A BACnet sensor is a type of sensor that is compatible with the BACnet protocol. BACnet is a standardized communication protocol used in building automation and control systems to allow different devices and systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, to communicate with each other.
The Essentials and Beyond
The Andivi ANDBAC BACnet room sensors measure temperature, humidity, CO2, VOC, pressure and detect in-room presence.
Beyond these key measurements, the sensor can also compute essential values relevant for HVAC – such as dew point, density of moist air, and enthalpy making it a comprehensive tool for monitoring and optimizing indoor environments.
ANDBAC Bacnet Sensors Measure
Temperature
(°C / °F)
Humidity
(% r.h.)
CO2
(ppm)
Air Quality
(AQI)
Pressure
(mbar)
Presence
(I/O)
Housed in a sleek, indoor-compatible ABS case (Color RAL 9010) with an IP30 protection rating, the ANDBAC sensor is designed for both standard indoor settings and industrial applications, such as air handling units (AHUs) and various HVAC systems.
Setup is streamlined and intuitive—using a smartphone, you can quickly configure the BACnet address, set data parameters, and easily adjust sensor offsets, eliminating the need for traditional DIP switches.
BACnet sensors are essential components in modern building automation, providing the necessary data and interoperability to enhance building operations and occupant comfort.
High Quality + Extended Warranty
All of our sensors meet the following standards:
All Alledio sensors are made and designed in Slovenia (EU) and ensure accurate measurement with high precision. We provide a 1-year warranty for all BACnet sensors.
BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RS485 & Quick Setup
The Andivi ANDBAC room sensor is designed for precise monitoring of temperature, humidity, VOC levels, and CO2, making it a versatile solution for various environments. Available with both BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RS485 communication options, this sensor offers seamless integration into your building management system.
Configuration is as easy as it gets. Simply touch the sensor with your smartphone, and a mobile web-app instantly opens in your web browser. From there, you can quickly set up all the necessary Modbus or BACnet settings without the hassle of adjusting tiny DIP switches. This intuitive approach streamlines the setup process, ensuring that your sensor is ready to communicate with your system in no time.
This is a device agnostic solution. No mobile apps have to be downloaded, as the app loads in the web browser on your smart phone.
Reading real-time measured values from the sensor by tapping the sensor with a smartphone.
Commissioning & setting up Modbus / Bacnet parameters; e.g. Modbus Address, Baud rate, Parity, Modbus Mode, Stop Bits, Termination.
On-device sensor calibration by setting precise offsets can be done via mobile web app only with a quick tap on the sensor case.
HVAC Application of Various Sensors
In HVAC systems, temperature sensors help control heating and cooling, ensuring indoor environments stay within the desired comfort range while also optimizing energy use.
Temperature
In HVAC temperature sensors are vital for controlling indoor climate in office buildings, public buildings, etc; ensuring accurate heating in homes, condominiums and residentials units, monitoring and optimizing cooling systems in data centers where precise temperature control prevents overheating.
Heating & Cooling
In HVAC systems, temperature sensors help control heating and cooling, ensuring indoor environments stay within the desired comfort range while also optimizing energy use.
Air Handling Units (AHUs)
In air handling units (AHU), temperature sensors regulate airflows, controlling how much warm or cool air is supplied to different zones to maintain consistent comfort throughout a building.
Temperature Offset
An offset allows you to adjust the sensor’s readings to match real conditions, compensating for small discrepancies. This is useful when the sensor is placed near a heat source or draft, ensuring the readings reflect the actual room temperature.
Comfort = temperature × humidity
Temperature and humidity work together to shape how we feel. Higher humidity can make a room feel warmer than it is, because our bodies struggle to cool down through sweating. That’s why balancing both is key to achieving a comfortable indoor climate.
Felt Vs. Actual Temperature
Felt temperature, or “apparent temperature,” takes into account factors like humidity and wind that affect how warm or cold it feels to us, compared to the actual temperature, which is a straightforward reading of the air’s thermal state.
Measurement Units
Temperature tells us how hot or cold something is and is essential in understanding comfort and energy usage. In the EU, it’s commonly measured in degrees Celsius (°C), while in the USA, degrees Fahrenheit (°F) are the norm.
Humidity
Humidity sensors in HVAC systems help maintain balanced indoor environments by controlling dehumidifiers and humidifiers. By accurately measuring and adjusting humidity levels, these sensors ensure that the air quality is optimal, contributing to both comfort and energy efficiency.
Use Cases for Humidity Measurement in HVAC
- Indoor Air Quality: Humidity sensors ensure air within buildings is neither too dry nor too humid, supporting comfort and health.
- Mold Prevention: By monitoring and controlling humidity, these sensors help prevent mold growth in buildings.
