Intelligent buildings integrate advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and occupant experience. They utilize various interconnected systems to automate and optimize functions such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, security, and energy management. With the recent advent of Net Zero initiatives worldwide, construction and building management companies are under increasing pressure to adopt energy-saving and carbon-reducing strategies while maintaining safety and comfort for building occupants.
Due to their modular design, Tibbo Project System (TPS) devices serve as excellent building blocks for smart building applications, allowing customization to each specific site and installation. On the development side, the AppBlocks platform facilitates rapid implementation of standard and custom smart building solutions.
Ingress Monitoring
Physical security is the cornerstone of effective building management. TPS devices can easily connect to wired ingress sensors, while the AppBlocks platform streamlines the development of response algorithms.
Card Access
Comprehensive access control is integral to modern smart buildings. Access points may include building entrances, elevators, parking areas, administrative offices, and shared resources like meeting rooms or sports facilities. Often, these systems require customized features. For example, an elevator access system might need hands-free operation or priority handling for VIP tenants. The Tibbo Project System (TPS) family includes a Wiegand/magstripe Tibbit module for interfacing with standard card readers. RS232 and RS485 protocols are also supported through dedicated Tibbits. The AppBlocks platform simplifies the design of access control routines and is particularly valuable for implementing non-standard solutions beyond what typical access control products offer. The Platform has extensive facilities for creating various data tables and logging events.
Temperature Monitoring
Monitoring temperature in public spaces helps maintain occupant comfort while also achieving significant energy savings. Tibbo Project System supports various temperature meters, including the TPS family's temperature-sensing Tibbits, Tibbo Cable Probes (I2C interface), Modbus temperature sensors from Tibbo and other vendors, as well as 1-wire/Single-wire devices. These sensors integrate easily into TPS applications with the help of the AppBlocks no-code development platform.
Temperature control
To meet energy efficiency targets and obtain green building certifications, modern engineers employ various passive cooling techniques, as well as heating, cooling, and ventilation methods that go beyond traditional HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) solutions. Examples of new approaches include cross ventilation, shading devices, and radiant cooling. TPS devices interface with HVAC systems using discrete, analog, Modbus, or infrared control methods. Сross-ventilation, shading, and radiant cooling components may be managed via relays or Modbus commands. The flowchart-based AppBlocks platform streamlines the development of control loops tailored to a building's specific temperature control needs.
Humidity Monitoring
Excessive humidity can shorten the lifespan of equipment, promote mold growth, cause unpleasant odors, add to the feeling of "stuffiness," and decrease the well-being of occupants. Conversely, overly dry air causes skin, eye, nose, and respiratory discomfort. Tibbo Project System (TPS) devices are compatible with a range of humidity sensors, including sensor Tibbits, Tibbo Cable Probes (I2C interface), Tibbo-made and third-party Modbus sensors, along with Single-wire devices. High-level building blocks and configuration screens of the AppBlocks Platform simplify the integration of humidity monitoring into customers' applications.
CO2 Monitoring
A high concentration of CO2 in poorly ventilated areas increases the occupant's discomfort, impairs cognition, and decreases productivity while potentially exacerbating certain medical conditions. Tibbo Project System devices work with various CO2 sensors, such as Modbus CO2 meters. The AppBlocks Platform dramatically simplifies the integration of these sensors and other Modbus equipment into TPS applications.
Flooding / Leakage detection
Most buildings rely on complex water systems, making leakage monitoring essential to preventing flooding, property damage, and insurance premium hikes. Tibbo Project System devices interface with Tibbo-supplied Modbus leakage detectors and third-party sensors.
Vibration Detection
In earthquake zones, vibration sensors may be used to warn about earthquakes. Because many earthquakes first start with high-frequency vibrations that are harder for humans to feel, XYZ accelerometers may be deployed to alert the inhabitants of the impending tremors a few precious seconds before these tremors are felt. Tibbo supplies accelerometer Tibbits and external Modbus accelerometers. The AppBlocks platform facilitates quick integration of these sensors into customers' applications.
Lighting Control
Tibbo Project System devices support multizone lighting control using relays or pulse-width modulated (PWM) outputs. TPS also works with ambient light sensors in the form of sensor Tibbits or external Modbus sensors. The AppBlocks Platform opens a path to the rapid development of lighting control applications accounting for factors like sunrise/sunset times for a given location, natural light conditions, and the presence of occupants.