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Technology

Converting BAS Devices into Cloud-Connected

Assets

In a building automation system (BAS), integrating amount of confusion about their meaning and For smaller systems, users can incorporate a
cloud computing with IoT technologies enables on-site applications. cloud-connected BACnet controller, such as
scalable, remote monitoring and control of Contemporary Controls’ BASpi-Edge, with a
systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, such as
However, systems integrators often face services over the Internet. Cloud computing Microsoft’s Azure IoT central as shown in Figure 1.
challenges in determining the data transfer services – including storage, networking,
method to the cloud and accessing the data once databases, virtual machines, and other IT The BACnet Edge Controller acts as a smart
it’s resident in the cloud. This article explains how infrastructure – are offered by providers, such bridge between a BAS (that uses BACnet
BACnet Edge controllers can leverage proven as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft protocol) and the cloud. It connects to BACnet
security protocols, such as SSL/TLS encryption, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), usually for devices, such HVAC as systems, lighting controls,
and open Internet of Things (IoT) messaging a fee. Cloud services also expand the traditional sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy),
protocols, such as MQTT, to enable secure IT offerings to include Internet of Things (IoT), and access control systems. For devices that do
cloud connections to software-as-a-service machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence not support BACnet, such as Modbus chillers,
(SaaS) platforms. With this configuration, users (AI). boilers, or HVAC units, a gateway can bring them
can upload data to the cloud for remote access, into the BAS, making each device appear as an
dashboard visualization, trend and performance IoT refers to a network of physical devices that individual BACnet device. The controller collects
analysis, alarm notifications, and monitoring are embedded with sensors, software, and data from these devices and pushes it to the
from any location. Additionally, this connection network connectivity. These devices, also known SaaS platform.
converts BAS devices which are attached to the as “smart objects,” can collect and share data
controller into cloud-enabled assets, allowing for and automatically make decisions or trigger The controller can also send commands back
centralized management and remote supervision actions based on the data. IoT protocols enable to the connected devices. The SaaS platform
across multiple sites. these smart objects to communicate with each enables users to access and format the data via
other and with other internet-enabled devices. dashboards, alerts and notifications, historical
Today’s modern BAS platforms rely on data from For a BAS, these IoT devices can consist of data analysis, and remote-control capabilities.
the equipment, including devices at the “edge” thermostats, lighting systems, access control
of the network, to optimize building operations. systems, and energy meters. The following steps provide a simple overview
Cloud connectivity gives facility managers mobile how a BACnet Edge controller can leverage SSL/
and global access which streamlines system Large BAS systems often rely on a cloud TLS encryption and MQTT protocol to transmit
management. “Cloud computing” and “IoT” are specialist to configure scripts and settings that and receive data using a SaaS platform.
common industry terms, but there is still a fair enable users to access cloud-pushed data.

Figure 1: A Cloud-Connected BACnet Controller Uses SaaS to Exchange Data Over the Internet.

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