By BRYAN CHRISTIANSEN, CEO, Limble CMMS
Building automation is crucial for asset management as organizations focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of facilities.
A popular trend now in building automation is utilizing wireless technology in HVAC systems. These technologies are instrumental for streamlining the control and monitoring of the performance of different devices within the facility. Wireless HVAC devices are simpler to install and eliminate complex and expensive wiring systems.
Wireless technologies continue to evolve by the day.
Modern wireless solutions for HVAC systems are reliable and secure. They are built on traditional automation systems that were focused on enhancing communication and remote access through different sensors. Current wireless solutions offer better reliability and security, thanks to advanced sensor standards, better equipment and communication protocols.
Early breakthroughs in wireless technology for HVAC systems leveraged Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for limited point-to-point communication. Wireless mesh infrastructure is beneficial as more companies embrace the need for building automation. The different devices of the HVAC system boost the radio signal strength as it travels through the network. The mesh network accommodates additional devices and can automatically reconfigure and reroute communication pathways, creating the requisite redundancy to optimize the efficiency of HVAC systems. Such networks also are continuing to evolve, giving rise to self-healing networks that prove vital for signal transmission through obstructions in buildings.
Of course, HVAC automation is not limited to the above-mentioned technologies, alone.
Zigbee, EnOcean and Z-Wave technologies enjoy widespread popularity and integration in HVAC control and automation. Zigbee, in particular, has a better communication range and builds on the deficiencies of standard wireless networks. HVAC automation is likely to see better advancements with the gradual growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). As the IoT expands, it will integrate well with existing HVAC control technologies and will be instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and quality of data collection for improving equipment performance for ultimate indoor comfort.
Benefits Of Wireless Technology In HVAC Applications
The penetration of these technologies in HVAC automation offers several advantages for the organization. The shift from wired connections provides reliable means for operating, maintaining and monitoring the performance of different HVAC devices cost-effectively. But how vital are the intelligent wireless sensors and mesh networks for HVAC applications?
Improved energy consumption
Energy consumption is a hot topic in all sectors of the economy. Cutting down energy costs translates to huge financial savings. As building automation gains popularity, players in the industry are keen on reducing HVAC-related energy usage. What better way to do that than effectively monitoring the energy consumption of different devices? Through wireless technologies, facility managers can remotely control the turning on or off of HVAC systems in response to the prevailing temperature conditions. Manufacturers develop relevant mobile applications that facilitate remote communication between equipment sensors and smart devices (mobile phones or laptops). That way, facility managers can turn off HVAC units whenever necessary.
The advanced temperature sensors monitor the quality of indoor air and measure qualities like humidity, concentration and temperature before adjusting HVAC devices accordingly. Rooms with less occupancy do not require excessive air conditioning like crowded ones. Wireless technology facilitates the automatic operation and prioritization of devices. They reduce the effort and the energy consumption for unoccupied spaces and balance energy consumption and performance in crowded areas.
Also, wireless sensors require little energy for their operation. When dealing with traditional wired systems, there are significant energy losses due to the internal resistance of the cables. It increases energy consumption if the facility contains several pieces of HVAC equipment. IoT sensors enable companies to collect, relay and store sufficient data. They utilize it to evaluate energy efficiencies of HVAC devices depending on their brands, age and frequency of operations. That way, they can eliminate energy-intensive HVAC units.
Easy and flexible installation
Installing wired HVAC systems is hectic, costly and time-consuming. Technicians must drill through walls or modify structural components to accommodate lengthy electrical cables and auxiliary devices. Such installations are accompanied by expensive repairs or retrofitting of buildings. Imagine the level of frustration that maintenance teams go through to identify and replace damaged wire sections.
In contrast, installing wireless HVAC systems is simple and requires a fraction of time. Technicians spend the bulk of installation time configuring the wireless mesh network gateways. Afterward, the installation technicians mount and fasten HVAC devices accordingly. Commissioning time is even shorter. The absence of complex wiring diagrams also eliminates the need for manual inspection of connections and inputs. Wireless systems utilize software solutions for inspection and configuration verification. Few models permit remote and smart commissioning.
In some situations, companies move HVAC systems to different locations within the facility. Some units require retrofitting due to age or other inefficiencies. In the case of wired systems, the facility has to endure significant downtime when this happens. Wireless systems are more flexible, and companies can relocate them quickly without affecting routine workflows. There is also little contamination of internal spaces when installing or transferring wireless HVAC devices.
Enhanced user experiences
The flexibility of wireless HVAC systems is not limited to installations and relocations, alone. Automated controls improve user experiences ranging from how they interact with devices to ways for diagnosing and repairing HVAC devices. Wireless technologies are compatible with mobile technologies and facilitate remote control and adjustment of room conditions.
Owners access valuable performance data and can identify the relationship between peak device operation and energy costs. Integrating IoT technology means customers can receive lifetime equipment support from the manufacturer or vendor. It facilitates remote troubleshooting to minimize downtime. Individuals do not need to be present on location to adjust the desired room conditions. They can also shut down devices after long hours of use without occupancy.
Wireless Technology And Proactive Maintenance
HVAC devices require timely and accurate maintenance that extends their durability and optimizes overall equipment efficiency. As building automation systems evolve, facility managers and homeowners shift from reactive maintenance and adopt proactive maintenance strategies that are data-driven. Wireless technology is incomplete without the use of sensors. Advanced IoT sensors collect vast amounts of data that technicians analyze to monitor the health of diverse components of the HVAC system.
With the right tools and communication architecture, owners and facility managers can establish predictive maintenance strategies to ensure they identify and intercept equipment defects before they cause failure. They can also use the data to streamline preventive maintenance activities and reduce the probability of failures.
Summing Up
Automating HVAC applications using wireless technology is a work in progress. Strides made so far are proving beneficial for residential and commercial buildings. The technologies enhance the performance and efficiency of different devices. As wireless technologies advance, HVAC devices will become more sustainable, secure and cost-effective. And these technologies will present even more opportunities for facility automation well beyond HVAC applications.
The author is founder and CEO of Limble CMMS, a maker of computerized maintenance management system software that helps managers organize, automate, and streamline maintenance operations.