Introduction:
A Building Management System (BMS) is an essential component in modern buildings, serving as a centralized system to control and monitor various mechanical and electrical equipment.
By integrating a Casambi network with a BMS via DALI, the lighting functionality can be seamlessly optimized, enabling efficient communication and control of lighting systems while ensuring compatibility with third-party devices. This integration enhances energy management, simplifies maintenance, and provides a scalable solution for smart building operations.
Configuration and how to connect Casambi to BMS via DALI
To achieve this integration, the Casambi network must be configured with a device acting as a DALI Gateway, such as the CBU-DCS. Using the Casambi app, the network can be set up so that either all lights within the network or selected ones can be integrated into the DALI system through the CBU-DCS.
Additionally, a hierarchy can be established to ensure that Casambi devices respond appropriately to commands issued from either the Casambi side or the DALI/BMS side. A DALI Master is required to manage commands originating from the DALI side.
With the Casambi network configured through the DALI gateway and a DALI Master in place, a Building Management System (BMS) can be integrated using a "DALI to BMS" gateway. This device translates the DALI language to one compatible with the BMS, such as BACnet, necessitating a DALI to BACnet device.
Multiple Casambi networks can be managed by the BMS, provided that each network has a CBU-DCS acting as a DALI Gateway and they are connected to the DALI Master.
A visual example of the setup:
Considerations
Before the BMS can control the Casambi networks, it is necessary to configure the DALI system. Accurate addressing and grouping by the DALI master will facilitate effective control via DALI commands. Moreover, this will simplify the association of these addresses on the BMS side.