INTELLIGENT BUILDING

SYSTEMS
REPORT 2

MANDEEP SINGH BMSA/16/416/4B

[Email address]
 INTELLIGENT BUILDING SYSTEMS
The next level of building automation and integration is becoming known as a
Intelligent building(IB) systems. While the term IB has been used in industry in
early 1980s, a standard industry wide accepted definition does not exist.
Nevertheless one of the earliest definitions of IB comes from the European
Intelligent Buildings Institute, which described it as being one that “creates a new
environment which maximizes the effectiveness of the facility occupants while at
the same time enabling efficient management of resources with minimum lifetime
costs of hardware and facilities” (cited in Sherbini & Krawczyk, 2004, p. 137). The
focus on facility services in a BACS moves in IB to the needs of the occupants.
The Asian Institute of Intelligent Buildings (AIIB) extends this explanation,
adopting a definition for IB as the inclusion of nine functions, being environmental
friendliness, space management, human comfort, working efficacy, culture, image
of high technology, safety and security, construction and structure process and
finally, life cycle cost. These elements resulted in a definition that: An Intelligent
Building is designed and constructed on an appropriate selection of quality
environment modules to meet the users’ requirements by mapping with the
appropriate facilities to achieve long-term building value. (So & Wong, 2002, pp.
288-289) The evident shift in the IB industry was felt in the late 1990s, with the
increasing focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. For example, the term
“Bright Green Buildings” was introduced to indicate that a facility was both
environmentally friendly and intelligent in its output, with sustainability at its core
(Frost & Sullivan, 2008).

To address the ever broader technical and business functions in defining IB,
Kujuro (1990) summarized that an IB comprises of three key elements:

a. Highly sophisticated office automation functions relying on a facility LAN and

augmented by diverse office automation equipment

b. Advanced communications capabilities achieved through effective introduction

of digital technologies

c. Sophisticated building automation capabilities realised through effective

integration of facility management, security and energy saving systems (Kujuro,
1990).
There is no standard consensual definition of what constitutes an IB; however,
most explanations have several things in common:

a. Integrates disparate facility service systems so they can be controlled by a single

and centralized common user interface

b. Maximizes facility performance and efficiency by integrating facility service

systems such as lighting, HVAC, safety, power management, security, etc.

c. Uses a shared network for all facility-system communications

d. Provides significant benefits to facility owners, property and facility

management professionals, and its users.

e. Uses technology and strategies that add long-term, sustainable value to the
property.

BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Building Automation is monitoring and controlling a building’s systems including:
mechanical, security, fire and flood safety, lighting, heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning.

Such systems can:

 keep building climates within a specified range

 light rooms according to an occupancy schedule
 monitor energy performance and device failures in all systems
 alarm facility managers in the event of a malfunction
 A building with a building automation system (BAS) has up to 30% lower
energy and maintenance costs.
 The many benefits of a BAS may not be immediately clear until you
understand the mechanisms driving these systems.

WHAT IS BUILDING AUTOMATION?

A centralized, networked system of hardware and software that monitors and

controls a building’s facility systems (electricity, lighting, plumbing, HVAC, water
supply, etc.).
When facilities are monitored and controlled in a seamless fashion, tenants enjoy a
more comfortable working environment and facility management benefits from
sustainable practices and reduced energy costs.

THE FOUR CORE FUNCTIONS OF A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM:

 To control the building’s environment

 To operate systems according to occupancy and energy demand
 To monitor and correct system performance
 To alert or sound alarms when needed

WHAT IS MEANT BY “CONTROLLED”?

The key component in a BAS is the controller—a small, specialized computer with
various applications.

Controllers regulate the performance of various facilities within the building.

Traditionally, this includes the following:

 Electrical systems
 Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
 Lighting systems
 Mechanical systems
 Plumbing systems
 Security Systems
 Surveillance Systems

Today’s technology allows a building to learn from itself. A modern BAS monitors
facility systems, optimizes for maximum efficiency, remembers who enters which
rooms at what times, and adjusts to conserve energy. That’s why automated
buildings are called “smart buildings.”

THE EVOLUTION OF SMART BUILDINGS

Building automation has advanced just within our lifetime at a baffling rate.

1950: Automated buildings rely on pneumatic controls with compressed air.

