|
Keeping Current on Building Automation and Controls Systems
There are so many areas that BAS impacts from security to integrating
renewable energy sources that are invaluable for us to
understand.
|
Paul Ehrlich, Ira
Goldschmidt
& Angela Lewis
Building
Intelligence Group
As
published
September Issue -
Column
|
One of the challenges that we have as design professionals is in
continuing to hone our skills. While this has always been a good
idea, it is not required in many states in order to renew your
professional registration. When I think about the challenges in
furthering our education there are several things that come to mind:
- Strengthen the Basics: There are skills that
we use every day that we can always do better. How could we write
a stronger specification, or improve existing master
specifications? Are there improved sequences of operation that we
should be utilizing? Often these are both technical in nature as
well as business related. For example, choosing the right option
for economizer changeover is a technical issue, while tighter
specification language is business related.
- Follow Product Changes: It is important to
keep up with what is being provided by vendors. Over the last 10
years we have seen a change to systems that are web based and follow
open protocols. Today we continue to see some changes to HVAC
controls but also many new products coming out for lighting control,
and energy information systems. Understanding and trying to
select these new solutions is simultaneously one of the most
frustrating and fascinating parts of our jobs!
- Learn New Skills: It is always a good idea to
extend our skill set. For example, if your background is HVAC
design, learn about lighting, or better yet about network design.
There are so many areas that BAS impacts from security to integrating
renewable energy sources that are invaluable for us to
understand.
The challenge in continuing our education is that there is never time
to do it! After all, if you are fortunate enough to be working then it
is unlikely that you have much (if any) free time to attend classes,
conferences or even online webinars. I find that there are several
valuable sources of continuing education. These include:
- Online Research: There is a tremendous amount of
information available on the Internet. Often I will start a
search on a topic of interest and with some careful sorting I am able
to find excellent information from vendor materials to research papers
from the Department of Energy and others.
- Vendor Meetings: Meeting in person, or by
phone with vendors is a great way to keep up with their new products
and systems. It is easiest to get this information from those
with whom we have a close working relationship with, but also important
to seek out new suppliers.
- Conferences and Seminars: While in person
training is time consuming and expensive (event, travel, time, etc.),
it is by far the highest quality and the best for networking. One
great event is the annual High Performance Buildings Conference that
Engineered Systems puts on which will be in Washington DC from
September 11-13, 2012.
- Webinars and Local Events: Finally, there are
a number of online events such as webinars and local events including
ASHRAE and USGBC meetings. These are all great resources to both
improve existing skills and learn new ones.
- Magazines and Blogs: Of course magazines such
as Engineered Systems are also a fantastic source on new information as
well as the online versions and associated blogs and newsletters.
As we get ready for “back to school,” this is a good time to think
about your own education program for the next 12 months. What
skills need work? How many CEUs do you need to earn? What
programs, classes or conferences look interesting? Create your
own personal training program and work with your team to make it a
reality.
About the Authors
Paul
and Ira first worked together on a series of ASHRAE
projects including the BACnet committee and Guideline 13 – Specifying
DDC Controls. The formation of Building Intelligence Group provided
them the ability to work together professionally providing assistance
to owners with the planning, design and development of Intelligent
Building Systems. Building Intelligence Group provides services for
clients worldwide including leading Universities, Corporations, and
Developers. More information can be found at www.buildingintelligencegroup.com
We also invite you to contact us directly at
Paul@buildingintelligencegroup.com or
ira@buildingintelligencegroup.com
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