Latest Building Automation Articles

Hierarchical Levels in Industrial Networks

Hierarchical Levels Industrial Networks align device, control, and enterprise layers across PLCs, SCADA, MES, and ERP, using fieldbus, Ethernet/IP, and Profinet to ensure deterministic control, real-time data, cybersecurity, and scalable OT-IT integration.

What Are Hierarchical Levels Industrial Networks?

Layered OT networks linking devices, control, and enterprise systems for real-time, deterministic, secure automation.

✅ Defines device, control, and enterprise layers in OT/ICS

✅ Maps PLCs, HMIs, drives, and sensors to appropriate network tiers

✅ Ensures determinism, redundancy, and EMC-compliant cabling practices

The industrial automation systems can be very complex, and it is usually structured into several hierarchical levels. Each of the hierarchical level has an appropriate communication level, which places different requirements on the communication network. Figure 1.1 shows an example of the hierarchy of an industrial automation system. For a broader overview of protocols and trends, industrial automation communication resources explain how hierarchy influences network design across levels.

Industrial networks may be classified in several different categories based on functionality - field-level networks (sensor, actuator or device buses), control-level networks (control buses) and information-level networks. Organizations adopt these layers to gain measurable efficiencies, and the benefits of industry networks include improved interoperability, uptime, and lifecycle support.

We primarily use sensor and actuator buses to connect simple, discrete devices with limited intelligence, such as a photo-eye, limit switch, or solenoid valve, to controllers and computers. Sensor buses such as ASI and CAN are designed so information flow is reduced to a few bits and the cost per node is a critical factor. Selecting cabling, interfaces, and gateways depends on understanding industrial network components that shape reliability, diagnostics, and scalability.

Field level

The lowest level of the automation hierarchy is the field level, which includes the field devices such as actuators and sensors. The elementary field devices are sometimes classified as the element sublevel. The task of the devices in the field level is to transfer data between the manufactured product and the technical process. The data may be both binary and analogue. Measured values may be available for a short period of time or over a long period of time.

For the field level communication, parallel, multiwire cables, and serial interfaces such as the 20mA current loop has been widely used from the

past. The serial communication standards such as RS232C, RS422, and RS485 are most commonly used protocols together with the parallel communication standard IEEE488. Those point-to-point communication methods have evolved to the bus communication network to cope with the cabling cost and to achieve a high quality communication. Comparisons of copper, fiber, and wireless media, along with signaling and topology choices, are covered in transmission methods for industrial networks to help match performance with environmental constraints.

Field-level industrial networks are a large category, distinguished by characteristics such as message size and response time. In general, these networks connect smart devices that work cooperatively in a distributed, time-critical network. They offer higher-level diagnostic and configuration capabilities generally at the cost of more intelligence, processing power, and price. At their most sophisticated, fieldbus networks work with truly distributed control among intelligent devices like FOUNDATION Fieldbus. Common networks included in the devicebus and fieldbus classes include CANOpen, DeviceNet, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, Interbus-S, LonWorks, Profibus-DP, and SDS.

These characteristics also underpin infrastructure applications such as rail crossings, where distributed sensors and controllers coordinate safety logic, as seen in smart city automated level crossings that rely on deterministic messaging.

Nowadays, the fieldbus is often used for information transfer in the field level. Due to timing requirements, which have to be strictly observed in an automation process, the applications in the field level controllers require cyclic transport functions, which transmit source information at regular intervals. The data representation must be as short as possible in order to reduce message transfer time on the bus.

Control Level

At the control level, the information flow mainly consists of the loading of programs, parameters and data. In processes with short machine idle times and readjustments, this is done during the production process. In small controllers it may be necessary to load subroutines during one manufacturing cycle. This determines the timing requirements. It can be divided into two: cell and area sublevels.

Cell Sublevel

For the cell level operations, machine synchronizations and event handlings may require short response times on the bus. These real-time requirements are not compatible with time-excessive transfers of application programs, thus making an adaptable message segmentation necessary.

In order to achieve the communication requirements in this level, local area networks have been used as the communication network. After the introduction of the CIM concept and the DCCS concept, many companies developed their proprietary networks for the cell level of an automation system. The Ethernet together with TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) was

accepted as a de facto standard for this level, though it cannot provide a true real-time communication. Similar patterns appear in buildings, where building automation systems integrate HVAC, lighting, and security over IP while reserving real-time tasks for specialized buses.