1980s: Microprocessors move the industry from compressed air to analog then
digital controls (nothing short of a revolution).
1990s: Open protocols allow controlled facilities to actually communicate with one
another.

2000: Wireless technology allows components to communicate without cable

attachments.

TERMS TO UNDERSTAND

Building Management System and Building Control System: General terms for
systems that control a building’s facilities (not necessarily automation systems).

Direct Digital Control: Innovation in the ‘80s brought small, affordable

microprocessors enabling a digital system’s components to communicate.

Building Automation System: A subset that can be a part of the larger BMS or
BCS. Building management and building automation have so thoroughly
overlapped that the terms are used interchangeably.

Energy Management System and Energy Management Control System:

Energy consumption, metering, etc. There’s enough overlap between what a BAS
and an EMS do that we consider these terms synonymous.

Application Programming Interface: The code that defines how two or more
pieces of software communicate with one another.

With technology evolving so quickly and different countries using different terms,
but still having to communicate with one another, the terminology is bound to be in
a state of flux.

HOW DO BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS WORK?

BASIC BAS HAS FIVE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS:

1. SENSORS Devices that measure values such as CO2 output, temperature,

humidity, daylight or room occupancy.
2. CONTROLLERS The brains of the systems that take data from sensors and
decide how the system will respond.
3. OUTPUT DEVICES These carry out the commands from the controller.
Examples: relays and actuators.
4. COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS The language spoken among the
components of the BAS. Example: BACnet.
 5. DASHBOARD OR USER INTERFACE Screens or interfaces humans use
to interact with the BAS where building data are reported.

Most BAS activity takes place out of sight with controllers and output devices
hidden from view, just as wiring and plumbing.

WHAT BAS CAN DO?

 Sets up lighting and HVAC systems to operate on an intelligent/efficient

schedule.
 Tells when HVAC is running both heating and cooling, to reduce utility
costs.
 Identifies who and when someone is entering and leaving a building.

 Coordinates components and facilities to work together for greater
efficiency.
 Senses emergencies and turns off facilities that could endanger occupants.
 Alerts cameras, records activity, sends alarm and data to a security team.
 Optimizes incoming air flow to regulate air quality, temperature and
comfort.
 Detects problems (elevator stuck with people inside) and sends an alert.

THE ROLE OF CONTROLLERS

The brains of the BAS, digital controllers receive input data, apply logic (an
algorithm, just as Google does with search data) to that information, than send out
a command based on what information was processed.

HOW A DDC LOOP WORKS:

 Occupancy sensor detects a presence in the boardroom when the room is

known to be in unoccupied mode.
 Controller applies logic commanding the BAS system to change the mode
from unoccupied to occupied knowing someone is in the space.
 HVAC unit in the boardroom changes to occupied mode and will heat or
cool to pre-occupied set point or desired temperature.
WHY ARE BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS USEFUL?

 COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY

Smarter control of the building’s environment keep occupants happier. It
also reduces complaints and resolution time.
 SAVING MONEY
A BAS can save a building owner a significant amount of money on utility
bills, since a more energy-efficient building simply costs less to run.
 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
BAS efficiencies equate to a reduced environmental impact which means
better air quality for everyone.

