At this year’s Facilities Show (London ExCeL, 18-20 June), Beckhoff Automation will be demonstrating how its open-architecture PC-based control systems not only help to realise the most energy-efficient and comfortable buildings but can also integrate seamlessly into facilities and asset management software platforms to ensure that ongoing operational expenses are minimised.
Using open protocols to communicate with, and control, sensors, actuators and other devices and equipment such as air handling units, boilers and variable speed drives, the system has access to a huge amount of operational data. As well as ensuring that these products are working in the most efficient manner, detailed analysis can be performed – perhaps comparing operational performance against the manufacturer’s specification, or identifying changes in functional behaviour – to highlight weak points in the system or determine when a problem is likely to occur.
Data can be processed locally and critical information can be passed upstream to other specialist software packages or cloud-based systems using industry standard protocols such as MQTT, OPC-UA or BACnet. This can automate workflows for facilities management, such as the automated testing of emergency lighting systems, pro-active maintenance procedures, or optimising energy performance based on occupancy patterns.
Legacy equipment and systems needn’t be excluded from this scenario either; Beckhoff’s agnostic approach to networking means that almost any existing products can be included as part of an over-arching system and their once-locked-up data exposed to the wider world.
Find out more by visiting us on stand FM5290.