Automation is intended to improve overall building performance. Building Automation Systems (BAS) are attractive and popular due to their promise of increased operational effectiveness. BAS can be optimized and a well-designed and well-implemented BAS is expected to increase a buildings overall appeal and value as a result of improvement to its performance. In order to improve the level of automation in buildings, a measurement tool in the form of a performance index is needed. The goal of this research is to quantify a buildings level of automation-performance. The specific objective is to develop an Automation Performance Index (API) model for evaluating the extent of a buildings automation-performance. A methodology is outlined with ten tasks to accomplish the goals of this research and a criterion for each task is described. An extensive literature research and expert survey are performed to identify the key parameters that influence the performance of BAS. Seminars related to the building automation and commissioning fields were also attended to obtain the views of practitioners, manufacturers experts, as well as scholars in the field of building automation and performance commissioning. A Delphi method of research approach is conducted through a series of interviews and surveys of industry and academia experts. The feedback from experts and the research from literature, industry and academic resources are combined, classified and categorized for identification of significant parameters around which Automation Performance Index (API) model can be defined.

Building energy efficiency is progressively becoming a crucial topic in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. Energy management tools have been developed to promise appropriate energy savings. Building energy simulation (BES) is a tool mainly used to analyze and compare the energy consumption of various design/operation scenarios, while building automation systems (BAS) works as another energy management tool to monitor, measure and collect operational data, all in an effort to optimize energy consumption. By integrating the energy simulated data and actual operational data, the accuracy of a building energy model can be increased while the calibrated energy model can be applied as a benchmark for guiding the operational strategies. This research predicted that building information modeling (BIM) would link BES and BAS by acting as a visual model and a database throughout the lifecycle of a building. The intent of the research was to use BIM to document energy-related information and to allow its exchange between BES and BAS. Thus, the energy-related data exchange process would be simplified, and the productive efficiency of facility management processes would increase. A systematic literature review has been conducted in investigating the most popular used data formats and data exchange methods for the integration of BIM/BES and BAS, the results showed the industry foundation classes (IFC) was the most common choice for BIM tools mainly and database is a key solution for managing huge actual operational datasets, which was a reference for the next step in research. Then a BIM-based framework was proposed to supporting the data exchange process among BIM/BES/BAS. 4 modules including BIM Module, Operational Data Module, Energy Simulation Module and Analysis and Visualization Module with an interface were designed in the framework to document energy-related information and to allow its exchange between BES and BAS. A prototype of the framework was developed as a platform and a case study of an entire office suite was conducted using the platform to validate this framework. The results showed that the proposed framework enables automated or semi-automated multiple-model development and data analytics processes. In addition, the research explored how BIM can enhance the application of energy modeling during building operation processes as a means to improve overall energy performance and facility management productivity. / Doctor of Philosophy / Building energy efficiency is progressively becoming a crucial topic in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, promising appropriate energy savings can be achieved over the life cycle of buildings through proper design, construction, and operation. Energy management tools have been developed towards this end. Building energy simulation (BES) is a tool mainly used to analyze and compare the energy consumption of various design/operation scenarios. These instances include the selection of both new and retrofit designs and for building codes, building commissioning, and real-time optimal control, among others. The main challenge surrounding BES is the discrepancy between quantitative results and actual performance data. Building automation systems (BAS), or a part of BAS which is often referred to as building energy management systems (BEMS), works as another energy management tool to monitor, measure and collect operational data, all in an effort to optimize energy consumption. The key disadvantage to the more general tool of BAS in energy management is that the data sets collected by BAS are typically too large to be analyzed effectively. One potential solution to the lack of effective energy management analysis may lie in the integration of BES and BAS. Actual operational data can be compared with simulation results in assessing the accuracy of an energy model while the energy model can be applied as a benchmark for evaluating the actual energy consumption and optimizing control strategies. The presented research predicted that building information modeling (BIM) would link BES and BAS by acting as a visual model and a database throughout the lifecycle of a building. The intent of the research was to use BIM to document energy-related information and to allow its exchange between BES and BAS. Thus, the energy-related data exchange process would be simplified, and the productive efficiency of facility management processes would increase. More specifically, this research posits the framework of integrating BIM, BES, and BAS to produce a seamless and real-time energy-related information exchange system. The proposed framework enables automated or semi-automated multiple-model development and data analytics processes. In addition, the research explored how BIM can enhance the application of energy modeling during building operation processes as a means to improve overall energy performance and facility management productivity.

