The Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) segment of the building automation systems (BAS) market continues to grow steadily due to ongoing demand for HVAC equipment and controls. Many leading HVAC suppliers are increasingly being asked to provide integrated solutions to control and optimize all aspects of HVAC control system.
The worldwide HVAC control system continues to grow at a steady rate. Key factors contributing to growth include the drive to upgrade and efficiently operate aging facilities in mature markets, expanding construction markets in developing regions, a move toward enterprise integration across departments and buildings via Web services, and growing concerns about the financial and environmental implications of energy consumption.
Building owners and operators in developed regions are focusing on the long-term lifecycle cost of owning and operating existing building, one of the largest expenses facing companies.
Total HVAC Control System Business (Millions of Dollars)
from ARC Advisory Group's Report in 2006
|
|
2006
Revenue
|
2006
Revenue%
|
2011
Revenue
|
2011
Revenue%
|
CAGR
|
|
H/W Revenue
|
3,329.0
|
31.3%
|
3,718.7
|
29.1%
|
2.2%
|
|
S/W Revenue
|
1,237.8
|
11.6%
|
1,363.9
|
10.7%
|
2.0%
|
|
Service Revenue
|
6,079.3
|
57.1%
|
7,704.2
|
60.3%
|
4.9%
|
|
Total
|
10,646.1
|
100.0%
|
12,786.8
|
100.0%
|
3.7%
|
Enterprise integration is bringing transparency to the process, enabling strategic and efficient management of existing building assets. HVAC suppliers have continued to develop new solutions that feature more efficient hardware, integrated control systems, and management services. This is resulting in increased productivity and lowered costs, with minimal operational upsets, allowing building owners to achieve more of their goals. Many small buildings that were not likely candidates for expensive, complex HVAC control system in the past are now benefiting from lower cost, simplified control systems.
On the flip side, corporations in Asia, Middle East and Latin America continue embarking on new constructionprojects to meet the needs of their expanding operations. These clean slate projects offer opportunities to implement advanced HVAC and related BAS solutions.
The 'Open' Trend
Open standards play a key role in making system more flexible, automated and productive, which are characteristics that bring value to end users. End users want to get the best return on their investment (ROI), and they are learning to measure ROI in different ways; up-front cost remain the primary consideration, but long term issues, such as worker productivity and energy consumption, are looked at by more companies, and both short and long term objectives are better meet by open standard-based solutions.
Web services and Enterprise integration are made possible by open protocols. There are a number of initiatives underway to enhance the functionality between HVAC and enterprise networks, including develop web-enabled services. Development of web services to building automation methods enable an interoperable exchange of information across enterprise wide networks. Web services allow access to HVAC and other building information in internet-based standard, by encapsulating information residing on existing HVAC/BAS protocols.
Empower BA Systems with Open & Web-enabled Technologies
Advantech offers complete Web-enabled BAS systems ranging from Web-enabled BA SCADA software and Direct Digital Controllers to Video Surveillance Systems.
Adopting Open building networking standards - Modbus, BACNet, LonWorks and up-to-date information technology, such as Open database management and IE browser interfaces, Advantech's BAS solutions allow many building facilities to be integrated into one complete BA system. Moreover, Advantech'sWebAccess SCADA also offers energy management functions and detailed analysis to save utility rate charges.
Web-enabled BAS HMI/SCADA Software
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View, Control, Configure and Administer Software Remotely
Advantech WebAccess enables engineers, integrators and vendors with the ability to support their systems remotely over an intranet or the Internet using an ordinary web browser.
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Distributed Architecture
SCADA nodes run independent of anyother node. Each SCADA node communicates to automation equipment using communication driver supplied with WebAccess.
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Central Database Server
The project node is a centralized database server of configuration database and configurable process database through ODBC interface.
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Redundant SCADA & COM Ports
Assure continuous, reliable communications to automation equipment.
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Integration with LonWorks LNS and BACnet IP Devices
WeAccess pre-built "parameters" are template to easily configure LonWorks, BACNet IP communications whichare open standards of building automation.
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Energy Management Function
WebAccess Energy Management function can receive, store and analyze energy consumption pattern. Real-time information provides methods to enact peak-shaving, thus saving high utility rate charges.
Web-enabled DDC Controllers
Advantech Web-enable DDC controllers are powerful in the industry. They provide peer to-peer communication by Ethernet, stand-alone operation, running DDC control programs, schedules, and issuing their own alarms and events. In additions, Engineer can remotely upload, download DDC program as well as service and maintenance.
Web-enabled Touch HMI
Advantech WebView offers local touchHMI functions optional onequipment with operator interfaces.
Web-enabled Communication Gateways
Advantech WebLink offers communication gateways with abundant device drivers for integration with third party devices such as PLC.