Many efforts have been made for the standardization of the communication network for the cell level. The IEEE standard networks based on the OSI layered architecture were developed and the Mini-MAP network was developed in 1980s to realize a standard communication between various devices from different vendors. Some fieldbuses can also be used for this level.

Area sublevel

The area level consists of cells combined into groups. Cells are designed with an application-oriented functionality. By the area level controllers or process operators, the controlling and intervening functions are made such as the setting of production targets, machine startup and shutdown, and emergency activities.

We typically use control-level networks for peer-to-peer networks between controllers such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and computer systems used for human-machine interface (HMI), historical archiving, and supervisory control. We use control buses to coordinate and synchronize control between production units and manufacturing cells. Typically, ControlNet, PROFIBUS-FMS and (formerly) MAP are used as the industrial networks for controller buses. In addition, we can frequently use Ethernet with TCP/IP as a controller bus to connect upper-level control devices and computers.

Information level

The information level is the top level of a plant or an industrial automation system. The plant level controller gathers the management information from the area levels, and manages the whole automation system. At the information level there exist large scale networks, e.g. Ethernet WANs for factory planning and management information exchange. We can use Ethernet networks as a gateway to connect other industrial networks. At this level, analytics platforms often drive energy KPIs, and advanced energy management strategies leverage network data for optimization and demand response.

Building Automation Channel

Transmission Methods In Industrial Networks

Transmission Methods Industrial Networks explain Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Fieldbus, Modbus TCP, and wireless options, covering deterministic control, latency, throughput, topology, and noise immunity for PLC, SCADA, and IIoT connectivity in factory automation.

What Are Transmission Methods in Industrial Networks?

Methods for transferring industrial data via wired, wireless, and real-time protocols to ensure deterministic control.

✅ Compare Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Fieldbus, Modbus TCP, and CANopen

✅ Address latency, jitter, determinism, bandwidth, and reliability

✅ Select media, topology, shielding, and QoS for harsh environments

The data communication can be analogue or digital. Analogue data takes continuously changing values.

For a broader systems perspective, building automation fundamentals explain how communication methods underpin monitoring and control.

In digital communication, the data can take only binary 1 or 0 values. The transmission itself can be asynchronous or synchronous, depending on the way data is sent. In asynchronous mode transmission, characters are sent using start and stop codes and each character can be sent independently at a nonuniform rate. The synchronous mode transmission is more efficient method. The data is transmitted in blocks of characters, and the exact departure and arrival time of each bit is predictable because the sender/receiver clocks are synchronized. For an introduction to protocols and media choices, industrial automation communication outlines typical options and tradeoffs.

The transmission methods in industrial communication networks include baseband, broadband, and carrierband. In a baseband transmission, a transmission consists of a set of signals that is applied to the transmission medium without being translated in frequency.

To relate signaling to hardware, industrial network components illustrate how cables, switches, and interfaces shape performance.

Broadband transmission uses a range of frequencies that can be divided into a number of channels. Carrier transmission uses only one frequency to transmit and receive information.

Digital optical fibre transmission is based on representing the ones and zeros as light pulses.

The type of the physical cabling system or the transmission media is a major factor in choosing a particular industrial communication network. The most common transmission media for industrial communication network is copper wire, either in the form of coaxial or twisted-pair cable. Fibre optics and wireless technologies are also being used.

Coaxial cable is used for high-speed data transmission over distances of several kilometers.

The coaxial cable is widely available, relatively inexpensive, and can be installed and maintained easily. For these reasons it is widely used in many industrial communication networks.

Twisted-pair cable may be used to transmit baseband data at several Mbit/s over distances of 1 km or more but as the speed is increased the maximum length of the cable is reduced. Twisted-pair cable has been used for many years and is also widely used in industrial communication networks. It is less expensive than coaxial cable, but it does not provide high transmission capacity or good protection from electromagnetic interference.

Fibre optic cable provides increased transmission capacity over giga bits, and it is free from electromagnetic interference. However, the associated equipment required is more expensive, and it is more difficult to tap for multidrop connections. Also, if this is used for sensor cables in process plants, separate copper wiring would be required for instrument power, which might as well be used for the signal transmission. Higher-speed backbones enable analytics such as advanced energy management that depend on timely, high-resolution data.

