The ‘ Internet of Things ’ does not function without the right collection and analytical tools to interpret and use the information intelligently .

IoT can be defined as a network of physical devices that can connect and collect data . These ‘ things ’ could be anything from machinery equipment in a factory right through to a kettle in the office . According to Gartner , the American information technology research and advisory company , approximately 6.4 billion connected ‘ things ’ will be in use worldwide during 2016 , up 30 per cent from 2015 , and will reach 20.8 billion by 2020 .

The capabilities of smart devices are increasing all the time and this is due to the advancing Internet connectivity of such products . By providing useful data from the Building Management System ( BMS ) to energy and facilities managers over the web to remote PCs , tablets and smartphones , these devices can be used to collate Big Data . This , in turn , can be stored in the cloud and made readily available for collation and analysis to improve energy management , facilitate better maintenance and repair regimes , and help end users improve how they utilise their buildings .

Increased device-to-device communication is an important role within modern building management systems .

Speaking your language

Increased device-to-device communication is an important role within modern building management systems . Convergence is the hot topic at the moment and we are seeing a high number of devices and control systems using the internet protocol alongside traditional protocols for communication , such as BACnet and Modbus . This makes it easier to build , extend and increase the range and capabilities of a unified , integrated system .

Due to this , wireless variations of intelligent control devices are becoming much more readily available and connected to Internet based communication protocols . When our wireless sensor system , SonNet was first launched seven years ago , receivers collected data from the network and communicated them in 0-10Vdc output to the controller . Over time a receiver compatible with a JACE controller through a Niagara framework was developed and shortly after a gateway called SIP was launched making SonNet network compatible with Trend systems . This year , Sontay launched the new RF-RX-B SonNet receiver , which allows easy integration to BACnet controllers . The RF-RX-B Network Radio receiver automatically maps data from SonNet devices into BACnet objects , which are transmitted via BACnet IP communication protocol , using a simple web browser interface . As a result , with this new network receiver , a SonNet network can now easily be integrated into a BMS via BACnet IP .

It ’ s all about the data

However , it is not just about devices working together ; the Internet of Things is also about the data that can

be accessed . Here , sensors play the vital role . They are inherently smart , measuring , analysing and evaluating all sorts of building performance data and making this information available to the control system . By pulling together this information and using it to determine the actions of connected devices , we can create a truly ‘ smart ’ system . Cloud based applications are key to using this data . The ‘ Internet of Things ’ does not function without the right collection and analytical tools to interpret and use the information intelligently .

In the UK , many building control systems operate using either BACnet or Modbus networks . However , there are very few sensing devices that communicate directly with these protocols . This means that system integrators would need to install a gateway to connect the whole system . By selecting a sensor that can communicate with either protocol it makes systems easier to connect , configure and operate . It will save installation time as well as provide better communication with the rest of a building ’ s control system , helping it make intelligent choices .

These smart sensors are also able to monitor a number of variables , thus offering total environmental sensing in one single space or plant housing and minimise dreaded wall acne created with multiple devices . This type of sensor can measure temperature , RH , CO2 , CO , air quality , light level and occupancy and even offer user interface options such as set point , fan speed and momentary switches . Traditional sensors require up to nine cable inputs into the controller but smart sensors only require one cable connection . By installing just one smart sensor , system integrators and building owners can reduce installation time , simplify the configuration process and still have reliable monitoring for several variables .

Within the modern building , we are looking for sensors that are intelligent , open and always online . The data they collect and communicate in our increasingly converged and integrated building controls world will become ever more important as they fulfil their demanding role . This in turn will help us to manage buildings better and drive energy efficient improvements . This is the new world and , as an industry , it is time we embraced it .

36 | May 2017