Building Automation

This project collects, standardizes and promotes knowledge about Building Automation. It’s intended as a self-learning educational resource for the industry professionals (entering or experienced), as well as a guideline for colleges and universities with Buildings Automation programs, either stand-alone or as part of other disciplines, such as HVAC engineering.

Welcome to the Building Automation Wiki!

This page is a map of all the learning resources in this project.

Prerequisites

• Completed high school education is highly recommended.
• However, the breadth of competencies required is pretty wide and people in Building Automation come from many walks of life. The most common ones are electronics, software, HVAC, and security.

Goals

This project was created to:

1. Define the knowledge areas required by Building Automation professionals.
2. Define the level of competency in each knowledge area required by different Building Automation professionals
3. Using the above, create industry recognized syllabuses for 2 year and 4 year Building Automation Professional programs, as well as programs for complementing other professions, such as HVAC Design Engineering, Building Management, Electronic Security Professionals, and Facility Energy Management.
4. Gather references to educational resources so such programs can be easily and consistently implemented by colleges and universities.
5. Standardize the building automation industry terminology and common knowledge needed for unambiguous interpretation and consistent implementation of Automation strategies. This would also allow for industry-wide cooperation projects.
6. Be a self-learning resource for people from other industries who want to move into building automation.
7. Be a structured and up-to-date repository of knowledge for building automation professionals.

As in any other industry, Building Automation professionals, by their function and experience require different depth in each knowledge area. For instance, they can be technicians or engineers; and in each they can be apprentices, regulars, seniors or supervisors; and they can be focused in design, programming, installation, field work, or service.

If you are interested in learning more about or contributing to this project, please see our History, Guidelines and Resources and our Template Page

Knowledge Areas

ESSENTIALS

All items are classified as either fundamental , intermediate or advanced .

Items in red text mean the resource hasn't been created yet.

Items in italic mean the resource is not completed yet.

Controls Fundamentals

         Inputs & outputs
         Variables, parameters
         System dynamics
                Linear systems
                First order systems
                Second order systems
         Controllers
                Closed loop
                PID Controllers
                Stability
                Open loop controllers
         Direct Digital Controls
         Numerical models
         Non-linear systems
                Singularities
                Delays
                Limit cycles
                Backlash
                Static friction

Mechanical Fundamentals

         Heat transfer and transport
         Evaporation
         Dehumidification
         Comfort conditions
         Fluid dynamics
         Refrigerants

Bldg. Mechanical Systems

        HVAC
               Air Handlers
               VAVs
               Fan-Coils
               Heat Pumps
               Cooling Towers
               Chiller Plants
               Boiler Plants
               Hydronics
               Geothermal Loops
        Potable Water
        Fire Suppression
        Irrigation
        Escalators and Elevators

Electronics Fundamentals

        Electric signal (vs. power)
        Polarity
        Sensors
        Transducers
        Actuators
        Grounding
        Power Electronics
        Variable Speed Drives

Controls Programming

        Structuring
              Subroutines
              Code reusability and portability
              Code comments
              Built-in troubleshooting
        Line vs. block diagram vs. parametric
        Distributed vs. centralized programming
        Libraries
        Robustness
              Redundancies
              Fallback routines
              Bandwidth use
              Communication delays
        Built-in commissioning routines
        Versioning and updates

Data Communication

       Protocols and standards
       Network topologies
       Baud rate, configurations
       Layers
       Gateways
       Routers
       Working with IT staff
              Language and priorities
              Negotiating with them, engage them
       Digital Safety
              Hackers mitigation
              Firewalls
              Encryption
       Troubleshooting tools

Systems Integration

        Buildings as holistic systems
        Interactions and coordination
              Utility Demand Response
              Response to current and forecast occupancy and load
              Response to events in other systems
        Security and life safety considerations
        Integration technology and protocols
        Monitored and Controlled Systems
              HVAC
              Lighting
              Fire Detection and Suppression
              Access Controls
              CCTV
              Elevators and Escalators
              Irrigation, pool & spa

Graphic Communication

        Identifying user types
        From data to information to knowledge to action
        Baselines
        Meaningful units of measure
        Intuitive navigation
        Information density
        Color schemes
        On-screen help

Energy Efficiency

        Codes and standards
              ASHRAE 90.1
              USGBC LEED
              California Code 24
        Performance monitoring
        Performance predictive controls
        Occupants behavior
        Design point vs. part load
        Heat transfer vs. heat generation/rejection
        Variable speed
        Energy storage
        Renewables
        Setpoints adjustments

ALSO NEEDED

Work in Construction Sites

        Safety
        Norms
        Required certifications
        Unions
        The roles of the different players
        Expected conditions

Project Management

        Work breakdown
        Time & Cost management
        Scope management
              Avoiding scope creep
        Negotiation
              What controls professionals need to push for
        Conflict Handling
        Influencing from a low authority position

Project Documentation

        Submittals
        Meeting minutes
        As-builds
        Applicable standards

Building Automation Professional Toolkit

Educational level: this is a tertiary (university) resource.

Subject classification: this is a Building Automation resource.