In many mobile or temporary measurement situations, wireless is a good solution and is being used widely. Real-world deployments like automated level crossings demonstrate how wireless links support safety-critical automation.

Today's environment

Conventional point-to-point wiring using discrete devices and analog instrumentation dominate today's computer-based measurement and automation systems. Twisted-pair wiring and 4-20 mA analog instrumentation standards work with devices from most suppliers and provide interoperability between other 4-20 mA devices. However, this is extremely limited because it provides only one piece of information from the manufacturing process. Historically, measurement networks and automation systems have used a combination of proprietary and open digital networks to provide improved information availability and increased throughput and performance. Integrating devices from several vendors is made difficult by the need for custom software and hardware interfaces. Proprietary networks offer limited multi-vendor interoperability and openness between devices. With standard industrial networks, on the other hand, we decide which devices we want to use. A concise summary of outcomes such as scalability, diagnostics, and lifecycle savings is provided in benefits of industrial networks for decision makers. Designers can map devices to control, supervisory, and enterprise layers using hierarchical network guidance before selecting vendors.

Building Automation Channel

Green Energy

Green energy integrates renewable electricity from solar, wind, and hydro into smart grids using power electronics, advanced inverters, energy storage, and grid automation to enhance reliability, power quality, and low-carbon transmission.

Green Energy Fundamentals

Green energy, often synonymous with renewable energy, has gained significant attention in recent years as the world seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, minimize environmental damage, and promote a more sustainable future. This shift towards clean energy resources helps reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants and plays a vital role in conserving non-renewable resources and promoting efficiency.

There are several green energy sources, each with unique benefits and challenges. Solar energy, one of the most popular renewable sources, harnesses the sun's energy to generate electricity. Solar panels, commonly installed on rooftops or in solar farms, convert sunlight into electricity for homes and businesses. As solar technology advances, solar system installation costs have dropped significantly, making it more accessible to individuals and communities alike. For homeowners, adopting comprehensive strategies is easier when using resources like energy management frameworks that track consumption and optimize production.

Wind energy, another widely recognized green energy source, is generated by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using wind turbines. Large wind farms can produce significant energy, often enough to power entire communities or cities. However, wind power's effectiveness depends on the location and weather conditions, as wind speeds must be sufficient to generate electricity consistently. To mitigate variability, utilities often integrate energy management systems to balance wind output with demand forecasts.

Hydropower, one of the oldest renewable green energy sources, utilizes the movement of water to generate electricity. Dams and hydroelectric power stations convert the potential energy of water stored at a height into electricity, providing a stable and reliable source of energy. However, the construction of dams can lead to environmental concerns, such as habitat disruption and changes to local ecosystems. In facilities adjacent to dams, building energy management systems can tune loads to align with scheduled releases for greater efficiency.

Biomass energy is derived from organic materials, such as plants and animal waste, which can be burned directly for heat or converted into biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. This form of green energy can help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the large-scale production of biomass crops can compete with food production and lead to deforestation. Modern plants deploy energy management controls to maintain combustion efficiency and emissions performance across feedstock variations.

Geothermal green energy taps into the Earth's natural heat by capturing steam or hot water from underground reservoirs to generate electricity. This clean energy source has a minimal environmental impact, but its availability is limited to areas with specific geological conditions. In buildings served by district geothermal, integrating building automation enables coordinated HVAC setpoints and thermal storage strategies.

Green energy offers numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and dependence on finite energy resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. By transitioning to renewable green energy sources, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, green energy technologies can create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

However, there are also some drawbacks to green energy sources. For example, intermittency issues can arise with solar and wind power, depending on weather conditions. Moreover, the initial investment for installing renewable energy systems can be high, although costs have decreased recently.

Individuals can contribute to the growth of green energy by installing solar panels in their homes, using energy-efficient appliances, and supporting policies that encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources. The cost of switching to green energy varies depending on the technology, location, and government incentives available.

Emerging trends in green energy technology include advancements in energy storage solutions, such as batteries and hydrogen storage, which can help address intermittency issues. Furthermore, innovations in smart grids and microgrids allow for better integration and management of renewable sources. These improvements are complemented by advanced energy management analytics that forecast loads and orchestrate distributed assets.

