Smart devices using the Internet of Things are revolutionising how buildings were planned, managed and controlled traditionally. Today, these modern solutions use multiple networks that help collect, control and monitor different building systems. Building Automation Systems (BAS) have changed how buildings perform to achieve higher efficiency.

Building Automation System or Building Management Systems is a computer-based arrangement that automates energy-related functions in a building. It automates tasks like ventilation, temperature, lighting, security, and power. BAS simplifies building management by allowing centralised remote control of the building from a primary unit. It is a significant development as it helps in giving the appropriate response to accidents, security faults, ventilation and temperature problems, etc. BAS can also be modified according to specific requirements.

Building automation can enhance building management and the performance of smart buildings by offering features such as:

It can maintain the temperature of a building within the desired range.
It can ensure energy consumption in a room according to its occupants.
It can monitor the functioning of the building assets.
It can detect faults in devices.
It can raise alarms in case of any malfunctioning.

A facility with building automation often requires less energy and has reduced maintenance costs. Building automation systems use a controller, which is its vital component. It is a special kind of computer that regulates mechanical systems, electrical systems, heating and ventilation, plumbing, security and surveillance systems. These controllers get information from the sensors and process it using different algorithms. Based on the processed data, controllers direct the automation system to act in a certain way to achieve the desired targets of the users.

Building automation systems have five essential parts:

Sensors- these are devices that measure daylight, humidity, temperature, CO2 output, etc.
Controllers- as discussed above, these are computers that process the information received from various sensors and then decides how to act upon it.
Output devices- these carry out the directions of the controllers.
Communication protocols- these are a specific set of computer languages that the system uses to communicate among various sub-parts.
Dashboard- This is the user interface that displays the information for the manager. Using this dashboard, the human operators communicate with the system.

Large commercial buildings are increasingly using updated building management tools to save money, improve performance and remain sustainable. Hence, building automation is widely adopted to improve building management. Let us understand these benefits in detail.
Increased Savings

With building automation, managers will be able to understand actual occupancy and plan its HVAC mechanisms accordingly. The sensors will detect the real-time occupancy and direct the controllers to act based on that. The building can also utilise energy judiciously to offer a comfortable environment that matches the weather outside. For example, during summers, the lights will be switched on automatically a little late because of longer daylight hours. All these significantly reduce utility bills and help save a lot of money.

Environment Friendly

The most significant advantage of building automation is its positive impact on the environment. Automated buildings are energy efficient. They help improve air quality indoors, reduce energy wastage, and monitor the emission of greenhouse gases. BAS helps in achieving the sustainable goals of the property and reduces the burden on energy resources.

Higher Comfort And Productivity

Smart management of buildings ensures higher comfort of the residents as there will be lesser complaints about malfunctioning and faulty appliances. With an improved indoor environment, the health of the residents remains in good shape, which significantly boosts productivity.

Schneider Electric India offers high-quality solutions for smart buildings, like building automation systems, energy management systems, and many more. To find out more about this, visit their website today.