Tridium Niagara® The Case for Integration

    I've been working as an HVAC Service and Controls contractor in commercial buildings for 17 years. From that point of view I see buildings, beyond the structure and architecture, as systems. There's a fire safety system, a telephone system, an access entry system, a lighting system and an HVAC system. In the past these systems were installed by different contractors using different hardware, different platforms, different end user software and different communications protocols or languages. Often these systems were and are proprietary, meaning only certified companies with trained individuals can implement, maintain and service these systems. From one point of view this is a good thing. The manufacturer can control how its product is represented and assure that the end user is satisfied. From a customer standpoint however the experience can be challenging. The certified contractor can be expensive and getting them to show up on time and perform professionally can be a problem when they might be the only show in town. Personally I've only benefited from this scenario as often these customers are ready to tear out perfectly good systems in order to free themselves from the chains. This is the case for integration. 
    Some years back a company called Tridium®  introduced the Niagara AX Framework® and it changed everything.  Niagara is a software that integrates different systems and devices, from different manufacturers with different communication languages into a standardized platform that can be managed and controlled over the internet using a standard web browser. Tridium® claims that today there are over 230,000 instances of Niagara running worldwide. In the applications I've dealt with we install a JACE® or Java Application Control Engine, and connect the JACE ports to the various existing buses in the building. I've integrated LON®, Bacnet® MSTP, Bacnet® IP, Johnson N2®, ASD®, McQuay OPM®, Modbus® and I've also used Tridium's NDIO® and NRIO® devices. Niagara uses a different driver for each of these buses and depending on the brand of JACE you purchase some drivers are included while others are purchased separately. Once the data is brought into the JACE it is normalized and then easily manipulated into custom control applications and graphics. Tridium should be commended for opening the door to standardization and inter-operability of systems. They are now at the forefront of connecting systems with people through the Internet of Things.
For me this all means freedom. Freedom from proprietary systems and freedom to help customers connect to their beautifully automated and integrated systems from anywhere in the world.

The Home Automation Revolution

    I've been watching the world of Home Automation for some time now and have owned and implemented various gadgets to solve problems in my own home and to offer budget sensitive building owners solutions they can afford.
    My own experience started with X10® systems that communicated over my home high voltage power system (110v). These systems worked great and I even used one in a building to control a damper where it was not possible, or at least not cost appropriate, to run wire.
The X10 systems are still widely used and available with new features and a loyal following.
    What I've been really excited about lately and want to cover today is the new players in the Home Automation or Smart Home business.
As of May 2014 Microsoft Corporation® has partnered with Insteon® and started selling the Starter Kit as well as Light Switches, Light Bulbs, and Security Cameras.
    In June 2014 not to be outdone Apple® announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco the HomeKit® software platform, to integrate control for light dimming, door locking, and other home automation gadgets and features to iOS devices.
    Amazon, eager to meet the needs of excited tech junkies added a Home Automation page to their site with videos, solutions guides, and everything you didn't know you needed to know about Home Automation. This is like shopping at your favorite store where you always leave with a full cart of things you didn't know you needed.

    The main thing to keep in mind here is to design a system not just for your needs today but something you can grow into. You don't want a separate interface for your music, another for your thermostat and another for your lighting. Find a system that will cover all your needs and a company that is committed to inter-operability and integration of all your systems into one platform and one interface. This interface needs to of course be available anywhere you have internet, on any device you choose and it needs to be easy enough to operate that your ten year old can entertain themselves with control options, if you choose to let your ten year old loose with "Keys to the Castle". The Home Automation Revolution is here and soon enough whether we like it or not most everything in our world will be connected. If you think it's time to get involved start slow, buy a smart light bulb, and watch your obsession with energy conservation grow.

Wifi Thermostats

    When you're looking for a Wifi Thermostat for your home there are now many choices with prices ranging from $100 to $300 dollars. I've been installing the Honeywell Visionpro Wifi® for a few years now and what I like about it is the large display and generally user friendly interface. Honeywell has now introduced with the Wifi Smart Thermostat®  which has advanced features but as far as I can tell doesn't do a whole lot more for the extra money.

    If you want something small and modern looking that will blend into the architecture of your home or office you'll want to take a look at the Nest® Thermostat. These are beautifully designed, on the higher end of the price range at $249 for the 2nd Generation and they are "Learning" thermostats with Activity Sensors, Humidity Sensor, 3 Temperature Sensors and Weather Aware that uses the Wifi connection to keep an eye on weather and adjusts the inside temperature based in part on what's happening outside.

    All the Wifi thermostats I've used connect to the internet through your home or office Wifi system where information is routed to a company server somewhere. Honeywell and Nest both have a free app that can be used to control your system remotely after you set up an account. I wish they both had a web-server built-in but so far this is not happening.

    One important note: All Wifi thermostats need a "C" or Common wire at the thermostat. Nest claims that most of the time their thermostats don't need it but the internet is loaded with complaints claiming they do. Play it safe and plan on using a Common wire. If you have a newer thermostat chances are you have a Common. If you have an older thermostat you may not have a wire connected but may have enough wires run to the thermostat to hook up the Common wire in the furnace then at the thermostat.
    If the directions below sound easy enough to follow go ahead and give it a shot, if even the idea of changing out your thermostat gives you anxiety call a friend or a professional that can handle the job. If you do attempt the installation please don't hold me accountable for the results, this is the internet, I'm here to help, but I can't magically reach through the screen and do it for you.

Wiring up the thermostats is simple:
1. Turn off the power to your system at the circuit breaker or at the equipment itself.
2. Remove your old thermostat from the wall, it usually snaps into place, some have screws that need to be removed.
3. Take a picture of the wiring and labels on your old thermostat.
4. Remove the sub-base of the old thermostat.
5. Take a look at how the new thermostat will fit on the wall and paint/ fill holes as necessary or use the included wall plate (Nest only) to cover the old thermostat location.
6. Mount the new sub-base to the wall. Use a level, Nest has one built in.
7. Connect the wiring using the picture you took in step 3.
8. Install the new thermostat on its sub-base.
9. Turn the power back on to your system.
10. Use the enclosed instructions to configure your system and connect it to your Wifi system.

    It can take a few days to get comfortable with the web interface of your new thermostat but having remote access to your system can be a great tool for shutting things down after you've left for the weekend and forgot to turn the system off or to heat up the ski cabin on your way up the mountain. I have to admit the first time I used one of these thermostats I was giddy and couldn't stop messing with the interface on my smartphone. The giddy-ness wore off but I still find the technology AMAZING!