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Deutsche Post (German Postal Service) is currently making extensive use of a distributed data server based on the BACnet standard and connecting the company's branches to serve customers across the country.
The 120 logistics centers currently in operation are connected to the server data centers in Frankfurt am Main via modem and telephone lines.
Data from all locations is transmitted using the BACnet/Point-To-Point (PTP) EIA-232 protocol and then uploaded to the network via web applications via the Internet.
Energy monitoring
Deutsche Post AG is one of the largest property owners in Germany.
One of its branches, Immobilien Services, manages more than 8,500 properties.
The buildings of this branch house not only the management, but also distribution centers — freight and mail.
The functioning of logistics centers requires a lot of energy.
For example, an analysis of the construction work currently underway has shown that if you forget to close the curtain blinds on the loading and unloading platform in winter, this is fraught with significant energy costs for heating.
This loss of heat led to an imbalance in the operation of the heating system maintaining a certain temperature in the room.
To improve the efficiency of logistics centers, four pilot projects were launched in 2005.
The essence of their work consisted of collecting information on the outside temperature, the temperature in the room at 5-10 points depending on the size of the room, as well as recording the consumption of electricity, gas and water based on meter readings.
The company headed by the author of this article provided a BACnet data server for these projects, together with a system that allows remote meter reading.
The operation of this system is based on the M-Bus protocol, the European standard EN 13757 for meter reading.
At the physical level, this system allows both analog and digital input/output, which is necessary for the use of various temperature sensors.
The BACnet data server provides three different communication options:
1. Simple internal server for monitoring via local network;
2. Using BACnet/IP protocol for communication with automated operator workstation of BACnet workstation;
3. Using BACnet/PTP protocol and analog or ISDN modem for communication via telephone line.
BACnet protocol was chosen for communication between climate control systems because this communication protocol is specially designed for creation of automated control systems.
It includes a detailed specification of the data (they are arranged in an object structure).
Most other communication protocols do not have such detail.
Using telephone lines is a very cost-effective solution to the problem of connecting remote devices to a central control station.
To ensure central control, a subsidiary of German Telekom called ITENOS (International Telecom Network Operation Services GmbH) is implementing an active operation system.
The data collection centre in Frankfurt am Main is connected to its branches, which are located not only in Germany but also abroad, via telephone lines and/or the Internet.
The collected data is stored in databases and can be accessed via the Internet using traditional web browsers and HTML pages. This allows building owners to connect and analyse meter readings and view temperature readings at any time.
It is intended to implement the function of signaling and notifying operators about system failure.
The analysis module allows comparing data from various sources and extracting data with subsequent generation of reports with statistics.
Soon after the implementation of these four projects, previously hidden economic factors such as energy costs became transparent.
The first application of these ideas was the reduction of energy consumption.
One of the consequences of such control was the decision to immediately close the curtain blinds as soon as a truck leaves the platform, especially in winter.
The current status of the project
Following the completion of the pilot phase earlier this year, installation of BACnet devices began at the remaining 120 sites.
Currently, all 120 sites are equipped with BACnet data servers, which are connected by an information exchange network.
This makes it possible to analyze and compare the storage conditions of goods in different logistics centers.
Options for future implementation
The first step in implementing the project was to install monitoring equipment and collect data.
In subsequent stages, energy consumption monitoring will become central, and an alarm system will be installed that will be triggered when energy consumption standards are exceeded.
Operating personnel will be notified of system failures via e-mail or SMS messages.
Such a system has other advantages as well.
Since the European energy market is currently open, building owners will be able to use real cost estimates to their advantage and receive financial incentives for certain energy consumption volumes.
It is also possible to optimize energy consumption according to weather conditions.
Finally, energy resources can be managed individually.