För att uppnå Sveriges miljömål begränsad klimatpåverkan behöver åtgärder göras för att minska energianvändningen inom bostads- och servicesektorn, vilken stod för drygt en tredjedel av Sveriges totala energianvändning år 2014. Dålig styrning av värme-, ventilations- och kylsystem är ofta en bidragande orsak till onödigt hög energianvändning inom hushåll och lokalbyggnader. Med hjälp av fastighetsautomation samlas byggnadens tekniska system i ett styr- och övervakningssystem, vilket kan användas för att optimera styrningen. Dock är marknaden för fastighetsautomation dåligt kartlagd och information saknas angående styrsystemens funktioner och användningsområden. Rapporten inleds med grundläggande teori för att skapa ökad förståelse för senare delar. Därefter har en undersökning gjorts för ett antal företags styrsystem i syfte att klargöra dess funktioner, användningsområden samt vilken energibesparing styrsystemen ger upphov till. I rapporten beskrivs också tillvägagångssättet för en verklig installation i lokalbyggnaden Kv Slottet 4 och hur energianvändning samt inneklimat har påverkats efter att styrsystemet installerats. Resultatet för den svenska marknadsöversikten visar på att fastighetsautomation är etablerat inom byggnadstyperna flerbostadshus och lokalbyggnader medan småhus är en outforskad marknad. Vanliga funktioner som implementeras i styrsystem är drifttidsstyrning, prognosstyrning och effektbegränsning. Undersökningen har visat att fastighetsautomation ger upphov till energibesparingar på i snitt 10 – 40 %. Besparingen varierar dock och beror på flera faktorer som byggnadstyp, geografisk placering och tidigare styrning. Företagen använder också olika metoder för att beräkna energibesparingen varför det är problematiskt att rättvist jämföra besparingen för olika styrsystem. Energibesparingen för de olika byggnadstyperna och installationssystemen har i många fall varit svåra att få tillgång till. Generellt gäller att de företag som tillhandahåller obligatoriskt driftavtal har bättre koll på den besparing som styrsystemet ger upphov till. I examensarbetet har fyra företag kartlagts men för en mer djupgående analys över den svenska marknaden bör fler företag undersökas. Efter installationen av det automatiska styrsystemet Ecopilot® på Kv Slottet 4 erhölls en värmeenergibesparing för vald period på upp till 20,6 MWh, vilket motsvarar en procentuell besparing på 53 %. Energibesparingen varierar dock till viss del beroende på vilken beräkningsmetod som används. Byggnadens totala elbesparing uppgick till 6,5 MWh, vilket motsvarar 20 % minskning av elanvändningen för undersökt period. Den beräknade energibesparingen kan inte helt tillskrivas Ecopilot® eftersom ett annat driftfall rådde under jämförd period än det som var precis innan installationen. Via styrsystemets gränssnitt kunde emellertid en sänkt energianvändning härledas till Ecopilot®. Bland annat tack vare effektivare reglering, samkörning av installationssystem, effektivare värmeåtervinning, sänkta ventilationsflöden samt lägre inomhus- och flödestemperaturer. Intervjuer med verksamma personer i byggnaden påvisar att ingen skillnad har märkts på inomhusklimatet före och efter installationen av Ecopilot®, varken med avseende på det termiska klimatet eller på luftkvaliten. För större säkerhet gällande styrsystemets inverkan på inomhusklimatet och energianvändningen bör en längre tidsperiod utvärderas. / Sweden has a number of environmental objectives, of which one is reduced climate impact. To achieve this goal measures have to be taken in order to reduce building energy use in residential and services sectors, sectors that accounted for over one third of Sweden’s total energy use in 2014. Poor regulation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is a common reason for often unnecessary high energy use in residential buildings and non-residential premises. Building automation integrates the buildings technical systems, such as HVAC, into one centralized system for monitoring and controlling, which then can be used to optimize the regulation for these systems. The market is however poorly mapped and information is missing regarding functions and area of use for these control systems. This report begins with a description of basic theory that is relevant for understanding parts later on. An analysis has then been made for a number of different building automation systems to clarify their functions, area of use, and potentials in energy savings. The report also describes the procedure for a real installation on Kv Slottet 4 and how the energy use and indoor climate has been affected after the building automation system has been installed. Results regarding the Swedish market overview shows that building automation is established in apartment buildings and non-residential premises while building automation is still unused in smaller houses. Some of the most common functions that are implemented in control systems are time clock operation, forecast control and power limitation. The analysis has shown that building automation can lead to energy savings between 10 to 40 %. The size of the saved energy depends on a number of factors like type of building, geographical location and former regulation of HVAC. The building automation companies are using different methods to calculate the energy saving why it is a problem to fairly compare different control systems. The information on energy savings for different type of buildings and technical systems are in many cases hard to get hold of. Generally speaking, the companies that provide mandatory agreements for operating the control system have more detailed information regarding energy savings. Four different companies were covered in this report. More companies should be mapped in order to make a more profound analysis. After the installation of Ecopilot® on Kv Slottet 4, a heat reduction of up to 20.6 MWh for the chosen period of time was achieved. That corresponds to a relative energy saving of 53 %. The energy saving varies depending on what method is used for calculation. The buildings total energy savings for electricity was 6.5 MWh, which corresponds to a 20 % reduction. The calculated energy saving is not all due to the building automation system but there has been some reduction. Ecopilot® has lowered the energy use by more efficient regulation, co-operating heating and cooling, more efficient heat recovery, lowered ventilation flows, and lowered temperatures. No change in indoor climate has been noticed by the people that were interviewed. The control system should be evaluated for a longer period of time to ensure how much it affects the indoor climate and the energy use in the building.

