Building automation to take new dimension in 2012

Video analytics embedded on security cameras or centrally on a server which count room occupants and feedback info to automation systems will gain pop

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Hosted building management software and cloud-based active management analytics are to transform the way FMs operate, says a report from IMS Research.

Experts say there is more demand for systems that allow remote monitoring and management and instant, real-time information.

FMs will use BMS to remotely administer and manage their systems through an internet browser, anywhere in the world.

Active management analytics allows owners and FMs to continuously commission their buildings and allows access to energy consumption information on an hourly or daily basis.

Similarly, integrating video surveillance with BMS components such as HVAC, allows the detection of maintenance problems or water leaks.

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"Thermal cameras can help monitor perimeters even in difficult situations such as complete darkness. They can allow you to monitor the operational aspect of even equipment.

"For example, a member of staff can see whether a pipe is working by monitoring any type of heat flowing through the piping – ideal for FM companies," explained Bara Al Akkad of Axis Middle East.

However, usage will become far more advanced, predicts William Rhodes, market analyst, building technologies, security and fire, IMS Research.

"So far, the most simplistic systems have used motion detection within security cameras to identify if the room is occupied or not.

"The room can then be heated or cooled dependent on occupancy. However, more complex systems are now using video analytics, either embedded on the security cameras or centrally on a server, to count the number of occupants in the room," explained Rhodes.

This information is then fed back into the BMS, which can either heat or cool the room. Furthermore, by knowing the number of people in a room, the BMS can ventilate appropriately and efficiently, rather than ventilate for the maximum capacity of the space.

IMS Research estimated that there was over 2.1million air quality and occupation sensors sold in building automation systems in 2011.

Although this number is forecast to grow, there will likely be an increased use of security cameras in building automation systems over the next 12 months, capturing share from traditional sensor technologies.