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When a wire is compromised, it can be hard to determine the source of the problem; this single point of failure can cause the entire system to lose communication. B Y J A M E S K O H L P lumbing and HVAC contractors, mechanical engineers and building managers are always looking for ways to simplify projects, find time and cost savings. One technology that can provide these benefits is wireless communication, eliminating the need for wires and wire-related components in a building automation system. Wireless communication technology offers ease of installation and flexibility for future upgrades or changes in a building. It also can provide easier and more cost-effective control of building systems, ulti- mately improving comfort for building occupants. Because wireless zone sensors can be put virtually anywhere, the ability to put more devices in spaces — and in the most appropriate locations — leads to better sensing accuracy. An improved ability to sense the temperature in a space improves the ability to control occupant comfort and energy efficiency. Wireless communication offers several advantages when compared to traditional wired technology, including an improved opportunity for on-time and on-budget project completion, easier problem-solving and greater lifecycle savings. ON-TIME, ON-BUDGET PROJECT COMPLETION Wireless technology contributes to on-time, on-budget project completion since most of the risks associated with wired systems are eliminated. These risks include the dependency on subcontracted labor, unexpected obstructions in walls and ceilings, potentially haz- ardous materials that may need to be penetrated and complex project coordination. Extended signal range and mesh networking can also be a key to suc- cessful project outcomes. Today, wireless technologies may minimize the need for pre-installation site sur- veys. Since there is less need to install repeaters or additional hardware to ensure a strong signal throughout the building, installation of wireless technology can often be a quicker and easier process. The reduced installa- tion time also means less workplace disruption. Wiring — especially in existing, older buildings — can be an area of increased risk and, at times, can lead to surprises that result in cost overages on some projects. Reducing the need to rip out or reinstall wires and wire-related devices reduces this risk. EASIER PROBLEM-SOLVING Without the need for wires, a big benefit of wireless communication is the flexibility it provides when a project or building's needs change. Wireless sen- sors can be easily moved for better accuracy, or even for aesthetic reasons. A wireless sensor can often be moved in minutes and can be placed almost anywhere to best detect true conditions in the area. This is important to building managers because, when spaces are frequently too hot or too cold, it can lead to higher tenant turnover. When a wire is compromised, it can be hard to determine the source of the problem; this single point of failure can cause the entire system to lose com- munication. When this occurs, system efficiency and occupant comfort are compromised until the commu- nication is recovered. This is especially problematic if the lost communication is intermittent, since it will be very difficult to troubleshoot. With wireless technol- ogy, it's easier to replace sensors, and the redundant, self-repairing technology available in some wireless systems means wireless communication is maintained, even when signals are obstructed. The mesh technology offered by some wireless communication systems offers stability through range and redundancy. Disrupted signals will automatically reroute around obstacles, eliminating the risks of conventional wired systems, which simply fail when wires are cut or disconnected, or fail intermittently when damaged or nicked. Today's wireless communi- cation systems can double the range and offer greater signal strength than what was previ- ously available. Choosing a technol- ogy that provides maximum radio signal strength can eliminate the need to install repeaters to spread strong signals throughout a building, which both simplifies installation and helps improve a company's bottom line. As technology or building needs change down the road, wireless technology can make it easier to inte- grate new technologies or sensors. GREATER LIFECYCLE SAVINGS According to the Building Owners and Managers Association, 50 percent of the spaces in commercial buildings are reconfigured at least once per year. As buildings and space needs change, wireless technology makes it much easier to adapt with a lower investment of time and money. This is due, in part, to the reduced need to relocate zone sensors. A wireless system that adheres to ZigBee Build- ing Automation standards should be selected. This industry-standard technology platform helps ensure secure and reliable wireless monitoring and control over commercial building systems, as well as afford- able integration of future innovations and technology. Today's wireless communication technology is also designed to reliably coexist with other wireless systems in a building, resulting in no interference with Wi-Fi networks or other wireless traffic. Also, security need not be a concern, since ZBA requires the use of keys and encryption, and it uses a different wireless technology than what is used for other building sys- tems or data stored on a network in that building. A RELIABLE ALTERNATIVE For many contractors and building managers, wireless communication is a practical and reliable alternative to wired building automation systems. It can reduce project delays and maintenance needs — saving time and money — while also providing improved sensing capabilities, which may result in greater energy efficiency and occupant comfort. James Kohl is senior product manager for Trane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand. He has more than 20 years of experience in a wide range of marketing management and product develop- ment roles. Kohl serves as marketing chair of the ZigBee Alliance's Intelligent Buildings group. Wireless communication offers flexibility, cost savings for building automation systems Simple solutions HVAC Wireless communication technology eliminates the need for wires and wire-related components in a building automation system. When compared to traditional wired technology, wireless communication of ers improved opportunities for on-time and on-budget project completion, easier problem-solving and greater lifecycle savings. HVACPproducts.com HVAC & Plumbing Product News \ Winter 2014/15 8