INTELLIGENT BUILDING SYSTEMS

 Controllers
Controllers are essentially small, purpose-built computers with input and
output capabilities. These controllers come in range of sizes and capabilities
to control devices commonly found in buildings, and to control sub-
networks of controllers. Inputs allow a controller to read temperatures,
humidity, pressure, current flow, air flow, and other essential factors. The
outputs allow the computers to send command and control signals to slave
devices, and to other parts of the system. Inputs and outputs can be either
digital or analog. Digital outputs are also sometimes called discrete
depending on manufacture.
 Occupancy
Occupancy is one of two or more operating modes for a building automation
system. Unoccupied, Morning Warm-up, and Night-time Setback are other
common modes. Occupancy is usually based on time of day schedules. In
occupancy mode, the BAS aims to provide a comfortable climate and
adequate lighting, often with zone-based control so that users on one side of
a building have a different thermostat than users on the opposite side. Some
buildings rely on occupancy sensors to activate lighting and/or climate
conditioning. Given the potential for long lead times before a space becomes
sufficiently cool or warm, climate conditioning is not often initiated directly
by an occupancy sensors.
 Lighting
Lighting can be turned on and off with BAS based on time of day, or on
occupancy sensors, photo sensors and timers. One typical example is to turn
the lights in a space on for a half hour since the last motion was sensed. A
photocell placed outside a building can sense darkness, and the time of day,
and modulate lights in outer offices and the parking lot.
 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Indoor Air Quality
HVAC systems are generally controlled by building automation systems that
can:
permit individual occupants to adjust workspace temperatures (within
prescribed limits);
monitor temperatures, and adjust according to a usage profile;
adjust indoor air quality based on room occupancy and building standards;
adjust humidity, temperature and air flow speeds; and
use either variable air volume or constant volume air distribution designs.
 Elevators and Escalators
Intelligent building systems can provide occupants with improved elevator
service. Elevator control can be quite complex, particularly with multiple
elevator groupings and incorporating traffic patterns into the system. Some
elevators may be shut down for part of the day to conserve energy. Current
designs frequently include communications within the elevators to permit
the use of access control cards, and closed circuit surveillance is becoming
widespread. An effective access control system can permit dynamic changes
to user privileges so that, for example, certain floors may not be accessible
even with an approved access control card, unless there are already people
occupying that floor. Escalators can save energy by slowing down or
stopping when detectors indicate no traffic. This approach to energy savings
also benefits the mechanical components that need not run continuously.
 Distributed Building Control
Distributed controllers can provide total building automation. These devices,
which communicate using a dedicated network, allow the use of standard
access control, intrusion monitoring and surveillance devices, and can
include multiple switched inputs and outputs, analog and digital input and
output controls. The communications network can interact seamlessly with
associated video and audio switches, allowing the operator screens to be
used to select and control many different device types. The primary benefit
 of a distributed control system is the ability of individual controllers to
continue functioning when some elements of the network or main computer
fail. These controllers often interact with audio and video switches and other
building management systems.
 Intelligent Controllers
As processors and memory are built into the controllers activating HVAC
and other building systems, there are opportunities to provide closed loop
control. In traditional controllers, no response confirms that the requested
action has occurred, e.g., if the room needs heat and warm air is called for, it
is assumed that the baffle has acted as required, which is not always true.
Intelligent controllers would confirm the success or failure of the baffle
movement, closing the information loop. The intelligent controller can
perform self-diagnostics and report potential failures sometimes before they
occur, e.g., the controller can report that the actuator needed to move
multiple times before the baffle achieved the desired position, indicating a
mechanical malfunction. These controllers also function in a degraded
manner if the communications link fails. Intelligent controllers may be
applicable to any of the systems contained in, and controlled by, an
intelligent building system and can report status information to the central
control system. The same approach also allows periodic diagnostic cycles in
order to perform directed maintenance.
MAJOR ASPECTS OF INTELLIGENT BUILDING

Figure 1 Source: Author

SECURITY

The security system includes controlling access, surveillance and communication

1.1 Access control

Access control restricts how and when people enter and/or exit an area. Your
particular needs will determine how that is accomplished. Access Control Systems
allow people or vehicles into a restricted area via identification through coded
keys, magnetic cards, or biometric readers such as hand, face, voice, finger or
retina readers. These systems are used in many businesses, hotels and apartment
complexes.

1.1.1 Common Features of Access Control

1. Limit access Systems can be programmed to allow certain users to enter specific
areas only at certain times. Other users can be allowed to enter all locations at all
times.

 Security
 Telecommunication System
 Energy ManagementComfort
 Safety

2. Automating Systems can automatically lock a door or gate each evening at a

certain time and unlock it automatically at another time.

1.1.2 Working of an Access Control

1. First a barrier is needed to prevent someone from entering or exiting, such as a

locked door or gate.

2. Next a way is needed to determine who is trying to enter.

3. A credential reader is used to read the information on a key or card, to register a

combination of numbers entered on a pad or to identify some characteristic that the
user has, such as a fingerprint the shape of a hand, a pattern in the eye, etc.

4. This identifier is sent to a controller that has stored a record of those identifiers
that are authorized to enter the area.
5. If the credential holder is authorized the controller unlocks the gate or door and
the credential holder is allowed to enter.

6. In many systems a record of all authorized and unauthorized credentials is stored

in the system for future reference.

