices provides for a strong level of interoperability between various manufacturers devices.

With the ongoing needs to cut overhead costs and control energy consumption, properly designed Building Automation Systems are becoming an increasingly vital component of efficient buildings.  There are many protocols and integration tools available today that economically meet building owners needs and desires.  For more information about these systems please contact us directly, or visit any of the websites listed below.

             www.bacnet.org                                                   www.echelon.com
             www.bacnetassociation.org                               www.lonmark.org
             www.tridium.com                                                 osa.echelon.com

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