- Comfort Optimization: Sensors adjust HVAC systems to maintain comfortable humidity levels, enhancing overall indoor experience.
- Energy Efficiency: Controlling humidity can reduce the load on HVAC systems, saving energy.
- Industrial Applications: In manufacturing environments, controlling humidity is vital for product quality and worker comfort.
AHU application
In AHUs, humidity sensors work alongside temperature sensors to regulate airflows and maintain optimal indoor conditions, avoiding condensation or excessive dryness.
Offsetting Humidity
An offset adjustment ensures the sensor readings align with actual humidity levels, especially in tricky locations where airflow or nearby equipment might skew results. It fine-tunes accuracy for better climate control.
Absolute Vs. Relative humidity
Absolute humidity refers to the actual amount of moisture in the air, while relative humidity compares the moisture present to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. Relative humidity is more practical for HVAC because it helps balance comfort and air quality.
HVAC Applications
Humidity sensors help maintain a balanced indoor environment, preventing the air from becoming too dry or too humid, which can impact comfort and energy use. They ensure systems respond appropriately to changing moisture levels.
Relationship with Temperature
Higher humidity levels make a space feel warmer because moisture makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, impairing our natural cooling system. Maintaining a relative humidity between 40-60% typically ensures comfort without feeling too muggy or dry.
Measurement Units
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. It’s usually measured as a percentage, called relative humidity, both in the EU and USA. Controlling humidity ensures indoor comfort and prevents issues like mold.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOC sensors enable HVAC systems to adjust ventilation automatically, improving air quality by detecting harmful gases or reducing harmful exposure to chemicals. In AHUs, VOC sensors detect contaminants, prompting the system to increase fresh air intake or boost filtration, maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment.
Use Cases for VOC Measurement in HVAC
- Office Buildings: VOC sensors detect emissions from office equipment and furnishings, ensuring a healthy work environment.
- Schools: Monitoring VOCs in classrooms helps maintain air quality, crucial for student health and concentration.
- Healthcare Facilities: VOC sensors are vital in hospitals to monitor air quality, reducing the risk of airborne contaminants.
- Industrial Settings: In factories, VOC sensors ensure air quality by detecting harmful emissions from chemicals or processes.
- Residential Buildings: VOC sensors in homes help maintain air quality, especially in areas with new construction or renovations.
AHU application
In AHUs, humidity sensors work alongside temperature sensors to regulate airflows and maintain optimal indoor conditions, avoiding condensation or excessive dryness.
VOC levels affect wellbeing
High levels of VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, and long-term health risks. Maintaining low VOC levels helps ensure a pleasant, healthy indoor atmosphere.
Offsetting VOC levels
Offsets allow VOC sensors to be recalibrated based on specific conditions, ensuring accurate detection in areas with potentially fluctuating air quality, like near manufacturing equipment.
HVAC Applications
Humidity sensors help maintain a balanced indoor environment, preventing the air from becoming too dry or too humid, which can impact comfort and energy use. They ensure systems respond appropriately to changing moisture levels.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) index provides a rating of overall air quality based on pollutants like VOCs, CO2, and particles. A good IAQ ensures that indoor air is safe and comfortable for occupants.
Measurement Units: ppm, ppb
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air from materials like paint or cleaning products. They are usually measured in parts per billion (ppb) or parts per million (ppm) to assess air quality. VOCs include gases like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.
BACnet Sensors FAQ
BACnet is a standardized communication protocol used in building automation and control systems to allow different devices and systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, to communicate with each other. Find out more: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/bacnet
BACnet is a standardized communication protocol used in building automation and control systems to allow different devices and systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security systems, to communicate with each other. Find out more: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/bacnet
- Interoperability: BACnet sensors can communicate with other BACnet-compliant devices, regardless of the manufacturer, ensuring that they can be integrated into a wide variety of building automation systems.
- Data Exchange: These sensors can transmit data such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, VOCs, and other environmental metrics to the building management system (BMS) or other connected devices. This data is used to monitor and control various building systems.
- Scalability: BACnet sensors can be used in both small and large-scale building automation systems, making them suitable for a variety of applications, from single buildings to entire campuses.
- Flexibility: They are versatile and can be employed in different building systems, including HVAC, lighting, access control, and fire detection, helping to optimize energy use, enhance comfort, and improve safety.
- Efficiency: By using BACnet sensors, building operators can achieve more precise control over environmental conditions, leading to improved energy efficiency and lower operational costs.
HVAC Systems: To monitor and control temperature, humidity, and air quality.
Lighting Systems: To adjust lighting based on occupancy or daylight levels.
Security Systems: To integrate with access control and surveillance systems.
Energy Management: To monitor energy usage and optimize consumption.
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