Government policies play a critical role in supporting the adoption of green energy. For example, incentive programs, tax credits, and subsidies can help lower the cost of renewable power installations, making them more accessible to consumers. Additionally, regulations and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable sources can drive further investment in green energy technologies. Organizations can accelerate adoption by instituting a formal energy management program that aligns incentives, metering, and continuous commissioning efforts.

Embracing green energy sources is crucial for building a sustainable and cleaner future. By understanding the different types of green energy and their environmental benefits, individuals and governments can make informed decisions to promote adopting green energy solutions.

As the United States and other countries worldwide continue to invest in renewable technologies, the production landscape is rapidly changing. This transition to green energy sources is essential to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing the environmental impacts of energy production, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Increasing public awareness and education is one way to promote green energy further. By informing citizens of the benefits and potential drawbacks of different renewable sources, we can foster a more informed and engaged public, encouraging individuals to make greener choices in their daily lives.

Community-based green energy renewable projects can also help facilitate the widespread adoption of green energy. These projects, such as community solar gardens or small-scale wind farms, allow individuals who may need more resources or space to install their renewable systems to benefit from clean energy production. In addition, by pooling resources and sharing the benefits, communities can work together to create a more sustainable future.

Advancements in green energy technologies will also play a significant role in increasing the adoption of renewable sources. As researchers and engineers continue to develop more efficient and affordable technologies, the barriers to entry for green energy will continue to decrease. In addition, innovations in materials science, such as the development of more efficient solar cells or improvements in wind turbine design, can lead to significant gains in the performance of renewable systems.

Finally, international cooperation and collaboration will be essential in advancing green energy on a global scale. Climate change and environmental degradation do not respect national borders; thus, a united effort is necessary to combat these challenges. By sharing knowledge, resources, and technology, countries can work together to promote the adoption of green energy and build a more sustainable future for all.

Green energy is an essential component of a sustainable, environmentally responsible future. Investing in renewable technologies, supporting government policies, and engaging in individual and community-based efforts can help drive the adoption of green energy sources and ensure a cleaner, healthier world for future generations. With continued innovation, increased public awareness, and international collaboration, the promise of a green energy revolution becomes more attainable each day.

Building Automation Channel

Certified Energy Manager

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) professionals optimize energy efficiency, manage sustainability programs, and reduce operational costs through advanced analysis, auditing, and strategic planning for industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.

What is a Certified Energy Manager?

A Certified Energy Manager is a credentialed professional specializing in efficiency, auditing, and sustainability leadership across industrial, commercial, and institutional operations.

✅ Identifies and implements energy-saving strategies

✅ Ensures compliance with energy and environmental standards

✅ Improves performance through data-driven energy management

A CEM is an individual professionally accredited—typically by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) or an equivalent body—to design, implement, and monitor comprehensive efficiency programs. CEMs combine technical knowledge with practical management skills to assess power use, uncover inefficiencies, and recommend actions that deliver significant cost savings while lowering environmental impact. Certified Energy Managers often rely on advanced energy management strategies to optimize facility operations and ensure long-term sustainability across industrial and commercial systems.

The CEM credential, offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), is globally recognized and underpins the credibility and rigour that CEM professionals bring to energy management.

The CEM credential is globally recognized as a benchmark of excellence in energy management. It signifies a deep commitment to sustainable practices, carbon reduction, and responsible resource use. CEMs work in diverse sectors—manufacturing, commercial property, public institutions—where they conduct audits, oversee complex building management systems, and guide organizations toward operational excellence. An example of this is energy efficiency in Alberta hospitals and educational institutions, where they perform audits and oversee complex building management systems.

Earning the CEM certification represents a major professional milestone for engineers and technicians working in the energy sector. Through the premier Certified Energy Manager training program, participants gain the technical knowledge and analytical skills needed to manage power use effectively in any industrial plant or commercial facility. The program emphasizes practical applications—such as system optimization, cost reduction, and sustainability planning—preparing graduates to lead comprehensive power management initiatives that improve performance, reduce emissions, and strengthen organizational resilience.

