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Technology Technik

Streamlining Data Center Infrastructure

through BACnet Protocol Integration

Optimierung der Rechenzentrumsinfrastruktur

durch Integration des BACnet-Protokolls

Data center infrastructure overview. In data center BMS, the following tasks can be BACnet protocol as Server/Master
Überblick über die Rechenzentrumsinfra- achieved through streamlined integration and
struktur. operation: BACnet can function as the master integration
1) Centralized monitoring and control protocol in a data center by serving as
Data center infrastructure includes many 2) Demand-based control the backbone for centralized control and
auxiliary systems to support IT equipment 3) Data analytics and optimization interoperability across all building and auxiliary
performance. Thus, industrial process systems 4) Integration with energy management systems systems.
include heavy-duty equipment like water pump 5) Interoperability
networks, chiller plant network, air handling This includes the following capabilities:
units (AHUs), fire pump network etc. BACnet importance in data center ƒ Unified communication layer
streamlined integration and operation BACnet acts as the primary protocol for
Building management systems may include integrating diverse subsystems and
comfort/HVAC controls, lighting controls, BACnet is the leading open protocol in BMS and applications like HVAC, chillers, lighting,
addressable fire control and monitoring systems, SCADA systems. It allows different systems and power distribution, fire safety, and energy
public address systems and central control and applications within a data center – including IT meters into a single, cohesive network. This
monitoring command center. cooling, HVAC, lighting, power systems, and eliminates silos and ensures seamless data
meters – to communicate on a single network exchange.
Electrical systems comprise Medim Voltage through integration with the BMS. This enables ƒ Centralized BMS/SCADA control
electrical systems, including substations for real-time monitoring and coordinated control, As the master system, BACnet enables the
step-down transformation, and Low Voltage reducing energy waste and improving reliability. BMS or SCADA platform to monitor and
electrical systems. control all auxiliary systems from one
BACnet supports strategies like demand-response interface, improving operational efficiency
Power billing systems include LV power and load shedding by adjusting equipment based and reducing complexity.
monitoring and billing management. on occupancy or energy demand. It provides ƒ Real-time data acquisition
detailed data (such as temperature, airflow, and BACnet provides continuous, standardized
Other auxiliary systems may include closed- power usage) for performance optimization and data streams from all connected devices,
circuit television (CCTV) systems, common-use identification ofb inefficiencies. enabling real-time visibility into temperature,
IT network infrastructure, etc. airflow, power consumption, and system
It integrates easily with BMS and EMS (Energy health.
E
The design of these types of systems – along Management System), enabling automated ƒ nergy optimization and demand
with better integration between platforms scheduling and predictive maintenance to prevent management
and streamlined infrastructure – is especially energy spikes. Being an open protocol, BACnet Through BACnet, advanced strategies like
important in mission-critical facilities like data allows devices from different manufacturers load shedding, demand-response, and
centers. In a data center, BMS and SCADA to work together, reducing duplication and predictive maintenance can be implemented
monitoring and control systems play a critical supporting holistic energy-saving strategies. across the entire infrastructure, reducing
role by providing a single, unified way to operate energy waste and operational costs.
and monitor auxiliary systems. In the context By enabling seamless communication between ƒ Scalability and vendor neutrality
of data center BMS (Building Management systems within the data center BMS, BACnet Being an open protocol, BACnet supports
System), BACnet is the preferred protocol option helps organizations implement smarter, more multi-vendor interoperability, making it ideal
thanks to its interoperability and ease of scaling. efficient energy strategies. In energy-intensive for large-scale data centers that require
environments like data centers, this leads to flexibility and future-proof integration.
I
Let’s also clarify that BACnet is an open significant cost savings and sustainability benefits. ƒ ntegration with IT and billing systems
protocol optimized for BMS controlling HVAC BACnet can interface with higher-level
and lighting, while SCADA is a broader, Using BACnet as a backbone open protocol, platforms for billing, reporting, and
industrial-focused system used for high-level various scenarios can be established within analytics, ensuring that operational data
monitoring, power distribution, and critical systems to exchange information and enable translates into actionable insights for cost
facility-wide data acquisition. control and monitoring across overall networks. management and compliance.

62 BACnet Europe Journal 44 03/26