Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
38 I ICT TODAY To extend the benefits of an "all-IP" infrastructure in the digital building, a next tech wave is single-pair Ethernet (SPE). Essentially, SPE shall be integrated with existing 4-pair (4P) PoE cabling to bring Ethernet pack- ages beyond 100 m (≈328 ft) and/or to replace old legacy buses in auxiliary systems by an IP connection—like HVAC systems, lighting, or smart sensors' access points (e.g., Piconet, EnOcean, Zigbee). The technology of SPE is a notable add-on to a digital building infra- structure, allowing Ethernet to reach 250, 400, or even 1000 m (≈3281 ft) links with 10 Mb/s, including power over dataline (PoDL), which is the single-pair version of PoE. THE PoE LIGHTING AND PoE EMERGENCY LIGHTING The progressive development of PoE technology enables the power supply of a growing number of applications and services in buildings via data cables. Intelligent solu- tions based on PoE technology are becoming increasingly widespread. The most relevant applications in the context of "smart buildings" are PoE lighting and PoE emergency lighting. Because PoE lighting is IP-based, the lighting becomes intelligent. The lighting is easily automated by connecting the control to the data network. Various personalized lighting scenarios can be created, in addi- tion to the more common functionality that the light comes on automatically when it is needed and goes off again when there is no one in the room. This function ensures that lights are not left on overnight. Control via the data network further enables daylight harvesting, in which LED lighting supplements the daylight in the room to the desired illuminance at any time. The set- point can be specified individually for each area and for each workstation. Furthermore, LEDs require significantly less power than conventional luminaires. However, LED luminaires show their full potential, in combination with appropriate sensors and an intelligent control system, that quickly and automatically adjust the illuminance to the respective requirements. In this way, a reduction in power consump- tion is possible compared to conventional lighting. Con- ventional lighting control systems are commonly more complex, can be limited in interface options, and are typi- cally associated with significantly higher costs for initial installation, operation, and maintenance. In addition, licensed electricians are required for installation. The PoE Lighting For buildings of all sizes, PoE lighting is used as a flexi- ble and at the same time sustainable lighting solution. Compared to conventional lighting systems, the smart concept scores highly with lower effort for installation, maintenance, and operation, as well as reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The integration of sensors, LED luminaires, and intelligent controls offer attractive options for optimized operation. CONVERGENCE IN DIGITAL BUILDINGS There is a convergence of information technology (IT) with operational technology (OT). This convergence of IT and OT brings the data from the physical equip- ment and devices into the digital realm to enable smart building applications. The digital information collected by the physical devices is used to monitor, analyze, and influence the physical operational environment. When successfully implemented, IT and OT convergence can merge business processes, insights, and controls into a single uniform environment. The purpose of IoT devices is to obtain data, such as temperature, motion, humidity, and light. The data is useful within its dedicated solution, but it can only be used in full when systems are converged. The data from the sensors, for example, are useful for many building services, such as access control, fire detec- tion, intruder alarms, surveillance, and lifts/elevators to increase energy efficiency, occupancy, security, safety, and comfort. Connected buildings have one or several IP-based building network infrastructures that support multiple coexisting applications and services. There is a trend towards several networks linked via virtual LAN (VLANs) or a backbone to enable transfer and sharing of data with centralized monitoring and management. When data is centrally recorded, analyzed, compressed, and made available system-wide, remarkable optimizations can be achieved. Operating processes can be continuously optimized using building information modeling (BIM).