Key Responsibilities of a CEM

Certified Energy Managers bring together engineering, economics, and environmental leadership to create measurable value. Their daily work includes:
- Conducting detailed energy audits and identifying opportunities for savings
- Developing and recommending facility-wide policies and improvements
- Analyzing utility bills, usage patterns, and benchmarking performance metrics
- Overseeing installation of high-efficiency systems and retrofits
- Providing expert guidance on compliance, certification, and sustainability reporting
Through these activities, CEMs integrate technology and strategy to help organizations reach both cost and carbon reduction goals. An essential component of a Certified Energy Manager’s work involves integrating building automation systems that monitor and control lighting, HVAC, and other critical building functions for peak efficiency.

Certification Requirements and Process

To become a CEM, candidates must meet specific educational and professional experience criteria established by AEE.

Education Level	Required Experience	Exam	Renewal Cycle
Bachelor’s in Engineering or related field	3+ years in energy management	4-hour CEM exam (130 questions)	Every 3 years
Technical Diploma	6+ years	Same	CEU-based
No degree	10+ years	Same	CEU-based

To improve overall performance and reduce energy waste, Certified Energy Managers frequently implement building energy management systems that provide data-driven insight into real-time power use.

Why Organizations Need Certified Energy Managers

Energy costs represent a major portion of operational budgets for most organizations. Hiring a Certified Energy Manager gives companies the expertise to pinpoint waste, manage consumption, and drive efficiency. CEMs introduce solutions such as LED lighting upgrades, advanced HVAC optimization, and building automation systems—all supported by data-driven measurement and verification.

Beyond cost reduction, their role extends into regulatory compliance and sustainability governance. CEMs help organizations qualify for government incentives, meet emissions reporting standards, and align with national and international codes such as ISO 50001 and LEED. Their influence goes beyond immediate savings—they shape a culture of efficiency that supports long-term environmental and economic resilience. Effective power optimization also depends on intelligent energy management controls that allow Certified Energy Managers to fine-tune systems for both cost savings and environmental compliance.

Becoming a Certified Energy Manager

To earn the CEM designation, candidates must satisfy education and experience requirements and pass a rigorous exam administered by the Association of Energy Engineers. The certification curriculum spans key areas including auditing, HVAC system optimization, lighting design, electrical distribution, renewable energy integration, and power economics.

Becoming a Certified Energy Manager demonstrates both technical proficiency and leadership capacity. Maintaining certification requires ongoing professional development, ensuring that CEMs stay informed about evolving technologies, new standards, and emerging sustainability practices. Many CEMs expand their expertise by pursuing related credentials—such as Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) or Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP)—to further strengthen their knowledge of power systems and performance verification.

Many CEMs are also involved in broader sustainability initiatives and may work on projects related to renewable energy integration or advanced energy storage solutions.

Impact of CEMs on the Energy Sector

As the global economy transitions toward cleaner and more efficient power systems, the role of the Certified Energy Manager has become indispensable. CEMs help organizations reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve building performance, and achieve ambitious sustainability goals.

Their work delivers tangible outcomes—millions of dollars in annual savings, measurable power performance improvements, and compliance with environmental regulations. By combining technical expertise, analytical insight, and strategic vision, CEMs lead the transformation toward a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy future in buildings and industries around the world. By combining these technologies within a comprehensive energy management program, Certified Energy Managers help organizations achieve measurable reductions in power consumption, carbon output, and operating costs.

Building Automation Channel

Benefits of Industry-Standard Networks Explained

Benefits of industry networks include collaboration, knowledge sharing, standards alignment, and vendor partnerships that accelerate innovation in electrical engineering, grid modernization, smart manufacturing, and safety compliance across power systems and automation ecosystems.

What Are the Benefits of Industry Networks?

They enable faster innovation, standards compliance, risk mitigation, and scalable solutions through shared expertise.

✅ Accelerates compliance with IEEE, IEC, UL standards and codes

✅ Improves interoperability across SCADA, PLC, and smart grid systems

✅ Enables supplier benchmarking, risk sharing, and joint R&D

Modern control and business systems require open, digital communications. Industrial networks replace conventional point-to-point RS-232, RS-485, and 4-20 mA wiring between existing measurement devices and automation systems with an all-digital, 2-way communication network. Industrial networking technology offers several major improvements over existing systems. With industry-standard networks, we can select the right instrument and system for the job regardless of the control system manufacturer. Other benefits include:

To understand how device-level buses, controllers, and enterprise systems coordinate, resources like industrial automation communication outline protocol choices, latency tradeoffs, and integration patterns. Selecting between Ethernet, fieldbus, and wireless options benefits from comparing transmission methods for industrial networks with respect to determinism, noise immunity, and distance.

