Building Automation Systems Design. Guidelines for Systems with Complex Requirements

Abstract

Buildings today are becoming more and more advanced and the demands on building services are increasing. A modern building is expected to provide a number of services with high security, energy efficiency and convenience. For a building with complex requirements due to the activity, such as a hospital, the services provided are even more advanced and the requirements on them are higher. This implies for the need of a building automation system. These systems come with a cost and have some drawbacks. This thesis will take on the task to study how to benefit from the possibilities with building automation systems while minimizing the drawbacks. The aim is to find guidelines for how to design, procure and manage a building automation system in a hospital in an effective way. The thesis contains a theoretical part, describing the general architecture and functions of a building automation system. Further treated is the different technologies that supply this function and handles communication. Interviews and participation in meetings with people working with building automation systems in hospitals and other buildings with complex requirements due to the activity has been carried out. This has resulted in a part that contains their collection of knowledge, experiences and opinions on these systems. Many of the main issues with building automation systems are treated, like how to avoid dependency on a small group of people and how to ensure the function of several systems that integrate with each other. The last part of this thesis contains guidelines useful when designing, procuring and managing building automation systems with complex requirements. They are based on conclusions from the previous part and the authors own opinions. Some of the guidelines treat what type of technology that is suitable for different systems, how to coordinate a system and how to ensure future function, compatibility and access to service.