Trying to remind myself to think outside the box, so here goes...

A technology exists for the trucking industry where sensors monitor key engine parameters and transmit the data via satellite to the trucking control center. This data is reviewed to determine possible maintenance, repairs, operator inefficiency etc. I think this same real time data tracking technology could be used on building HVAC systems, to provide extremely timely service to the owner (hey, your filters need replaced... hey, your compressor just died...,hey, your coil is leaking water etc.). We could show up with the right size filters, the right compressor and maybe even a new coil. Internet transmission (instead of satellite), might work just as well in most developed areas. We could know our customer's needs even before they knew. Possibly replacing the need for building operators in some cases. Great service opportinuty. A different twist than trying to tap into the BAS front end. thoughts?

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2000

Answers

Most BAS controlers can do this is it is programed into the system. We need a front end that we monitor that will receive the alarms from the BAS.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2000

Actually, this thread spurs me to another level. Wireless technology seems to be exploding around us. Can we incorporate a wireless control system in buildings? Instead of spending money installing hard wires, how about transmitters at the point of use. Is digital technology at the point where this can be done cost effectively? I am not an expert at shortwave radio / wireless technology - thoughts?

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000

There is some controls that is wireless but it is not cost effective. While it seems like a good idea the cost of running wires is not that much if the system is laid out is a logical manner (something that is not always done). With a wireless system the problems that I see is with interference. A way to overcome this is through a technique know a spread-spectrum (chancel hopping). This is used in car phones and if you have one you know that sometimes there is problems.The idea of a wireless system is great if the cost could be at a level that makes it competitive with hard wire systems.

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2000

I just read an interesting article related to our discussion on this topic Wednesday. It's about Internet Conectivity for BAS in the May issue of Engineered Systems. You may want to give it a read.

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2000

Hey guys. Sorry I'm not very active on here anymore - kind of buried. The use of wireless connectivity is starting to grow and will very quickly become the cost effective approach to networking. (We're using a 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Radio here at the FAB23 site to connect to the internet & Southland WAN) I think the way to make this a cost effective approach for buildings would be to combine the controls system installation, with the building TELCO installation. As more progressive companies are looking for mobility IN the office, the backbone for the contols system would already be in place. The problem is bandwidth. Right now the most you can reasonably get out of a wireless LAN application is 11 Mbit, compared to the 100 Mbit with FastEthernet, or more with Fiber, etc. the wireless doesn't hold up yet. It is nice to be able to go anywhere in a building with your laptop, though, and always be conncted.

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2000