Evaluation of Bulding Automation

Building automation systems are essential to meeting the increasing demands for energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in modern building construction. BACnet has become the standard protocol for data communication among building automation components. To ensure the BACnet compliance of various systems or manufacturers, they undergo certification to meet the BACnet standard. However, in practice, this certification alone is often not sufficient for optimal system operation. As a result, many users extend the required implementation depth of the BACnet protocol, using guidelines like AMEV. Nonetheless, even extended conformity tests cannot replace thorough evaluations of the planned automation functionality and the performance of automation stations. Faults or errors are sometimes detected during commissioning, but usually only during operation of the automated systems. Repairs then take a long time and incur additional costs. The project is based on the results of the research project “Application-based certification of building automation components”. Based on a successful conformance test against the BACnet standard, additional test scenarios were designed and implemented from experience in practical use, which can be divided into the following clusters: extended conformance tests with regard to user specifications, integration into standardized automation functions of users, limits of technical equipment, network load and IT security. A HiL environment was created for testing automation stations with regard to the programmed automation functionality and their performance. By providing a simulation library for different room types and technical systems (ventilation systems, heating circuits, etc.), the operation of projected automation stations can be checked against virtual systems and rooms. A standard check includes, for example, the correct functioning of the energy optimization programs (night setback, support mode, room correction program, start-stop optimization, annual simulation, etc.).

Project partner: Städtische Gebäudewirtschaft der Stadt Köln

Funding provider: Stadt Köln

Duration: 01.03.2020 - 28.02.2024