.1.2 Finger Print Lock

Finger Print Lock is easy and simple to install. It is unlocked by fingerprint or

code. It can store up to one hundred fifty finger prints.

Figure 2 Finger print lock

1.3 Voice and Video Intercom

This type of access control is most commonly used in blocks of flats or apartments,
where access to the front door needs to be controlled remotely. Communication
between the internal phone and the outside speaker is established, before
authorization to enter is granted.

1.4 Code Based Access System

A secure pin code entered onto a touch screen is required, before Access to a
controlled area is allowed.
1.5 Swipe Card Access System

Swipe Card Access System allows entrance to a secured area, through the
"swiping" of a preprogrammed card with magnetic strip through a reader.

1.6 Biometric Access System

The newest technology in access control, biometric systems verify a person's

identity, by unique physical characteristics, such as a fingerprint or retina.

LIFE SAFETY AND SURVEILLANCE

Intelligence with respect to life safety in an intelligent building consists of the use
of high technology to maximize the performance of fire alarm and security systems
while at the same time minimizing costs. Life safety factors involved in intelligent
buildings include:

Reduced manpower dependence,

Closed-circuit television,

Card access control,

Smoke detection,

Intrusion alarms,

Emergency control of elevators, doors and

Uninterruptible power supplies.

Many BAS have alarm capabilities. If an alarm is detected, it can be programmed

to notify someone. Notification can be through a compute, pager, cellular phone, or
audible alarm.

Security systems can be interlocked to a building automation system. If occupancy

sensors are present, they can also be used as burglar alarms. Fire and smoke alarm
systems can be hard-wired to override building automation. For example: if the
smoke alarm is activated, all the outside air dampers close to prevent air coming
into building, and an exhaust system can isolate the alarmed area and activate and
activate the exhaust fan to move smoke out of area. Life safety applications are
normally hard-wired to a mechanical device to override building automation
control.
2.1 Surveillance

Surveillance helps in monitoring movement within and outside a building and its
periphery through camera (Closed-Circuit Television Camera) or perimeter devices
like intrusion alarms. Also helps in alerting the security manager, in case of
violation of pre-set norms.

Figure 3 CCTV system

2.2 Safety

Life safety systems, often called “fire systems”, are typically driven by code
considerations. Security systems are required to release doors per code constraints
under emergency conditions. HVAC systems are also driven by life safety needs,
e.g., smoke extraction, stairwell pressurization and elevator recall. This system
deals with the Fire Alarm System, the Emergency Lighting, the Egress Lighting
System and the Smoke Evacuation System.

Fire protection system pumps water to the areas where the fire occurs, so as to
douse it automatically through sprinkler bulbs and also manually through the fire
brigade. Sufficient water pressure should be maintained throughout.

Early warning systems like smoke detection systems, detects the fire at a very early
stage and pinpoint to the caretaker where exactly it is occurring, so that the fire is
extinguished locally through manual fire extinguishers.
 MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Energy-effective systems balance a building's electric light, daylight and
mechanical systems for maximum benefit. Adding daylight to a building is one
way to achieve an energy effective design. And with the reduced need for electric
light, a great deal of money can be saved on energy.

A number of facility management programs are available. They vary in complexity

as well as in their ability to integrate complex systems such as:

 CAD drawing records of floor and office layouts

 Furniture inventory
 Maintenance management program
 Preventive maintenance of building structures
 Real time data acquisition on equipment run time
 Dynamic energy consumption total per tenant
 Historical data storage
 Cost control and budgetting capabilities
 Analytical programs

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Energy management forms an integral part of the Intelligent Building and should
be built to allow Real Time and dynamic interaction with the energy consuming
elements of the building.

Electrical Demand Control

No energy management program can be effective unless critical energy consuming

areas are monitored individually and allow the energy management program the
required intervention capabilities such as turning equipment on/off or limiting its
capacity where possible through electrical load shedding or load stabilization
routines.