When measuring Information Systems (IS) success, it is important to know the type of IS being measured, the systems objectives, and the unit of analysis. As organizations invest in technology to help achieve strategic goals, they need to be able to measure IS success. Measuring the effectiveness of IS from an organizational perspective is the effect it has on achieving organizational goals. The effectiveness of information systems is a measure of net benefits. This empirical study investigated IS success in terms of the DeLone and McLean IS success model variable, net benefits. In order to measure IS success, the context of the investigation and the unit of analysis are as important as what is being measured. This investigation, in the context of a building automation system (BAS), evaluated the net benefits success measurement with the organization as the unit of analysis. Two hypothesis testing studies were conducted. The first study was a predictive investigation, which researched the relationship among the independent variables, kilowatt hours, kilowatt demand, and the dependent variable, the cost of energy. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to understand to what extent the independent variables could predict the dependent variable. The second study was a correlational investigation. This study was conducted to ascertain whether a building automation system affects the cost of energy. A Point Biserial Correlation Coefficient test was conducted to understand the relationship between the cost of energy and stores with a building automation system and those without. A t-test was conducted to understand the level of significance. The results of the analysis showed that the relationship between the cost of energy and a BAS is statistically significant and that the variables kilowatt hours and kilowatt demand are statistically significant as predictors of the cost of energy.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre os principais sistemas de segurança utilizados em instalações elétricas automatizadas, com enfoque no controle de acesso físico, utilizando tecnologias biométricas. São apresentadas neste trabalho as principais características dos sistemas de segurança aplicados à detecção e combate de incêndios, ao controle do acesso físico, ao controle interno e externo da segurança, como circuitos fechados de televisão e controle de segurança perimetral, e as tecnologias biométricas que podem ser usadas para o controle de acesso de pessoas. É apresentado o desenvolvimento de um protótipo de baixo custo, utilizando tecnologia biométrica para o controle de acesso físico, assim como as principais vantagens e desvantagens, algoritmos e relações custo-benefício para o uso de biometria em sistemas de segurança. O estudo mostra que o uso da biometria como ferramenta para a melhoria dos sistemas de segurança existentes é uma tendência mundial, no entanto, existe uma preocupação crescente sobre a confidencialidade das informações biométricas das pessoas. / This work presents a study of the main security systems used in automatized electric installations, with approach in the physical access control, using biometric technologies. The main characteristics of the security systems applied to the detection and fire combat, to the physical access control, to the internal and external security control, as closed-circuits television and perimetral security control, and the biometric technologies are presented in this work that can be used for the people access control. The development of a low cost prototype is presented, using biometric technology for the physical access control, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages, algorithms and cost-benefit relations for the use of biometry in security systems. The study shows that the use of the biometry as tool for the existing security systems improvement is a world-wide trend, however, an increasing concern exists of the people biometric information confidentiality.

