SAN RAMON, Calif. — The EnOcean Alliance announced that it has defined a unified specification for remote commissioning of energy harvesting wireless devices in building automation systems to optimize and ease the control and configuration of building automation networks. At the same time, the specification allows complete documentation of existing networks and therefore offers a practical way to expand or change installations, said the organization.

The aim of the remote commissioning specification is to define a uniform approach for the installation and long-term support of automation networks including EnOcean-based devices. Therefore, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the EnOcean Alliance has developed a complete process for remote commissioning that includes initial set-up, parameterization, control, maintenance, and documentation of batteryless wireless devices.

Remote commissioning defines the communication between the commissioned and the target device. The basis for this is the specification of an interoperable interface that product manufacturers can integrate in their devices. It adds to the existing standardized profiles and offers enhanced interoperability with basic rules for remote access, configuration, and a uniform procedure of the parameterization of EnOcean-based devices. The communication is based on Generic Profiles. This language defines the grammatical rules for value description in ultra-low power and energy harvesting radio communication.

“With remote commissioning, the EnOcean Alliance has defined a new standard for the setup and operation of intelligently automated buildings. This significantly eases the work of planners, installers, and system integrators. At the same time, it strengthens the interoperability of EnOcean-based devices as the installer doesn’t need to deal with the specifics of a device anymore,” said Marian Hönsch, product marketing – software architect, EnOcean GmbH, and remote commissioning team leader, Technical Working Group, EnOcean Alliance.

In addition to the commissioning process, the Technical Working Group has introduced a standardized device description that describes the device and its functionalities in detail in an electronic data sheet. All this information will be available on a central database. Installers or system operators can use a product ID to find the electronic data sheet. That way, they have immediate access to all specifics of the product including the application profiles, operational modes, and the requirements of parameterization. This significantly eases setup and maintenance of an EnOcean network.

Energy harvesting wireless devices use energy from their surroundings as their power source. That way, they allow flexible, easy to install, and maintenance-free automation systems for energy-efficient and comfortable buildings, said the organization. Today, more than 1,200 EnOcean-based products from over 350 member companies of the alliance are available on the market.

For more information, visit www.enocean-alliance.org.

Publication date: 7/28/2014

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