BSEE-JUN21-P24-25 EnOcean Alliance_Layout 1 21/05/2021 11:40 Page 25
BUILDING CONTROLS
In his milestone study of technologies for automation and control, Prof. Dr. Michael Krödel from IGT (“Institute for Building Technologies”) in Germany observes that wireless standards for integrating sensors in automation and control applications will find ever-growing opportunities in the field of building automation. The study takes as its starting point the requirements for room- automation and facility automation on the one hand, and the requirements for “Smart Buildings” on the other. Prof. Krödel considered eight criteria to give an overall score of suitability from 0 to 2. On this basis, technologies based on unsuitable frequency bands (“KO” criterion) scored 0. LoRa gets a medium rating, losing points for its unnecessary large data packet size and excessive range with SF7. EnOcean gained the maximum possible ranking, with data transmission rates, range and latency times well inside the required range.
Infrastructures are up to the mark
Both protocols are in the middle bracket regarding suitability of their infrastructure. For LoRa, backbone infrastructure is required for integration of sensor data. LoRa networks are used in some urban areas as an alternative, provider- dependent solution. With LoRaWAN and EnOcean, sensor data can be integrated with IoT infrastructure solutions such as MobiusFlow®, building automation controllers (DDC systems) either directly or via IP-based networks. MobiusFlow is an IoT Edge Platform developed over the past 15 years by IAconnects Technology Ltd (iaconnects) to allow non-manufacturer specific connectivity of the internet of things (IoT) to the cloud or local computers. It can work in the cloud, on closed secure networks, Wi-Fi based systems or utilise its own data connection (3G/4G) when used in conjunction with IA’s custom hardware. You can find out more about MobiusFlow here.
Energy harvesting a significant advantage
EnOcean’s focus on self-powered energy harvesting devices offers a further advantage over competitors in building automation. All its devices fulfil the suitability criterion, whilst other protocols including LoRa mainly rely on mains or battery power, providing many fewer options for working with self-powered devices. This means that there is a higher carbon footprint and also the necessity to pull cables or maintain batteries.
Sensors for building automation are increasingly available for LoRa-based solutions, but LoRa actuators remain scarce. By contrast, the EnOcean Alliance’s broad range of sensors provide myriad opportunities. In addition, EnOcean scores highly in its provision for measurement and test, offering dedicated equipment and relevant documentation: both readily available and easy-to-use. T&M solutions are likewise available for LoRa.
Finally, despite the caveats pertaining to long- range LoRaWAN transmission, both protocols demonstrate solid security from individual sensors to complete building automation solutions. EnOcean and LoRaWAN are both suitable for data encryption and provide effective security throughout the building network.
EnOcean and LoRaWAN? Can they work together in perfect harmony?
The overall result is that EnOcean proved “Eminently suited for building automation applications.”, with only its backbone infrastructure requirement marring a perfect score. However, LoRaWAN is perfectly suited to building monitoring solutions where cable power is available or battery maintenance is acceptable in the application.
By utilising multiple protocols such as EnOcean for indoor building automation and LoRaWAN for outdoor monitoring, this allows you to choose the best devices on a solution-by-solution basis. There are benefits such as low power consumption, bi- directional communication as well as end-to-end security, mobility and localisation services, which can be combined into MobiusFlow and therefore a single efficient system.
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BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2021 25
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