Design and development of a building control system using power line and wireless communications

• Main Author: Lee, Edwin Jia Liang.
• Other Authors: So Ping Lam
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Control and instrumentation::Control engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16285
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Power Line communications (PLC) has received tremendous attention in recent years as an alternative and costeffective technology. Its strength and popularity can be attributed to its ubiquitous nature and readily available infrastructure. The advantage of using power lines as a data transmission medium is that every building and home is already equipped with the power line and connected to the power grid. The power line carrier communication systems use the existing AC electrical wiring as the network medium to provide highspeed network access points almost anywhere when there is an AC outlet. Through PLC, data can be transmitted at broadband speed. Broadband Power Line Communications (BPLC) is useful in a huge building control system as data can be transmitted over longer distances. Data coverage can be further exploited with BPLC interfacing with wireless communication. Such technology is definitely very practical, convenient and cost saving as it uses the basic infrastructure of buildings. BPLC can be interfaced to an IEEE 802.11b/g wireless LAN access point to create a WiFi network in a building for surveillance purpose. This final year project demonstrates some applications of power line and wireless communication technologies in a standard BCS. Electrical devices in the building can be conveniently controlled at the BCS server as well as remotely. Lighting, airconditioning, security alarm, heating and ventilation are some of the devices that can be automated through PLC.Different lighting intensity and different lighting distribution patterns may be desirable in a single building zone, depending upon its use for energy saving. This project aims to develop various efficient and convenience control solutions / methods through the use of Short Message Service (SMS), EMail and remote access web service. Lastly, the project aims to create a mixed PLC and wireless standalone local area network within the building for remote controlled operations and feedback for mobile users. This facilitates the building administrator in performing energy management and conservation in commercial, residential and industrial buildings.