Field Level in BAS

Field Level in BAS

Field Level

It is the lowest level of the automation hierarchy and consists of field devices such as sensors and actuators. Sensors, the eyes and ears of automation, collect data on temperature, pressure, speeds, feeds, and so on, convert it to electrical signals, and relay it up to the next level. The main task of these field devices is to transfer data on processes and machines for monitoring and analysis.
It also includes the actuators, which are controlled by the next level through electrical or pneumatic signals, converting them into actions. Actuators are similar to the body’s muscles, which are the only way humans can interact with their environments. Actuators turn valves, relays, motors, pumps, and other devices on or off, or adjust their outputs to control the processes.

Field level components

Sensors

These devices track temperature, humidity, the number of people in a room, the lighting level, and other values. The sensors transmit this information to centralized controllers.

Controllers

Act as the brain of the BAS. They collect data from sensors and then send commands to operating systems like HVAC units, the buildings lighting systems, security alarms and other connected parts.

Output devices

Once the controller sends out a command, actuators and relays go into action to follow the requirements. For example, they can reduce or increase the heating in a particular part of the building, dim lights in unused offices, or turn on the air conditioning before people come to work.

Communication protocols

The BAS uses a specific language that understood by the system individual components to modify settings or execute commands. BACnet and Modus are the most commonly used options in communication protocols.

Terminal interface

Building and facility managers interact with the BAS through a terminal or user interface. It presents information in a way that a user can monitor the condition of the building and choose to override settings manually.

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