WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
hen setting up a sound system, security camera or even a doorbell at
home, we would
Wireless sensor technology has many benefits in both new build and retrofit applications as Sandy Damm, managing director of Sontay, explains…
not even consider using a wired system. The disruption would be too much of an inconvenience and that is why wired systems are becoming a thing of the past in homes. And, it is not just installing systems where we are used to wireless technology, more of the appliances we use are now communicating wirelessly including the TV, fridge and even our central heating systems. If we are all familiar with this technology and more than happy to use it in our homes, why would we not use this technology to manage building environments? There is a massive opportunity for specifiers and building services engineers to install wireless systems, especially as retrofitting a wired HVAC control system is by necessity a disruptive and expensive business. And, once the controls have been wired into place, what happens when the internal layout changes because of office churn? Sensors must invariably be moved to accommodate the new requirements. In many cases, the cost and disruption that this process involves means that sensor relocation just does not happen. As a result, the performance of the control system, and efficiency of the building services themselves risk being compromised.
Wireless advantages
uSeamless integration of wireless technology is essential and making sensors compatible with current building control systems aids this process
Thanks to the latest wireless sensor technology it doesn’t have to be this way anymore. By eliminating the need for structural cabling during sensor installation, wireless devices can greatly reduce engineering time and installed project cost. This enables faster and easier installation on new buildings and also opens up the opportunity for control specialists to retrofit energy efficient HVAC controls into existing commercial and public buildings. In projects which feature our SonNet family of wireless
sensors, we are typically finding total installed cost savings of 30 per cent and more over comparable wired sensor installations. At a time, when reducing costs are a priority on many projects, proven wireless technology can bring significant benefit. Reliability is an important factor for specifiers and installers when they are considering a wireless system. No one wants a system that drops in and out and cannot be relied upon to give accurate and continual measures. SonNet comprises battery powered sensor together with permanently powered network receivers and routers all built on a robust 2.4GHz, 802.15.4 self-healing, wireless tree topology. This topology is significant because it eliminates concerns with reception and reliability often associated with existing ‘point-to-point’ wireless systems. If a sensor detects a problem with the signal, it will automatically re-route to find the strongest available path to the receiver. Interference with other radio devices in the same frequency spectrum also been addressed through a proprietary algorithm which continually adapts to site conditions.
BSEE
Why not choose wireless? W
Niagara framework was developed and shortly after a RF-RX-B SonNet receiver, was launched, which allows easy integration to BACnet controllers.
Seamless integration of wireless technology is essential and making sensors compatible with current building control systems aids this process. For example, our RF-IOM-4A- 4U input/output module works in conjunction with SonNet sensors and routers and acts as a local I/O with connectivity to typical HVAC equipment, such as fan coil units or variable air volume boxes. The module can take any 0-10Vdc, 4- 20mA, resistive or VFC signal from wired devices in the field and transmit them to one of SonNet RF-RX receivers, which in turn
communicates the information to controller. The strategy within the controller uses this information to calculate control values, which are then passed back through the I/O module to alter damper positions and other output connections in the field. In the early years, SonNet receivers collected data from the network and communicated them in 0-10Vdc output to the controller. Over time a receiver compatible with a JACE controller through a
The new generation of ‘smart’ buildings can also benefit from wireless technology as it can be easily connected to internet-based communication protocols. For instance, Sontay’s new RF-RX-B Network Radio receiver automatically maps data from SonNet devices into BACnet objects, which are transmitted via BACnet IP communication protocol, using a simple web browser interface. As a result, with this new network receiver, a SonNet network can now easily be integrated a BMS via BACnet IP.
Reliability and performance
Accounting for just two per cent of the budget for a whole project, room sensors themselves are not always the main focus of attention when it comes to selecting and specifying the building control system. However, different price- points often reflect a differential in quality. Choosing the lowest cost sensor brings with it the increased risk of compromising on longterm
measurement reliability and performance stability. Device failure can lead to the time and cost of unnecessary call out and product replacement issues, alongside the unwanted cost of reputational damage to the specifying contractor and consultant. Today, changing aesthetics and increased functionality are also important drivers in helping us re- evaluate the way that we look at sensors. Sensors can also now range from a simple thermistor-based room temperature device to a sophisticated smart protocol communication sensor. The latest multi-sensing products offer an increased level of functionality, tailored to suit any application. They provide complete environmental sensing within a single unit, with a whole range of variables being measured including temperature,
CO2, relative humidity, light level, air quality and fan speed. Popularity is growing for these multi-sensing devices as they are quicker, simpler and more cost effective to install and utilise just one cable to send all data, no matter how many variables are detected.
Since its introduction in the 1980s, the humble room sensor has come a long way. It is capable of providing a better picture of the true building conditions over a long term in smaller, more pleasing to the eye package. The development of wireless technology has increased the opportunities for sensor devices and is creating more energy efficient buildings and reduced carbon emissions for all.
www.sontay.com ‘ Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
By eliminating the need for structural cabling during sensor installation, wireless devices can greatly reduce engineering time and installed project cost
’ BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2019 29
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