“The taboo on wireless in the building automation industry really needs to be lifted”

In existing and new buildings, wired communication lines are still too often chosen. This can be done differently and better with proven wireless technology, believes Theo Smulders, director of Celsius Benelux. During the Digital Building of the Future conference on 8 November 2022, he gave a presentation on the differences in technology, application possibilities and the distrust that still prevails around 'wireless'.

By: Dimitri Reijerman

Celsius focuses entirely on wireless communication, particularly in utility buildings. “We are a system integrator with a focus on large utility buildings,” says Smulders. “We have developed our own solution, ComfortKey. This allows you to communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth mesh technology with, for example, multi-sensors, lighting, the climate installation and sun blinds.”

Smulders also says that he is constantly monitoring the latest technological developments in the field of wireless communication: “As Celsius Benelux, we want to be at the forefront of technology. And with this latest technology, we want to prove that we can open up buildings significantly more efficiently and better with IoT technology. This also applies to building management systems (BMSs).”

“I wait until I know for sure that a certain technology is going to be the one. But because I am one of the first to jump in, I also know for sure that the technology in question can easily achieve a lifespan of twenty years. In our industry, this lifespan is very important. Because we conclude maintenance contracts, for example, that can even run for 24 years.”

Open technology
Interestingly, Celsius wants to prevent the problem of 'vendor lock-in' with its products and services, whereby a buyer is unintentionally 'tied' to a specific manufacturer: "Because we have an open system, we are independent of the major players in the market. We are therefore fully committed to open platforms. This ensures that you can also make buildings more sustainable better and faster. In addition, products supplied by us can easily communicate with products from other suppliers."

Smulders will be highlighting the benefits of wireless technology in his lecture at the DGT conference, he says. “Both wireless and wired communication in buildings is all about trust. Companies that still stick to wired communication often simply do not trust wireless communication technology. But at the same time, they are not aware that, for example, a modern car is full of sensors that communicate completely wirelessly. A good example of this are the pressure sensors in car tires that measure tire pressure. All in all, modern mid-range cars are equipped with a fairly high level of completely wireless IoT technology.”

Moreover, reliability, often seen as an Achilles heel of wireless platforms, is indeed high these days, believes the Celsius CEO: “If a wireless system is installed well and stably, it will continue to function well. And if the wireless communication does go wrong, many sensors are equipped with a 'heartbeat' monitoring. Within a minute they reset themselves and the communication is up and running again. An end user does not have to notice that at all.”

“This technology is becoming even more valuable due to a lack of hands, the technicians. And if you look at the sustainability aspect, we need far fewer cables, so less copper, plastics and other materials.”

Taboo must be removed
All in all, Smulders sees mainly advantages of wireless technologies in general and applications within building automation in particular: “During my DGT lecture I want to indicate that IoT in buildings is already the present, and can be unlocked perfectly wirelessly. Not everything has to come from a wire anymore, sensors and actuators can do that perfectly wirelessly. The taboo on wireless in the building automation sector really has to be removed.”

One advantage is that the Netherlands is a good test environment compared to other European countries: “Fortunately, the Dutch are very open to new technology compared to other countries and they also try it out,” says Smulders. “I recently saw four specifications in the final phase in which, for example, wireless control for lighting was prescribed. In Germany, things are very different and they often still see wireless as unreliable. Or German clients immediately ask for four or five reference projects in which a certain technology is applied. But if no one wants to take this step, I can't submit any references either. That's a vicious circle.”