The History of Building Automation Systems

04 Apr The History of Building Automation Systems

In the early days of building automation, systems were incredibly simple. A single switch was used to turn on or off a light, and that was it. In more recent times, however, building automation systems have become much more complex, with a variety of sensors and controllers now being used to manage everything from lighting to HVAC systems. So what has led to this evolution in building automation? And what are some of the benefits of using a modern system? Keep reading to find out!

How Did Building Automation Systems Begin?

Building automation systems have a long and textured history, dating back to the early 1800s. The first building automation systems were simple and crude, but they nonetheless represented an important innovation in building technology. In the early days, building automation was used primarily for regulating temperature and lighting.

As building technology has progressed, so too has building automation. Today, building automation systems are capable of performing a wide variety of tasks, from controlling ventilation to managing security systems. Moreover, building automation is now an essential part of modern construction and renovation projects.

The history of building automation is rich and varied, and it continues to evolve with each new generation of buildings and building technologies. Thanks to building automation, we now have a more efficient and sustainable way of building and managing our structures.

BAS that resembles what is being used today may be traced back to 1883, when Warren Johnson, a Milwaukee schoolteacher at the time, created the thermostat.

While today’s thermostats are as common as outlets in American homes, this was not always the case. When Johnson—who would later form Johnson Control—invented the thermostat, he ushered in a philosophy that would develop, expand, and mature into today’s building automation systems.

When Did The Analog Electric Controllers Begin To Surface?

The first building automation system, albeit a very simple one, was installed in a New York office building in the early 1920s. The system used analog electric controllers to regulate building temperature and humidity. However, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that building automation systems began to surface in significant numbers. This was largely due to the advent of digital electronics, which made building automation systems much more affordable and reliable.

In addition, new technologies such as computer networking and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) allowed building operators to manage building systems from a central location. By the late 1990s, building automation had become a mainstream technology, with over 70% of all large commercial buildings using some form of building automation system.

How Have Building Automation Systems Changed Over Time?

Building automation systems are used to manage various aspects of a building, such as a climate control, lighting, and security. There are many different types of building automation systems available today, including central heating and cooling systems, building management systems (BMS), and energy management systems (EMS).

Building automation systems have changed a great deal over the years. Older building automation systems were much more simplistic and relied on manual input to control various building functions. In contrast, modern building automation systems can be controlled remotely via computer or smartphone and can accommodate a wide range of sensors and controls.

One of the key drivers of this change has been the development of new technologies. With each successive generation of technology, building automation systems have become more sophisticated and affordable. This has allowed building owners and managers to incorporate building automation into their operations in a cost-effective way.

Another factor that has helped spur the growth of building automation is the increasing focus on sustainability. Building owners and managers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and building automation systems can play a key role in achieving these goals.

What Can We Expect From Building Automation Systems In The Future?

The building automation industry has come a long way in the last few decades. From its humble beginnings, building automation has become an increasingly important part of our lives. Today, building automation systems play a crucial role in regulating everything from heating and cooling to security and lighting.

Looking ahead, we can expect even more impressive advances in building automation technology. In the future, building automation systems will be able to regulate more aspects of our lives, including air quality and water usage. They will also be able to communicate with other systems in our homes, such as smart appliances and home entertainment centers. This will create a truly integrated home environment that is both comfortable and efficient.

It is likely that building automation will continue to grow in popularity. With the ever-growing focus on sustainability, building owners and managers are looking for new ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Building automation systems can help them achieve this goal, making them an increasingly important part of the built environment.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the history of building automation systems. If you’re curious to learn more, or are in need of a new building automation system, be sure to give us a call today. Our team would be happy to help you out!

---