BACnet(trademark): A Standard Communication Infrastructure for Intelligent Buildings.
BACnet(trademark): A Standard Communication
Infrastructure for Intelligent Buildings.
(1052 K)
Bushby, S. T.
Automation in Construction, Vol. 6, 529-540, 1997.
Keywords:
intelligent buildings; building automation; control
network; building technology; communication protocol;
direct digital control; energy management; control
systems
Abstract:
Intelligent buildings require integration of a variety
of computer-based automation and control system products
that are usually made by different manufacturers. The
exchange of information among these devices is critical
to the successful operation of the building systems.
Proprietary approaches to providing this communication
have created great challenges for system integrators and
hampered the development of intelligent building
technology. Even though digital automation and control
technology has been widely available for more than a
decade and islands of automation are common, intelligent
buildings with integrated building services are still
more of a promise than a reality. BACnet is a standard
communication protocol for building automation and
control networks developed by the American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE, Standard 135-1995; BACnet - A DataCommunication
Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,
1995). BACnet provides the communication infrastructure
needed to integrate products made by different vendors
and to integrate building services that are now
independent. This paper describes the main features of
the BACnet protocol and early experience implementing
it.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899