Importance of Building Automation Controllers
Programmable building automation controllers constitute the core of any building automation systems. Most of the modern day building automation controllers have the hardware capability to interface with local networks. Equipment such as chillers, air handlers, boilers, fans, lights, pumps, dampers, valves and other mechanical equipment can be scheduled and controlled according to the sequence defined by the control system designers. The T3000 is one such building automation control device which allows a building operator to manage the indoor environment of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.
Why T3000
There are number of reasons why we chose T3000 for our automation projects. The first thing we notice about T3000 is its built quality, the rubberized structure and sturdy finish gives it a premium feel. We can configure the I/O functions for any sensors by writing our own software. This is extremely useful when we are targeting a specific property of a device. The controller has a hand-off auto-switch in case there is need of troubleshooting. The RS485 connections have separate screw terminals for managing the communication channel. Building automation controllers like T3000 can be connected over LAN, Zigbee, RS485 and USB. The front-end and starter space code is open source and available over the internet.
We shall have a look at the default protocols supported by T3000 device: MODBUS & BACnet.
BACnet: BACnet is a communication protocol especially built for Building Automation applications and networks. BACNetprotocol is in existence for more than 30 years and is ISO 16484-5 compliant. The protocol outlines a set of services and rules for communicating among building equipment and devices. Data sharing and Object discovery are achieved through performing read/write functions to the specific property. It supports a number of physical layers including ZigBee, Point to point over RS-232, BACnet/IPv6 etc. We recently did an edge computing project with BACnet device.
ModBus: ModBus is one of the oldest protocols using for communication in Building automation systems. It can be termed as one of the standard communication protocols for connecting electronic devices. Openly sourced and the easiness to deploy has made ModBus extremely popular among automation system developers and electronic engineers alike. Modbus, being primarily an industry oriented protocol, finds its application in Industrial IoT. Devices communicate using ModBus protocol with a unique address. The ModBus commands can perform I/O actions and manage the value of the device registers. For more info, read one of our earlier blog on the application areas of ModBus protocol.