O presente trabalho consiste em um estudo experimental sobre o efeito do controle de vazões em sistemas de aquecimento solar de água em instalações com grande número de coletores, onde o gradiente de temperatura não é suficiente para circular a água por termossifonagem. Foi avaliado o desempenho de todo o sistema sob diferentes condições de insolação, de vazão, de diferenciais de temperatura entre os coletores e o reservatório, em regime não permanente. Os resultados experimentais foram comparados com a equação de rendimento dos coletores, para condições de regime quase permanente, obtida segundo a norma da ABNT - NBR 10184/1988. Os ensaios foram realizados em duas baterias de testes, cada uma composta de dois coletores industrializados e um reservatório isolado termicamente. Em uma destas baterias, o fluxo de água entre os coletores e o reservatório ocorreu por termossifonagem, isto é, sem nenhuma restrição à vazão; na outra bateria, a vazão foi controlada por um registro e uma bomba hidráulica. Um sistema de automação coletou e processou os dados de forma a permitir a execução dos controles desejados, inclusive a simulação de consumo de água quente. O sistema com circulação natural, isto é, por termossifão, demonstrou ter uma grande habilidade de se adaptar à disponibilidade de energia com as temperaturas da água armazenada, por meio da otimização da velocidade da troca de calor. Foi desenvolvido, tomado como referência o escoamento por termossifão, um modelo de operação para sistemas diretos ativos que calcula a vazão com base no monitoramento das temperaturas das extremidades das tubulações que interligam o reservatório e os coletores, temperatura do ar, radiação solar disponível e vazão no instante anterior. O modelo foi testado experimentalmente e a operação do sistema ativo resultou em significativa melhora a eficiência. / The focus of this work is the experimental study of the effect of water control discharge in solar water-heating systems with a large number of collectors where the temperature gradient is not sufficient for thermosiphon water circulation. The performance of the system was evaluated under different conditions of solar radiation, flow rate, temperature differential between solar collectors and the storage tank and under transient conditions. The results were compared to a collector\'s performance equation of the quasi-steady-state model according to ABNT-NBR 10184/1988 standard. The tests were carried out on two systems each one constituted of two manufacturing collectors and one thermal tank. In one of these systems the flow between the collectors and storage occurred by thermosiphoning, i.e., by natural convection and without discharge restrictions. In the other, the flow control was done by means of a valve and a pump. In order to allow the execution of the desired controls, including hot water consumption, data were colleted and controlled through an automation system. The system of natural circulation shows a great ability to adaptation of disposal energy with water temperature stored, through velocity of heat exchange optimization. An operation model was developed, having thermosiphoning water circulation as reference, for active direct circulation systems that calculate the discharge taking into consideration the monitoring of the differential temperature between solar collectors and the storage tank, the air temperature, solar radiation available and the flow rate on previous time interval. This model was experimentally tested and resulted in a significant improvement in performance of the system operation.

O presente trabalho destinou-se a fazer o estado da arte dos Edifícios Inteligentes, estudando os casos mais recentes e significativos e enfatizando as tecnologias utilizadas, sejam os sistemas com os novos materiais, equipamentos, o hardware e software; sejam os serviços que tais sistemas permitem, ou ainda as ferramentas de gestão tecnológica dos sistemas, elementos estes que só podem ser viáveis em função da utilização das novas tecnologias da telemática. Para entendimento do assunto, faz-se um levantamento cronológico dos casos existentes internacional e nacionalmente até os dias atuais e uma breve definição conceitual que visa clareza na comunicação com os leitores. No estudo de casos foram pesquisados quatro edifícios localizados na grande São Paulo. Aspectos como: projetos arquitetônico, urbanístico e dos postos de trabalho (com enfoque na produção direcionada aos edifícios de escritórios); características dos sistemas e serviços de automação predial e de gestão tecnológica e empresarial foram estudados profundamente. Os edifícios inteligentes são observados como suportes de serviços altamente tecnológicos, que estabelecem contato entre o "mundo virtual" dos controles automatizados e os cidadãos, e como indutores de modificações da vida cotidiana, o que produz reflexos no espaço físico da cidade. / The present assignement is intended to produce a state of art of inteligent buildings, studying the most recent and significant cases and also emphatising the technologie utilized, systems with new materials, equipments, hardwares and softwares; or even the services allowed by such systems, yet, the tools of systems technologic management. Such elements can only be feasibles by the utilisation of new telemathic's technologies. For a good understanding of this subject, we did a chronologic survey based on nattional and international existing cases till nowadays and a brief concept definition intended to make a clear communication with the readers. On this study of cases, four buildings located at São Paulo were researched. Aspects such as architetonics, urbanistics and work stations projects(with emphasis on production directed to offices buildings), systems and service's characteristics from building automation, technologic management and entrepeneurial aspects were deeply studied. Inteligent buildings are observed as highly technological service supports with establish contact between the "virtual world" from automatized controls and citizens, and as inductores of daily life modifications, producing reflexes on the city's physical spaces.

