SBA 447: How to Program a BAS

Episode Description:
Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This technical episode takes a deep dive into the art and science of writing effective building automation programs, focusing on sequences of operations, design patterns, and translating complex sequences into graphical programming interfaces.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Building Automation Programming: Phil sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of programming fundamentals, emphasizing the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.
Understanding Sequences of Operations: Learn how to dissect and understand general sequences of operations, focusing on economizers as a primary example to illustrate the process of identifying patterns and translating them into code.
Graphical vs. Line Code Programming: Phil explains the difference between graphical and line code programming, focusing on the use of graphical blocks to represent programming logic, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
Decoding Design Patterns: Discover the importance of design patterns in building automation programming, including comparative patterns and PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) patterns, and how they apply to various automation tasks.
Practical Programming Demonstration: Through a live demonstration, Phil showcases the step-by-step process of writing a program, from identifying variables to implementing logic blocks and adjusting setpoints.
Troubleshooting and Optimization: Insights into common programming challenges, such as understanding interlocks, utilizing Boolean logic, and the significance of loop enables for efficient PID control.
Q&A and Interactive Learning: Phil addresses listener questions and emphasizes the importance of community feedback in shaping future podcast topics, particularly focusing on areas like Priority Arrays and BACnet fundamentals.
#hvac #buildingautomation #smartbuildings #facilities #buildings

[@alphaepsilon8824]

One of the things we experienced most in 2023 was coming behind folks that program in a verbatim manner per written sequence, but they do so with vendor specific blocks that make it difficult or next to impossible either follow or grab that brands module that contains that particular function block to make any revisions or even open portions of the station. I'm sure some folks would like to see scenarios where you display how certain brands (in your case WEBS) have pre-built blocks that make sequence programming more efficient, but compare this to strictly programming sequences with blocks that're default in every version of N4, or at least in the VykonPro Pallete. Speaking as a business owner (not to be selfish on requests :)...but my team would benefit greatly on showing some of efficiency gains to be had by using various function blocks to streamline their sequences. Things like lead/lag, sequencers, optimumStart/Stop, load shedding, rotational sequencers, or even writing out their own block with the program service.

[@SmartBuildingsAcademy]

Yep, I tend to teach the generic plain jane blocks from KitControl as much as possible but to your point each vendor has specific blocks that enhance programming. Some like PCT/CCT even have QA prompts that build your program.
One of the more custom functions is the PCT/CCT State Table and MUX block. I love those but they are a bear if you don't understand that software.

[@olegluzanov6012]

Great video

[@SmartBuildingsAcademy]

Thanks!