BFRL Program

Cybernetic Building Systems

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A Cybernetic Building System integrates building automation and control systems for energy management, fire detection, security, and vertical transport. It also integrates the building systems with outside service providers and utilities. This research program aims to address cybernetic building systems measurement needs in a holistic, integrated manner that considers complex system interactions and their impact on energy consumption, comfort, safety, and maintenance. The research plan consists of nine key interrelated areas of measurement science needed to achieve successful development and implementation of cybernetic building systems. Collectively they provide a comprehensive approach that will result in a radical market transformation in building design and operation.

Expansion, certification, and demonstration of BACnet is the cornerstone upon which all other aspects of cybernetic building systems are built because it provides the basis for communication and information exchange. BACnet is a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks developed under the auspices of ASHRAE, to standardize communication between building automation devices and systems from different manufacturers. BFRL’s past work has led to adoption of BACnet by over 30 countries and most heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system manufacturers. Conformance testing tools and processes have been developed and industry run certification programs are in place. It is one of the most widely used and successful standards in ASHRAE history, but that success has been primarily limited to HVAC applications. This research will remove a number of identified barriers to expanding BACnet beyond HVAC.

Another major contributor to the program is the Virtual Cybernetic Testbed (VCBT). The VCBT consists of a variety of simulation models combined with commercial and prototype BACnet controllers that create a hybrid software/ hardware environment suitable for testing various integrated control system components for cybernetic buildings in ways that cannot be accomplished by testing in actual buildings. The current research focus is on expanding the capabilities of the VCBT to include additional building systems and a wider range of building types and emergency scenarios.

Other aspects of the research program include fault detection metrics and tools for HVAC equipment, automated commissioning tools, autonomous, intelligent agents for optimizing system performance, testbeds to measure wireless sensor performance, integration of building systems with utilities, and providing building system information to emergency responders.

Work being conducted under the Cybernetic Building Systems Program will result in the adoption of new and improved industry standards codes and regulations. It will advance industry practices and improve productivity, life cycle cost savings, energy efficiency, and occupant satisfaction. It will also increase U.S. market leadership through the commercial application of tested, integrated, and open Cybernetic Building Systems and concepts.

Component Projects:

• Economic Support for BFRL

• Expansion, Certification, and Demonstration of BACnet

• Commissioning, Fault Detection, and Diagnostics of Commercial Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems

• Virtual Cybernetic Building Testbed

• Intelligent Building Agents

• Development of Testbed for Wireless Sensor Network Use in Buildings

• Building Information Exchange with First Responders

• Model Verification for VCBT

• Integrating Building Automation Systems with a Smart Utility Grid

Contact:
Steven Bushby
(301) 975-5873
steven.bushby@nist.gov

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