Building Automation Systems consists of the networking of electronic devices designed to monitor and control the mechanical, security, lighting, HVAC and humidity control and ventilation systems in building such as:
New energy efficient buildings and the improvement of existing ones are arguably the most important initiatives we can take to reduce energy consumption and limit CO2 emissions.
Energy in these buildings is mainly used for lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, heating, refrigeration, lifts and motors. The majority of these buildings already exist, so there are great opportunities to improve their energy performance through targeted initiatives, upgrades and retrofitting. To meet the mandatory requirements for energy saving, building owners must comply with efficiency improvement regulations.
Predictive maintenance and energy saving are probably the most important issues for improving the efficiency of machinery and reducing overall energy consumption and production downtime.
The continuous and efficient operation of equipment is a crucial element in optimising and reducing energy use. In particular, preventing equipment failure through predictive maintenance is very cost effective, both in terms of production output efficiency and in terms of operating costs. High energy users are: motors, electric heaters, lighting systems, air-conditioning units and compressors; all these have to be monitored and optimised in order to reduce energy consumption.
The accurate measurement of energy consumption is the first step in the collection and analysis of the information required for effective energy management. Information about the quality of the power used can improve on-site efficiency and facilitate troubleshooting in the case of any problem to the electrical installation.
In many commercial buildings the need to control and measure the energy consumption of single users is becoming more important for an accurate cost allocation. Our energy meters and data logging systems provide information so that operators can identify consumption trends and take corrective action.
By analysing the energy consumption profile, operators can also aggregate loads and negotiate more favourable tariffs with utility companies. Alarm thresholds can be set to warn if preset limits are reached, so that corrective action can be taken. Real-time power consumption monitoring allows energy managers to anticipate overloads, avoid circuit breaks and not exceed contractual tariffs.
You can now monitor in detail each single load of the installation thanks to the new Quick-fit energy meters EM270/271/280. These meters can manage 2 current inputs, so they can monitor 2 three-phase loads at the same time, or 6 single-phase channels. In addition, compact 3-phase current transformers contribute to a smart and rational use of the available space in any switch board, while pre-assembled groups of 3 miniature split-core current allows retrofitting in all the more complex situations. Finally 6-channel current sensing units (with solid- or split-core) allow to extend the granularity of the energy information to each branch of the electrical installation.
The user can program a very simple on/off, create automation to save energy, or define scenarios for any and every situation or mood. The automation can utilize movement / presence sensors which make the light switch on only when it is really needed. It can also be managed by lux sensors which allows the light to be on only if the ambient light is below a predefined level.
t It can also enrich offices with a constant light feature. Furthermore, the light can be turned on/off at predefined hours with the scheduler and managed with a timer suited to every situation (stairs, wardrobe, corridors, etc). And of course it can all be managed remotely with a smart device.
The temperature control function has been developed to suit the needs of both small homes and big buildings thanks to the management of independent zones. The number of zones can be from one to virtually infinite, since they are programmed via software. The heating and cooling control can be used on all types of systems (floor systems, radiators, fan coils, etc) and it is based on a PID algorithm.
Easy zone can manage up to three different setpoints to find the best temperature in each situation (comfort, activity, economy) in order to have very efficient temperature control. the selection of the three setpoints is managed by a powerful calendar. The temperature sensors can also be integrated into the light switches, providing an invisible solution. Temperatures and setpoints are, of course, accessible using smart devices.
The intruder alarm function advises the homeowner about an intrusion attempt by sending an email, sms, or activating a siren output. It can also be monitored by mobile phones, tablet PCs. It is managed by zones, giving the maximum or where predefined areas have special access. It can be activated by a code, using the keypad or a smart device.
The smoke alarm function detects the presence of smoke, activating a siren and advising the user by sms, email or the web server. The water leakage alarm function detects the presence of leaking water and can accordingly close the relevant electro-valve. Like the other two alarms, this function can be controlled and monitored remotely via the web server, with the maximum simplicity and reliability.
The roller blind and window control functions manage AC and DC motor control of shade and window opening/closing. The user can move these manually, using the same kind of switches as used for light, or have themautomatically moved according to predefined light levels, rain and wind presence, temperatures and the scheduler.
The smart house system also manages curtains with tilting flaps in a very efficient way. The blinds and windows can be controlled individually or by group: this can be defined once the installation is finished and at any time later. Like all the other smart house functions, this one can also be monitored and controlled remotely via smart devices..
One click to do many things
The Sequences is a powerful tool offered by the smart house system: the user can put together the functions already created to activate/deactivate them with just one click. For example, when the homeowner activates the "Good bye" sequence when exiting his home, the intruder alarm is activated, all the lights are switched off, all the blinds go down and the temperatures are set to the economy level. in the same way, when he/she comes back home, by activating the "Welcome" sequence all the required
lights are switched on, the blinds go up, soft music or the television can be turned on, and so on...there are no limits to the possibilities offered by the smart house system. Waking up in the morning can be programmed to be very gentle in a smart house: the blinds go up to a predefined level very slowly so that the light intensity is not too strong, soft music starts and the temperature is programmed to reach the comfort level required.
Energy monitoring and data logging
The smart house system reads and logs the electrical values and displays them in graphics, comparing them with the previous day, or presents them in downloadable excel and csv files. The reading can be done using:
Carlo Gavazzi energy meters: the information is sent via the RS485 bus. The SH2WEB can read data from the following energy meters: EM21, EM23, EM24, EM26, EM33, EM11x.
The Dupline output modules with energy reading capability (dimmer module, DIN-rail relay module and wireless relay output module): the information is sent via the Dupline bus.
The Dupline DIN-rail pulse counter connected to an energy meter: the information is sent via the Dupline bus.
At the same time, the installer can create simple logic to switch the loads off automatically if the consumed power exceeds the pre-set threshold, or they can be activated only according to a defined time table at cheaper electricity tariffs. In the same user friendly format, the home owner can also view the consumption of gas and water. As with all the electrical values, the smart house system can log any analogue value and present it in graphs.
The graphs and instant values can be seen by using smart devices such as mobile phones, tablets, PCs.
One of the most innovative features is that no addressing of modules is needed: the installer just has to mount all the modules, launch a network scan and the system will find and automatically recognise the connected devices without the need to go around the whole installation making association or addressing. This means time and cost savings and an error free configuration process.
The configuration of the system is easily carried out with the free SH tool that is downloadable here. The software has been developed using a state of the art concept in order to have a user friendly interface that guides the user in a fast and error free system configuration.
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