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Why It Makes Sense To Merge IT and BMS

This document discusses the benefits of merging building management systems (BMS) with information technology (IT) networks. It argues that integrating BMS controllers and interfaces with an existing IT network can reduce infrastructure costs, provide more flexibility in where system supervisors can be placed, and take advantage of the high data transmission speeds of modern IT networks. Recent products from BMS manufacturer Trend have made it easier for BMS systems to connect directly to Ethernet networks. While the IT network would serve as the "backbone" connecting BMS components, the systems would continue using their own proprietary protocols, maintaining functionality while gaining the efficiencies of the IT network.

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64 views1 page

Why It Makes Sense To Merge IT and BMS

This document discusses the benefits of merging building management systems (BMS) with information technology (IT) networks. It argues that integrating BMS controllers and interfaces with an existing IT network can reduce infrastructure costs, provide more flexibility in where system supervisors can be placed, and take advantage of the high data transmission speeds of modern IT networks. Recent products from BMS manufacturer Trend have made it easier for BMS systems to connect directly to Ethernet networks. While the IT network would serve as the "backbone" connecting BMS components, the systems would continue using their own proprietary protocols, maintaining functionality while gaining the efficiencies of the IT network.

Uploaded by

amhosny64
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Why it makes sense to merge IT and BMS
IT networks and building management systems are normally kept completely separate. BMS
manufacturer Caradon Trend Ltd, believe there is a good case for bringing them closer together.
A modern BMS generally comprises a number of distributed, intelligent controllers (of which there
can be hundreds or even thousands) plus one or more operator interfaces. On the vast majority of
installed systems, the controllers and user interfaces are connected to a private communications
network that exists separate from the other building services. On large systems this is likely to
be made up of a number of inter-linked local area networks (LANs).
Apart from in small buildings, at least one of the operator interfaces usually takes the form of a
Windows-based software package running on a standard PC. It seems an obvious step,
particularly when the potential benefits are considered, to make this supervisory software part of
the IT system. Such a move would involve the IT network taking on the role of the BMSs
communications backbone - ie, serving as the internetwork that connects together the
supervisors and controller LANs.
A system supervisor can be placed wherever there is a data port, which effectively means
anywhere in the building. This feature is especially important when office layouts are changed
and people moved around, which in modern buildings happens increasingly frequently.
The high data transmission speeds provided by IT are especially significant in those cases where
the BMS has an extensive monitoring role - which more and more do - and data traffic to the
system supervisor can reach high levels. For instance, a power failure in a big building could
result in hundreds of system generated alarms all occurring simultaneously. For Ethernet, which
is the basis for most IT networks and which has a speed of 100mb/s, this sort of situation
presents no problem at all.
Integration with IT also makes it easier to provide access to the BMS to those people who
ordinarily never go anywhere near it - and may even be unaware of its existence - but who could
benefit say from a facility which enables them to view system monitored data, such as the
temperature level in their workspace, and where appropriate make changes to setpoints. This
could be achieved using very simple software applications. Indeed, the IT network could provide a
convenient medium for channelling BMS gathered data to a variety of applications - eg, for
sending utility meter readings to an accounts package.
The bringing together of IT and BMS technology has already happened on a number of sites -
among them Eurotunnels UK terminal. The latter covers 600 acres and has 20 main buildings, all
of which are fitted with Trend intelligent controllers. The terminals Ethernet network is being used
to link up the controller LANs to create a centrally monitored, site-wide building management
system.
This integration of IT and BMS has several advantages. For a start, by obviating the need for a
separate BMS internetwork, it reduces infrastructure costs - a saving that is likely to be
appreciable on large sites with many buildings. There may also be no need to invest in separate
communication links in those situations where a number of sites are remotely monitored from a
central supervisor, which is typically done via modem over leased telephone lines. It is probable
that the necessary links already exist as part of the IT network, possibly in the form of ISDN
(soon it may be the Internet).
However, the most compelling argument in favour of integration is not that it cuts costs. Its
principal selling point is that it enables the BMS to take advantage of the IT systems flexibility
and high-speed.
Integration is set to become much more commonplace now that BMS manufacturers are
developing products which make it easier to achieve. Trend, for instance, has developed a device
that allows a much more plug-and-play approach when connecting a controller LAN to Ethernet.
Called an EINC, it has two Ethernet connectors - one for twisted pair wiring and one for other
media like fibre optic and co-axial cable. Trend has also made it simpler to link its 945 system
supervisor to Ethernet. Connection no longer requires a serial port server but can be effected
directly through a PC network card.
The normal operation of an IT network is in no way affected by its use for BMS traffic. Nor does
integration compromise the functionality or essential features of the building management
system. This is because the BMS continues to use its own proprietary messaging protocol, the
IT network merely acting as a transport medium - albeit a very efficient and flexible one. Also,
integration only occurs at the systems management level - where it is needed - not at the field
and control network levels. Keeping matters simple means that the end-user enjoys all the
benefits yet loses nothing.

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