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Technology

Next, an IoT Central dashboard must be created
for this "device" to view the data Figure 2. The
IoT Central dashboard displays the data sent to
the IoT Central account by the controller. Users
can also view the current value of a point on the
Figure 2: The IoT Central Dashboard displays real-time data from the BACnet controller. BASpi-Edge.

Users can graph data from the BASpi-Edge,
1. Data Acquisition: The controller polls showing one hour's worth of data (as shown in
BACnet devices for data, such as Figure 3) or 30 days' worth of data.
temperature, status, energy usage. The Users can also control virtual points in the
controller may filter, normalize, or aggregate BASpi-Edge from IoT Central. These virtual
data locally to reduce bandwidth and points would then be applied to the controller’s
improve efficiency. Sedona wiresheet logic.
2. Secure Communication: The controller uses
MQTT messaging that is encrypted using With Azure IoT Central, many users can access
TLS/SSL to ensure secure transmission an account with different permission levels,
and connection to the cloud. so that some can only view the data, while
3. Outbound Connection: The controller others can make setting changes to the IoT
initiates outbound connections to the SaaS Central dashboard. Azure IoT Central provides
platform, which avoids firewall issues and a collection of services and features, with a
simplifies setup. lower threshold for setup and configuration, to
4. Cloud Upload: The controller sends data to Figure 3: Users can graph controller data, shown here get started with cloud connectivity. IoT Central
the SaaS platform, where it’s stored, as a one-hour graph. does have its limitations, but if those limitations
visualized, and analyzed. impact a project, the IoT Central features can be
5. User Access: Systems integrators or At Contemporary Controls, we use Azure expanded for an additional cost.
building managers log into the SaaS IoT Central to access cloud data sent from
dashboard via web browser or mobile app the BASpi-Edge controller. To connect this Integrating a BACnet Edge controller with a SaaS
to view data, set alerts, or send control controller, a “device” must be created in IoT platform offers a secure and efficient framework
commands. Central (one per controller). This device will have for modernizing building automation systems.
6. Command Execution: If the SaaS sends a three parameters – ID scope, Device ID, and key Additional devices with different protocols that
command, such as “decrease – that must be added to the controller’s cloud include MQTT support can be integrated into
temperature,” the controller receives the configuration webpage from the IoT Central the cloud for a more holistic view of the facility.
command and relays it to the appropriate account. By utilizing trusted security protocols and open
BACnet device. IoT messaging standards, this solution enables
Once configured with these three parameters secure and seamless cloud connectivity, real-
and the points to push to the cloud have been time data access, and centralized control. It
selected, the data from the BASpi-Edge will be converts traditional BAS devices into cloud-
in the IoT Central "device." The points being enabled assets, giving systems integrators and
pushed to the cloud can be internal BASpi-Edge building managers enhanced visibility, remote
ABOUT THE AUTHOR data, data read from other BACnet devices, or supervision, and data-driven insights across
data written to the BASpi-Edge from the BAS. multiple sites.
Harpartap Parmar is a Director of Product
Management at Contemporary Controls,
which designs and manufactures BACnet
building controls and IP networking
equipment. Parmar focuses on network
security, IP routers and their application to
Building Automation. He has over 25 years
of experience at Contemporary Controls Harpartap Parmar
with a range of networking, control, and Director of Product Management | Contemporary Controls
communication products. hparmar@ccontrols.com | www.ccontrols.com

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