Legacy building automation system (BAS) infrastructure can be summed up as multiple layers of controllers wired together via various BAS-specific communications protocols. Multiple field controllers handle various sensors and command signals down at the device and equipment asset level. Above that, a supervisory building controller aggregates the data from the field controllers and typically houses graphics, scheduling, and other global functions. And in some cases, with a centralized graphic server to help visualize the status of all the devices and equipment assets.
Traditional BAS networks have existed as data silos with no industry communications standards. Without built-in Ethernet and without standards, each manufacturer was left to develop their own serial string networks and protocols, and their dominant focus was on low bandwidth communications between controllers.
The primary driver that has transformed the legacy BAS industry is the demand from increasingly savvy building owners who want to extract and use data from their BAS or standalone controllers. There is also pressure from cyber-security and IT stakeholders and analytics software cloud-based innovators. Combined, these drivers are resulting in the development of increasingly open, interoperable networks.
SensorSuite’s method of delivering innovative and integrated solutions is based on a rigorous approach. This includes extensive assessments of existing facilities, understanding current operating practices and utility usage, exploring the BAS and standalone control logic and control sequences and settings. This results in the optimal selection of the new technology or product solution.
Building owners have a range of expectations regarding their overall facilities portfolio. Some have the goal to reduce utility costs or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. While others aim to amp up visibility, control, and optimization into their entire facilities operations. There’s also an increased interest in energy and water usage benchmarking. The SensorSuite system can address all these expectations and more.
By bridging the gap between facilities managers and IT, SensorSuite clients can unlock enormous cost savings and value. The savvy ecosystem platform connects to facilities via industry standards such as BACnet and Modbus to provide a virtualized cloud-based server infrastructure.
SensorSuite’s Ecosystem Platform Controller (“the Matrix”) connects to the building equipment assets (through BAS field controllers), which are set to operate with safe, basic operating conditions by default. Once the connection is confirmed, the platform starts optimizing the performance of on-site equipment assets by leveraging additional resources made possible by SensorSuite’s cloud infrastructure. Any loss of connectivity activates an automatic fail-safe which reverts to default un-optimized safe operating conditions, allowing uninterrupted functioning of HVAC systems until the connectivity is restored.
BAS integration through the SensorSuite Matrix and the Energy Cloud Ecosystem platform provides building owners and operators with the power to visualize, control, and optimize their facilities.
