Title: Reading and Audio-Visual Assignments
Course: WGF 105 DEVELOPMENT > Section: Content

Sub-Title | Smart Controls
Content | Building control systems are critical to the operation of high-performance buildings. Smart building controls provide advanced functionality through a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices designed to monitor and control the mechanical, electrical, lighting and other systems in a building. Advanced technology allows the integration, automation, and optimization of any building system in support of facilities management and the building's operation and performance.\ A smart controls system often yields significant reductions in operations and maintenance as well as energy consumption. A smart controls systems can control, monitor, and optimize building services, such as, lighting, HVAC, electrical plug-loads, security, CCTV, access control, audio-visual, as well as occupancy-related systems. The traditional Building Management System (BMS) has been the major focus of building controls since the advent of DDC systems. Emerging into the marketplace however, are advanced technology building management platforms with customizable dashboards, innovative software applications, open programming languages, and expanded integration capabilities. These integrated building management systems (IBMS) and smart controls are better suited to maintain a building's performance and address the increased complexity of today's buildings.
Video | High Performing Buildings – Rocky Mountain Institute & University of Denver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiKhXrDds8U
Content | Building control systems are the dynamic or active part of the building that monitor, manage, and adjust the environment and performance of the building. There are a variety of control systems in buildings that support occupant comfort, a healthy environment, life safety, security, and the building's basic infrastructure such as electric power and conveyance equipment. These control systems primarily address heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, power, access to the building, shading, etc. There are several types of control systems that are or have been deployed in buildings; these include manual controls, mechanical pneumatic control systems which are older, obsolete, and no longer used, controls which use electrical contacts and relays, and Direct Digital Controls (DDC). The DDC control systems process data digitally (regardless if it's digital or analog) and can control terminal devices. DDC is the current industry standard for the major control systems, such as HVAC control and is based on the use of microprocessors, software, and electronic control devices.
Link/Upload | Electric Lighting Controls – Whole Building Design Guide http://www.wbdg.org/resources/electriclighting.php Smart Controls – Whole Building Design Guide http://www.wbdg.org/resources/smartcontrols.php#
Attributions | Image and Content courtesy of Whole Building Design Guide – National Institute of Building Sciences