The internet of things (IoT) is a system of integrated and interconnected computing, electronic and mechanical machines, objects, humans, and animals that are coded with unique identifiers (UIDs) and data transfer capability over a network devoid of human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
The field devices must be compatible with the controllers, intermediary devices, monitoring units, and protocols for transmitting data packets for effective system functionality. The IoT must be in compliance with ISO/IEC 21823-1:2019 – Interoperability for IoT systems.
IoT has sensing, connectivity, data processing, and user interface phases as in below.
- Sensing / Field devices: Sensors and other forms of field devices from safety and security infrastructure are controlled by controllers and control modules through relay terminals to be on normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) or normally open/normally closed (NO/NC) status for the operation of field devices.
Security cameras by means of controllers are set to zoom, pan or tilt, or rotate to capture areas within the field of view, while security alarms are signaled by the control unit to sound. A similar scenario occurs when motion sensors or infrared sensors detect an object within a security detection zone and signals the control unit which in turn gives feedback to intrusion alarms to sound as it activates security doors, access barriers and turnstiles to shut. It sends automated SMS or voice alerts or emails to the monitoring and control center.
Fire alarm smoke, heat or CO sensors, aspirating fire detectors and duct smoke sensors upon detection feeds the control panel, which in turn signals fire alarm sounders and strobes to start, while signaling access door, and lift controllers to open for emergency evacuation and automatic wireless communication device to alert concerned stakeholders. The fire alarm control unit actuates fire suppression system equipment and devices to operate by means of controllers, control valves, actuators, and solenoid-operated systems to discharge gases, water, and foam extinguishers.
Signals from fire alarm control unit opens the smoke extractors or exhaust hoods, and smoke dampers for ventilation, and activate the smoke curtain and door smoke assembly to operate. HVAC equipment is controlled to start or stop or slow or hi by means of thermostatic controllers and variable frequency drives based on signals from temperature sensors and humidity sensors.
- Connectivity: This ensures that signals sensed from field devices are received by control units, control modules by field devices or sensors through compatible network protocols through gates, routers, and switches get to the local area network or wireless local area network (LAN/WLAN) and the internet for wide area network (WAN) for enabling data mobility from one network layer to another (HARDWARE LAYER to-and-from TRANSPORT LAYER to-and-from SOFTWARE LAYER) within the architectural scope of the IoT. Signal communication from field devices through local servers and internet servers to the CLOUD is possible through cellular (2G/3G/4G/5G and low power wide area networks), satellite, Wi-Fi, NFC with RFID, Zigbee / Thread, Bluetooth or Ethernet.
- Data processing: Digital or analog data are interpreted and processed by specialized software applications hosted in the cloud to enable the transmission of processed data or information to human stakeholders or robotic systems that initiate commands to unique devices or groups of devices and machines within a safety and security response systems to automatically carry out their specific functions, whether in fire detection and alarm, fire suppression, intrusion alarm, access control, security camera, communication, power control, and environmental monitoring and control systems within the sphere of IoT.
- User interface: The medium of interaction to end users via email, text, notification, voice, video, or other forms of visual indication like strobes and LED displays. Videos from the security monitoring cameras may be viewed via the web browser or phone depending on the backup capacity of the device. User may virtually implement some actions in the safety or security system he is authorized to monitor and control by aborting the alarm in a response system upon receiving an alert after due diligence. He may notify security operatives in case of security emergencies, contact fire service in case of fire incidents, or contact facility managers for further action even in other cases of emergencies.
INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) PROCESS FLOW BASED ON INDUSTRY 4.0:
- Manage – Receive, structure, normalize, store and maintain data.
- Process – Analyze and visualize data.
- Integrate – Connect further data sources and systems.
- Secure – Creating security on all 3 levels: connecting, managing, and processing.
- Operate – Keep the IoT solution (processes 1. – 5.) running.
IoT leads to achievement of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, big data for coverage of large geographic areas, large and robust IT-integrated infrastructure, cost-efficient and energy-efficient solutions, robust analytics, and feedback through real-time monitoring and routine audits. Project / Product Life Cycle Management (CAD, BIM, CAE, Specification, Testing, and FMA Cloud), Building Management Systems (BMS), Enterprise Resource Planning,
Other areas of application of IoT are Control units that feed power systems, the IoT, which will be discussed in details under BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (BMS) or BUILDING AUTOMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS (BACS). POWER SYSTEMS uses digital voltage and current flow readers and automatic power transfer switches and automatic power shutdown for monitoring and control, while and LIGHTING SYSTEMS uses smart systems that automatically powers emergency lights via NC, NO, or NO/NC relays in lighting controllers feed by signals from power other integrated systems. and fluid flow and storage systems are monitored with supervisory switches, liquid level monitors, gas pressure monitors and transducers and controlled with discharge switches and valves through intermediary control modules and control units.
William Nwaogu,
Technical Advisor,
Safety Consultants & Solution Providers Limited.
