Beckhoff Automation’s recently introduced CPD courses have proved popular with those looking to learn more about converged building controls and building control communications protocols.
The courses focus on aspects of networking that can help to achieve energy efficient building operation in the long-term.
The first course offers an in-depth look at converged building controls and the industry standard BS EN 15232.
BS EN 15232 defines the effect of building automation control systems (BACS) on energy efficiency. The course shows how greater energy savings can be achieved through converging all aspects of room control, such as heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, into a single platform.
As well as offering background information on the standard, the one-hour session provides insight into the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and Part L of the Building Regulations.
The second course focuses on building control communication protocols and covers a range of common protocols such as DALI, KNX, BACnet, EnOcean, Modbus, SMI and others.
Whilst many of these are single function and sometimes proprietary, others have become de-facto standards and have been widely adopted within the industry. The module demystifies the fieldbus and network minefield and discusses the popularity of converging building control networks with the IT infrastructure.
Due to the success of the first two courses, Beckhoff is developing a new Intelligent Lighting module which will look at what makes lighting ‘intelligent’. Cabled and wireless networks offer many benefits, from simplified installation, commissioning and troubleshooting, through to the opportunity to save considerable amounts of energy with the implementation of intelligent control regimes. The new course will explore the most popular technologies – such as DALI, KNX and EnOcean – and discuss the relative merits and scalability of each system.
Karl Walker, Market Development Manager, comments: “We have had an overwhelming response to the first two CPD courses, highlighting the growing popularity of building controls and the demand for further education.”
The Beckhoff courses qualify for 60 minutes of CPD time and can either be arranged on site or at Beckhoff’s Technology Centre in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.