Building Automation

Welcome to the Building Automation Wiki!

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

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* 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

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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

## Knowledge Areas

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### ESSENTIALS

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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

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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

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Heat transfer and transport
Evaporation
Dehumidification
Comfort conditions
Fluid dynamics
Refrigerants

####  Bldg. Mechanical Systems

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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

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Electric signal (vs. power)
Polarity
Sensors
Transducers
Actuators
Grounding
Power Electronics
Variable Speed Drives

####  Controls Programming

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

### ALSO NEEDED

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#### Work in Construction Sites

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Safety
Norms
Required certifications
Unions
The roles of the different players
Expected conditions

#### Project Management

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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

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Submittals
Meeting minutes
As-builds
Applicable standards

#### Building Automation Professional Toolkit

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| Educational level: this is a tertiary (university) resource.

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| Subject classification: this is a Building Automation resource.

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