Program Scheduling

The ability to schedule operation of any significant energy consuming equipment

on the basis of season, occupancy load, time of day, statutory holidays, daytime
natural light visibility, etc is possibly the most significant energy saving feature to
incorporate in the building.
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INTELLIGENT
BUILDING
The Intelligent Building has following advantages;

 Higher level of security and safety

 Simplified operation for users and administrators
 Simpler staff tracking
 Reduced administration costs
 Smartcards-single card for security and cash transactions
 Reduced system costs by sharing infrastructure
 Easier integration into university systems
 Information can be delivered to all the interested parties in the manner they
need 9. Increased mobility-not tied to a specialist workstation
 Training is minimised, use standard operating environments

The Intelligent Building has following disadvantages;

 Increased complexity of system

 Very high initial cost
 Normal building last longer than intelligent building

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF INTELLIGENT BUILDING

An intelligent building starts with an environmentally friendly design. It creates a
project that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient ties in closely with
many of the intelligent attributes. Intelligent buildings are designed for long-term
sustainability and minimal environmental impact through the selection of recycled
and recyclable materials, construction, maintenance and operations procedures.
Providing the ability to integrate building controls, optimize operations, and
enterprise level management results in a significant enhancement in energy
efficiency, lowering both cost and energy usage compared to non-intelligent
projects.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY BUILDING AND
INTELLIGENT BUILDING
Intelligent building adjusts the inside functional aspects such as lighting,
ventilation, air conditioning, etc. automatically with the changes in environmental
conditions controlled by computer. In ordinary building there will be different
room conditions depending on the changes in the environmental conditions.

While planning an intelligent building, a Building service engineer, an Architect &

Hardware Engineer is required, but in case of ordinary building, a Building service
engineer and an Architect is enough.

In an Intelligent Building, the security system, communication system, etc. are

coordinated and automatically controlled by computer work station.

The cost of construction of Intelligent Building is very high as compared to an

ordinary building. The development cost of an Intelligent Building is 8 - 10%
higher than that of an ordinary building. But this can be justified by the resulting
energy saving, which is only 25 – 35% of energy required by normal building.

CHALLENGES FACING INTELLIGENT BUILDING

TECHNOLOGIES
Challenges to the widespread introduction of intelligent building technologies arise
from many diverse considerations. A significant consideration is always the
financial impact, including capital costs, expense costs and revenue. Good business
practice requires that financial implications must be correctly assessed, taking into
consideration the time value of money and the effect of taxation. Low initial costs
are attractive to developers, while the owners/operators and occupants/tenants are
more interested in long term operational costs. Intelligent building technologies
offer significant opportunities to generate increased revenue. Intelligent buildings
offer more value, hence sell and/or rent for higher prices and/or more rapidly.
Financial decisions based on the comparison of alternative plans of action that
consider only initial cost will inevitably be wrong. If the revenue stream of the
alternatives is the same, then revenue can be ignored and the continuing expenses
can be factored in using the metric present worth of annual charges (PWAC). If the
alternatives are expected to generate different amounts of revenue, which will
generally be the case when intelligent building technology applications are under
consideration, the correct metric is net present value (NPV). The initial cost must,
of course, be considered, but should only be the deciding factor when the correct
metrics for the comparison of alternatives, (PWAC where expected revenue is
uniform and NPV where expected revenue varies) are the same or very close.

LIFESPAN OF INTELLIGENT BUILDING

The evolution of electronic technology is moving rapidly, with lifespans and life-
cycle times in the range of five to ten years. Buildings typically have a lifespan
between major refits of approximately 25 years, or two to three technology cycles.
A significant advantage of intelligent building technologies is the ability to
upgrade the electronics while continuing to use the cabling that is already in place.
Equipment and system vendors have an opportunity to design graceful growth into
their product evolution plans; to enable their products that are in service to be
upgraded to add the most recently introduced features and functions. Building
automation depends on many systems and components. Existing solutions will
continue to function with the current implementation and capabilities, when newer
products in the market place have displaced the installed product.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM NORMS ACCORDING TO NBC
2016
References
 Rawlson, N.K., “What are Intelligent Building Technologies”, Electronic
Design, 2006.
 Amatya S., “Intelligent Building Research, A Review”, Automation in
Construction 14”, 2005.
 “Intelligent Building”, Document and Research for Small Business and
Professionals, retrieved from
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/135019986/Intelligent-Building---DOC
 Sharma D., “Intelligent Buildings”, retrieved from
http://www.scribd.com/doc/40206748/Intelligent-Buildings-Ppt
 “Homes and Buildings”, A Magazine of the Continental Automated
Building Association, 2006.
 “Technology Roadmap for Intelligent Building”, Federal Interdepartmental
Forum of Construction, 2002.