O trabalho enfoca a automação predial, procurando analisar, comparativamente, a utilização de tecnologias convencionais e equipamentos empregados na automação de processos industriais. Através de um estudo de caso, efetuou-se uma descrição dos principais sistemas prediais possíveis de serem automatizados em um edifício, efetuando-se uma avaliação comparativa entre os sistemas convencionais e os baseados na automação de processos, permitindo o uso mais eficiente dos insumos prediais, além de aumentar o conforto e a segurança de seus ocupantes. Verificou-se um grande potencial de aplicação dos sistemas de automação de processos industriais, para implementação alternativa nos sistemas de automação predial. / This research focuses building automation, analyzing comparatively the use of conventional technologies and other equipments commonly applied in industrial processes. Through a case study, a description of mainly building systems that are feasible to be automated in high technology buildings has been made, including a comparative evaluation of mainly building systems based on conventional systems and automation process, allowing the most efficient use of building resources, beyond to increase the users’ comfort and security. It was verified a great potential for applications of industrial processes automation systems, as an alternative implementation in building automation systems.

Com o crescimento da utilização das redes de computadores e também o aumento da utilização das redes de dispositivos para a automação, torna-se cada vez mais atrativo se pensar em uma solução que integre essas tecnologias. Em cada uma das áreas se observa um aumento da utilização da tecnologia LonWorks em redes distribuídas de dispositivos, e a consolidação do Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) como um protocolo padrão para o gerenciamento das redes de computadores. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um agente proxy SNMP, capaz de auxiliar no gerenciamento de uma rede de automação baseada na tecnologia LonWorks através do uso de ferramentas já disponíveis no mercado para a realização do gerenciamento das redes de computadores. Esse tipo de solução possibilita que uma mesma equipe possa gerenciar as duas estruturas de rede, através de um mesmo sistema, facilitando a interação entre os dispositivos e reduzindo o custo atrelado à manutenção das equipes. O agente foi desenvolvido através da utilização de uma Application Programming Interface (API), que implementa toda a estrutura de comunicação SNMP; e para realizar o gerenciamento foi criada uma Management Information Base (MIB), com algumas informações de diagnóstico do dispositivo. / With the growth of the computer networks use and also the increase of devices network for the automation use, becomes each more attractive think about a solution that integrates these technologies. In each one of those areas it observes, an increase of the LonWorks technology use in distributed networks of devices, and the consolidation of the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) as a protocol standard for the management of the computer networks. In this work was developed a proxy agent SNMP, capable to assist the management of control network, based on the LonWorks technology, through the available tools use already in the market for the accomplishment of the computer networks management. This solution type makes possible that same team can manage two network structures, through the same system, facilitating the interaction between the devices and reducing maintenance teams cost. The agent was developed through of an Application Programming Interface (API) use, that implements all the communication structure SNMP; and to achieve the management was created a Management Information Base (MIB), with some information of devices diagnosis.

Com o crescimento da utilização das redes de computadores e também o aumento da utilização das redes de dispositivos para a automação, torna-se cada vez mais atrativo se pensar em uma solução que integre essas tecnologias. Em cada uma das áreas se observa um aumento da utilização da tecnologia LonWorks em redes distribuídas de dispositivos, e a consolidação do Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) como um protocolo padrão para o gerenciamento das redes de computadores. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um agente proxy SNMP, capaz de auxiliar no gerenciamento de uma rede de automação baseada na tecnologia LonWorks através do uso de ferramentas já disponíveis no mercado para a realização do gerenciamento das redes de computadores. Esse tipo de solução possibilita que uma mesma equipe possa gerenciar as duas estruturas de rede, através de um mesmo sistema, facilitando a interação entre os dispositivos e reduzindo o custo atrelado à manutenção das equipes. O agente foi desenvolvido através da utilização de uma Application Programming Interface (API), que implementa toda a estrutura de comunicação SNMP; e para realizar o gerenciamento foi criada uma Management Information Base (MIB), com algumas informações de diagnóstico do dispositivo. / With the growth of the computer networks use and also the increase of devices network for the automation use, becomes each more attractive think about a solution that integrates these technologies. In each one of those areas it observes, an increase of the LonWorks technology use in distributed networks of devices, and the consolidation of the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) as a protocol standard for the management of the computer networks. In this work was developed a proxy agent SNMP, capable to assist the management of control network, based on the LonWorks technology, through the available tools use already in the market for the accomplishment of the computer networks management. This solution type makes possible that same team can manage two network structures, through the same system, facilitating the interaction between the devices and reducing maintenance teams cost. The agent was developed through of an Application Programming Interface (API) use, that implements all the communication structure SNMP; and to achieve the management was created a Management Information Base (MIB), with some information of devices diagnosis.