Siemens continues to focus on the importance of open protocols in realising the potential of effective building automation in smart buildings, with a range of devices based on the popular KNX communication protocol.
KNX is now well established as the means by which different devices from a number of manufacturers can communicate via one common language. Siemens has invested significantly in KNX, recognising the opportunities it presents to reduce system complexity and create indoor environments which contribute to the wellbeing of buildings’ users.
The Siemens range covers a number of building requirements, from lighting and shading to HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning). The devices allow the control of every function in a room, with display and operation units which can enable users to change the room functions to their individual comfort settings or to adopt automated settings based on factors such as room occupancy and CO2 levels.
Examples include the Siemens Touch Control TC5 all-in-one room control unit. With its updated firmware, the TC5 offers the potential to operate as an all-in-one KNX room control device, with multiple pages to enable configuration of all desired room functions through the ETS software, including the display of data gathered by external sensors.
The room temperature controller supports a range of HVAC applications, from heating and ventilating to fan coils, VRF (variable refrigerant flow), chilled ceiling and floor heating. Comprehensive lighting functionality is provided for switching and dimming, as well as the capacity for Human Centric Lighting and solar protection through shading control. It also optimises indoor air quality, providing alerts for even the smallest of harmful particles such as PM2.5, PM10, CO2 and VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Also utilising the KNX protocol is the RDG200 range - devices which can operate on a standalone basis or as part of an integrated system to provide complete room automation in a single unit.
Powerful control functionality, built-in sensors and a flexible power supply ensures the versatility to meet the needs of a wide range of room applications, with an easy-to-clean, smooth and resilient surface (in black or white). Using the open KNX communication protocol, the RDG200 can be seamlessly integrated in BMS (building management systems), including Siemens Desigo as well as a range of other third-party solutions.
Andy Davis, Product Manager with Siemens Buildings, comments – “We have seen KNX evolve from a system predominantly employed for lighting to one which is now widely used in controlling most parts of the building. It offers an excellent platform at room level, allowing integrated rooms to combine lighting, blinds and HVAC into a single energy efficient approach. As the demand for smart buildings continues to grow, so the need for communication across devices is increasing. KNX takes away the isolation of BMS devices and allows ease of integration to optimise the potential for efficient, sustainable and user-friendly buildings.”
For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure - Buildings, please see www.siemens.co.uk/buildingtechnologies.