Reduced wiring -- resulting in lower overall installation and maintenance costs
Intelligent devices -- leading to higher performance and increased functionality such as advanced diagnostics
Distributed control -- with intelligent devices providing the flexibility to apply control either centrally or distributed for improved performance and reliability
Simplified wiring of a new installation, resulting in fewer, simpler drawings and overall reduced control system engineering costs
Lower installation costs for wiring, marshalling, and junction boxes

Delivering these benefits also depends on choosing switches, gateways, and physical media from a well-architected set of industrial network components that match environmental and reliability requirements. Designers often map sensors, controllers, and supervisory systems across the hierarchical levels of industrial networks to balance real-time control with plantwide visibility.

Standard industrial networks offer the capability to meet the expanding needs of manufacturing operations of all sizes. As our measurement and automation system needs grow, industrial networks provide an industry-standard, open infrastructure to add new capabilities to meet increasing manufacturing and production needs. For relatively low initial investments, we can install small computer-based measurement and automation systems that are compatible with large-scale and long-term plant control and business systems. This standards-based approach aligns closely with how a building automation system aggregates HVAC, power, and security data for unified operations. For teams expanding beyond production into facilities integration, understanding what building automation entails helps frame networking requirements and data governance.

As energy costs and sustainability goals rise, leveraging advanced energy management over the same industrial network can drive measurable efficiency gains and carbon reporting accuracy.

Building Automation Channel

Industrial Network Components Explained

Industrial network components enable reliable Ethernet, fieldbus, and IIoT connectivity across PLCs, HMIs, drives, and sensors, using managed switches, routers, protocol gateways, and cybersecurity firewalls for real-time control, redundancy, and deterministic data.

What Are Industrial Network Components?

Hardware like switches, routers, gateways, and I/O modules that link PLCs and sensors for secure, deterministic control.

✅ Managed Ethernet switches enforce VLANs, QoS, and ring redundancy

✅ Gateways bridge Modbus, PROFIBUS, and PROFINET protocols

✅ Industrial routers add VPN, firewall, and IEC 62443 security

Industrial Network Components

In larger industrial and factory networks, a single cable is not enough to connect all the network nodes together. We must define network topologies and design networks to provide isolation and meet performance requirements. In many cases, because applications must communicate across dissimilar networks, we need additional network equipment. The following are various types of network components and topologies:

For an overview of how devices exchange data across varied protocols, see the guide on industrial automation communication best practices for plant networks.

Repeaters -- a repeater, or amplifier, is a device that enhances electrical signals so they can travel greater distances between nodes. With this device, we can connect a larger number of nodes to the network. In addition, we can adapt different physical media to each other, such as coaxial cable to an optical fiber.
Router -- a router switches the communication packets between different network segments, defining the path.
Bridge -- with a bridge, the connection between two different network sections can have different electrical characteristics and protocols. A bridge can join two dissimilar networks and applications can distribute information across them.
Gateway -- a gateway, similar to a bridge, provides interoperability between buses of different types and protocols, and applications can communicate through the gateway.

In planning placement of routers, bridges, and gateways, it's useful to map the hierarchical levels of industrial networks across field, control, and enterprise layers.

Network Topology

Industrial systems usually consist of two or more devices. As industrial systems get larger, we must consider the topology of the network. The most common network topologies are the bus, star, or a hybrid network that combines both. Three principal topologies are employed for industrial communication networks: star, bus, and ring as shown in Figure 3. Understanding media choices and signaling options is essential, and the overview of transmission methods for industrial networks explains tradeoffs between copper, fiber, and wireless.

A star configuration contains a central controller, to which all nodes are directly connected. This allows easy connection for small networks, but additional controllers must be added once a maximum number of nodes are reached. The failure of a node in a star configuration does not affect other nodes. The star topology has a central hub and one or more network segment connections that radiate from the central hub. With the star topology, we can easily add further nodes without interrupting the network. Another benefit is that failure of one device does not impair communications between any other devices in the network; however, failure of the central hub causes the entire network to fail. These design choices tie directly to the benefits of industrial networks that improve scalability and resilience.

