Building-integrated systems

This chapter first discusses how to set about prioritizing your integration efforts, then how to develop integrated systems and build the concept of continuous improvement into your systems. A section is also provided on the various tools that might be used in the process. Lastly, there is a section on how to approach integration if you are dealing with informal existing systems. This section will not apply to all readers. 

Modern Building Automation Systems (BAS) attempt to limit the interfaces used in order to provide a more seamless, integrated network. Ideally, all of the various components communicate with each other in a common language. 

Capacity Element Now consider the case where the valve in Fig. 8-7 is replaced with a pump. In this case, it is reasonable to assume that the exit flow from the tank is independent of the level in the tank. For such a case, Eq. (8-22) still holds, except I lial /j no longer depends on hi. For changes in /. the transfer function relating changes in hi to changes in f, is shown in Fig. 8-10. This is an example of a pure capacity process, also called an integrating system. The cross-sectional area of the tank is the chemical process equivalent of an electrical capacitor. If the inlet flow is step forced while the outlet is held constant, then the level builds up linearly, as shown in Fig. 8-11. Eventually the liquid will overflow the tank. 

Hopefully you are convinced of the necessity and importance of an integrated, comprehensive, and far-reaching system. Here are suggestions on how to begin to build that system in your organization. 

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