Generic IoT for Smart Buildings and Field-Level Automation—Challenges, Threats, Approaches, and Solutions

Abstract

Smart home and building systems are popular solutions that support maintaining comfort and safety and improve energy efficiency in buildings. However, dynamically developing distributed network technologies, in particular the Internet of Things (IoT), are increasingly entering the above-mentioned application areas of building automation, offering new functional possibilities. The result of these processes is the emergence of many different solutions that combine field-level and information and communications technology (ICT) networks in various configurations and architectures. New paradigms are also emerging, such as edge and fog computing, providing support for local monitoring and control networks in the implementation of advanced functions and algorithms, including machine learning and artificial intelligence mechanisms. This paper collects state-of-the-art information in these areas, providing a systematic review of the literature and case studies with an analysis of selected development trends. The author systematized this information in the context of the potential development of building automation systems. Based on the conclusions of this analysis and discussion, a framework for the development of the Generic IoT paradigm in smart home and building applications has been proposed, along with a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of its usability. Future works are proposed as well.

Building Information Modeling and Digital Twin Approaches in Building Automation and Distributed IoT Networks – Review and New Challenges Discussion

“…These challenges have been undertaken by engineering and research teams for several years [10][11][12][13], but new paths and solutions in this area are still being sought. Their results include, among others, the guidelines of the already mentioned EPBD directive, the EN 15232:2017 standard, replaced by the new EN ISO 52120:2022 [14,15] and the latest SRI index initiative, which are still being developed, modified and, most importantly, verified in case studies [16][17][18].…”

“…Moreover, it would increase efficiency, facilitate cooperation and the flow of information, saving time and resources. All these issues are crucial in the context of the application of BIM and DT tools in the structures of distributed fieldbus automation networks, with network nodes with limited computing power and memory resources (edge modules) [11,52,53]. Among the various initiatives in this area, it is worth paying attention to the activities of the Digital Twin Consortium [54].…”

“…In the context of designing building infrastructure and building automation systems supported by BIM and DT tools, attention should also be paid to the problem of fragmentation and granularity resulting from the technical nature of these systems [57]. Modern BACS are distributed in nature, and assuming their integration with IoT solutions, other fieldbus networks and edge level modules [2,10,11,53,58], the granularity will increase, which is a problem and a challenge in building effective BIM, but also in the organization and integration of data acquisition structures for DT discussed in [59].…”

“…BMS systems are switched systematically and consistently to IP networks (which also allows remote monitoring of many buildings through the central operations center). The growth of the IoT is being driven by a sharp drop in the cost of advanced sensors, computing power and data storage, while increasing device density (and reducing device size) [11,78]. IoT can support BIM and DT by collecting building status data, monitoring performance, predicting failures, automating tasks, and personalizing the environment.…”