In the bus topology, each node is directly attached to a common communication channel. Messages transmitted on the bus are received by every node. If a node fails, the rest of the network continues in operation as long as the failed node does not affect the media. This shared medium approach is often integrated under a facility's building automation system where distributed controllers share status and control signals.

In the ring topology, the cable forms a loop and the nodes are attached at intervals around the loop. Messages are transmitted around the ring passing the nodes attached to it. If a single node fails, the entire network could stop unless a recovery mechanism is not implemented.

In transportation settings like automated level crossings environments, deterministic performance and failover are crucial for safety.

For most networks used for industrial applications, we can use hybrid combinations of both the bus and star topologies to create larger networks consisting of hundreds, even thousands of devices. We can configure many popular industrial networks such as Ethernet, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, DeviceNet, Profibus, and CAN using hybrid bus and star topologies depending on application requirements. Hybrid networks offer advantages and disadvantages of both the bus and star topologies. We can configure them so failure of one device does not put the other devices out of service. We can also add to the network without impacting other nodes in the network. Hybrid architectures also support advanced energy management strategies that balance load and reduce downtime during maintenance.

Building Automation Channel

Energy Management

Energy management enhances power systems via smart grid controls, demand response, load forecasting, SCADA, and IoT sensors to improve energy efficiency, peak shaving, power quality, and renewable integration across industrial and utility operations.

Energy Management: Real-World Examples and Uses

Energy management (EM) is a crucial practice today, as it helps businesses and individuals reduce their carbon footprint, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By incorporating key elements such as efficiency, demand response, building automation, audits, smart grid technology, HVAC optimization, conservation, renewable energy, monitoring, and analytics, a comprehensive EM program can lead to significant savings and environmental benefits. As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change and dwindling resources, EM will remain an indispensable tool for creating a more sustainable and efficient future. For organizations starting out, an energy management program can provide a structured roadmap for setting goals and tracking performance.

Energy management is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps reduce carbon emissions and the overall environmental impact of energy use. Second, it saves money by lowering costs and making facilities more energy efficient. Third, EM practices contribute to businesses and organizations' long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Modern energy management systems offer centralized dashboards and automated alerts that help sustain these gains over time.

Building automation is one of the primary ways energy management systems improve efficiency in buildings. These systems utilize sophisticated technology to control and optimize energy use in various systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. By automating these systems, buildings can operate more efficiently and effectively, reducing waste and saving on costs. For broader context, guides on building automation fundamentals can help teams understand integration points with HVAC and lighting controls.

Energy management in industrial facilities requires a combination of best practices, including implementing EM systems, regular audits, and data analytics. By monitoring and analyzing data, asset managers can identify areas of inefficiency, implement targeted improvements, and track the success of their energy management strategies. As operations mature, adopting advanced energy management practices can unify analytics, forecasting, and optimization across multiple facilities.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, can be integrated into energy management systems to improve sustainability further and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For example, a facility may use solar panels to generate electricity during peak sunlight hours, reducing the need for grid-supplied energy and reduce energy costs. Additionally, renewable energy can be used with energy storage systems to provide backup power during high demand or grid outages. Well-designed building energy management systems coordinate on-site renewables with storage and loads to maximize self-consumption and resilience.

An effective EM strategy comprises several key components, including a thorough understanding of use, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on energy-efficient technologies and practices. For example, businesses can implement energy-saving measures, such as retrofitting lighting systems with energy-efficient LEDs, upgrading HVAC systems to more efficient models, and improving building insulation to minimize heat loss. Upgraded energy management controls enable granular scheduling, sensor-driven setpoints, and measurement and verification to prove savings.

Smart grids and demand response play a critical role in EM by enabling a more flexible and responsive approach. Smart grids use advanced technology and real-time data to optimize electricity generation, distribution, and energy consumption. On the other hand, demand response programs incentivize consumers to reduce or shift their energy use during periods of high demand, helping to balance the grid and lower overall costs. When paired with a capable building automation system, demand response signals can trigger coordinated load shifts with minimal occupant disruption.

Audits are an essential part of energy management, as they provide a comprehensive assessment of a building's performance and identify opportunities for improvement. During an audit, an EM professional evaluates the consumption of a facility, typically an office building or industrial plant, and recommends cost-effective measures to reduce use and costs. These recommendations may include upgrading equipment, implementing energy-efficient practices, and addressing inefficiencies in the building's design or operations.