Smart Talk.
Smart Talk.
(1040 K)
Holmberg, D. G.
Fire Chief, Vol. 50, No. 8, 54-58, August 2006.
Keywords:
communication networks; first responders; building
systems; standards; information dissemination;
computers; control systems; building automation;
sensors; building intelligence
Abstract:
Today's modern buildings function with multiple control
systems programmed to run different building systems.
Network communications carry commands from controllers
to actuators and switches, and a host of sensors feed
data back to controllers. For the most part, however,
all this information is bottled up in the building even
though it could provide tremendous situational awareness
to those outside the building - telling them where a
fire is, where smoke is, where occupants are, which
devices are operating, which lights are on, or which
doors are open. Why should first responders need to do a
size-up at the scene to find out what's happening
inside? Real-time information regarding building
systems should be available while they're en route to
the scene. Why can't a dispatcher "see" into the
building from the start of an incident, even before the
apparatus is dispatched? That day is coming. Lacking now
is a standard method of moving real-time building data
out of the building and into the hands of emergency
responders. But things are changing steadily. Building
automation systems have been the subject of continued
development over the past few decades. Early building
control systems were isolated entities attached to
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment and
separate fire protection systems. With the development
of computers came the move toward digital control with
computers talking across the wire to tell motors to
start and stop, reading sensor values, writing
set-points, and more. This was still done within
separate systems and using proprietary protocols, with
each company developing its own data messages. The
advent of the Internet, combined with standard
communication protocols, has brought about great
opportunity for new applications. No longer does the
HVAC system operate in its own world; the temperature
sensors in a room, for example, also can provide data to
the fire protection system. The access control system
might note the identity of an entering building occupant
and provide that information to the HVAC and lighting
systems so the ventilation and lights are turned on in
an office. This kind of information sharing within the
building is beginning to happen. With the coming of
connected intelligent control, building automation
systems can provide greatly enhanced functions.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899