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.

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

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

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