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System Architecture

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The physical hardware that makes up a shortBrandName system architecture can vary from a single JACE site to an enterprise with multiple JACE’s spanning multiple sites.

• Single Site / Single JACE

  The simplest configuration is a stand-alone JACE which can provide the stepping stone to a building’s energy use and control systems. Typically the JACE is connected directly to the energy meters or via an integration bus such as Modbus or LON. Connectivity is provided via dial-up networking, ISP, or from an existing LAN. Access is provided via a web enabled device or browser typically managed from off-site using the Internet.

Figure 1-2 Single site / single JACE architecture.

• Single Site / Multiple JACEs

  In this configuration the penetration into the building is deeper than energy monitoring and simple control. Here the Niagara Framework is providing real time control and monitoring of many pieces of equipment and subsystems. The integration buses, such as LON, are populated with unitary controllers providing the local control. Other integrations such as BACnet provide integration to larger pieces of equipment such as chillers. Various diverse subsystems such as power monitoring, lighting, and card access can be tied together into one homogeneous system. The multiple JACE controllers are managed by a Supervisor providing the engineering platform as well as an archive destination for logged data. Access is provided locally at the Supervisor or local browser user interface. Additionally, the system can be monitored and controlled anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Figure 1-3 Single site multiple JACEs architecture.

• Multiple Sites / Multiple JACEs

  At the Enterprise level, the Niagara Framework is scalable to handle even the largest of multi site configurations. Here, each site will have its own JACE, typical to the previous configurations, providing local energy monitoring and control. One site would also host the Supervisor for global management of data and administrative functions. The enterprise could be connected via a WAN or by a VPN over the Internet. By using the NiagaraAX Framework as the automation infrastructure, diverse systems from many sites are pulled together into one enterprise solution. shortBrandName can use this infrastructure for data gathering and reporting, and ultimately close the loop for real-time control.

Figure 1-4 Multiple sites multiple JACEs on a WAN.

Figure 1-5 Multiple sites multiple JACE’s over the Internet.