SMART BUILDINGS
A building automation systems that utilises an EnOcean to BACnet gateway to allow EnOcean devices to be linked to and controlled by devices in the system’s BACnet network
each with their own selected EEP type. The gateway will then create a BACnet device which a BACnet device can control. Once the BACnet device has written all of the objects of the virtual output device, it will transmit an EnOcean message, just like the EnOcean device it is emulating. The gateway maps EnOcean EEPs
The benefits of b ringing EnOcean devices to BACnet
The integration of EnOcean devices into BACnet systems will help boost automated building services performance while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability, says Michal Papierz.
Michal Papierz
EMEA operations manager at Contemporary Controls
www.ccontrols.eu E
nOcean is a self-powered, wireless communication protocol that powers devices without the need for batteries
or an external power source. These devices harness energy from surrounding resources, such as such solar, temperature differentials, or mechanical motion. Furthermore, they deliver reliable wireless data transfer in locations where it is difficult to run wires. The devices are upgradable, expandable and flexible to relocate at any time. The self-powered, wireless sensors and switches can improve the performance and sustainability of building automation systems (BASs) and smart buildings within a BACnet/IP network, while an EnOcean to BACnet gateway can seamlessly integrate EnOcean devices into BACnet systems.
Keeping it simple Because EnOcean devices are low power – operating around 900 MHz typically with a 30m indoor power range – their wireless messages are limited in size and cannot support many of the features provided by BACnet. However, they are well-suited to bring simple data into the BACnet system, such as temperature, humidity, occupancy status and light levels. The BACnet system can use this data to help control zones save energy and to measure
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zone occupancy and temperature/ humidity levels to improve occupant comfort. EnOcean devices normally cannot manage the control zones themselves and must rely on BACnet systems to provide this control, as well as to manage alarms, schedules or trends. EnOcean is popular in lighting
systems, with wall switches controlling LED lights. By adding an EnOcean switch to a BACnet gateway, lights can also be controlled by the BACnet schedule.
Sending messages EnOcean and BACnet communications are quite different and may cause some issues for an EnOcean to BACnet gateway. For example, most EnOcean devices transmit their data when it is appropriate, such as after a large temperature change or after a user has pressed a button. This means that the gateway may not have the most up-to- date data from the EnOcean device. Therefore, the gateway should provide some information about the age of the data it is making available to BACnet. Some EnOcean devices, such as wall switches, send a message when a
The EnOcean to BACnet gateway can control output EnOcean devices by masquerading as an EnOcean input device
button is pressed and another when a button is released in quick succession. If the pressed message is missed, the BACnet system will be unaware of the button press. The gateway should communicate these messages to the BACnet system via change of value (COV), so listening devices can learn about these button presses and not miss the event. To modify the state of an EnOcean output device, it must be ‘linked’ to an input device or gateway. With BACnet, you simply address a message to a device to control its behaviour.
Virtual devices Contemporary Controls’ EnOcean to BACnet gateway allows BACnet devices to receive EnOcean data from EnOcean input devices, such as temperature, humidity, and occupancy sensors. It can also control EnOcean output devices by masquerading as an EnOcean input device. Using the gateway’s built-in Virtual Output Device Registration webpage, you can create multiple virtual output devices,
to BACnet objects, enabling seamless communication between EnOcean and BACnet devices and networks. EnOcean device discovery with built- in EEP and webpage configuration can be performed using a common web browser. There are no external tools required for configuration, and EnOcean devices can easily be integrated with BACnet devices and supervisors in one automation system. The gateway supports remote commissioning, allowing it to be linked to the output EnOcean device via the gateway’s web pages. Contemporary Controls’ gateway
also provides COV to communicate EnOcean messages and can be useful when working with wall switches where the button press is only provided in a single message. The gateway’s BACnet objects provide additional information for the input EnOcean devices. For example, the received signal strength (RSSI) and the last time a message was received are provided as BACnet objects to help verify the network is working reliably.
EnOcean Alliance The EnOcean technology is managed by the EnOcean Alliance, a coalition of companies providing interoperable wireless sensor solutions for building automation. The technology is based on the EnOcean Radio Standard (ISO/ IEC 14543-3-1X), optimised for ultra- low power consumption, and includes operating standards for different regions (Europe: 868 MHz; Japan 928 MHz; US/Canada: 902 MHz). The Alliance defines EnOcean RF
communications and message formats. It also defines EnOcean Equipment Profiles (EEPs) which identifies how the data is structured in the EnOcean message for each device type.
Summary An EnOcean to BACnet gateway allows EnOcean devices to extend a Building Automation System. These devices include EnOcean temperature/humidity sensors, occupancy sensors, or a wall switch that provides simple input, such as an occupancy override switch or window/door sensors. The BAS can also use the EnOcean gateway to override the sensors. The EnOcean technology’s energy savings, flexibility, and ease of use makes self-powered wireless sensors and switches ideal for sustainable building applications. ■
EIBI | SEPTEMBER 2024
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