SBA 447: How to Program a BAS

Episode Description:

Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This technical episode takes a deep dive into the art and science of writing effective building automation programs, focusing on sequences of operations, design patterns, and translating complex sequences into graphical programming interfaces.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Building Automation Programming: Phil sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of programming fundamentals, emphasizing the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

• Understanding Sequences of Operations: Learn how to dissect and understand general sequences of operations, focusing on economizers as a primary example to illustrate the process of identifying patterns and translating them into code.

• Graphical vs. Line Code Programming: Phil explains the difference between graphical and line code programming, focusing on the use of graphical blocks to represent programming logic, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

• Decoding Design Patterns: Discover the importance of design patterns in building automation programming, including comparative patterns and PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) patterns, and how they apply to various automation tasks.

• Practical Programming Demonstration: Through a live demonstration, Phil showcases the step-by-step process of writing a program, from identifying variables to implementing logic blocks and adjusting setpoints.

• Troubleshooting and Optimization: Insights into common programming challenges, such as understanding interlocks, utilizing Boolean logic, and the significance of loop enables for efficient PID control.

• Q&A and Interactive Learning: Phil addresses listener questions and emphasizes the importance of community feedback in shaping future podcast topics, particularly focusing on areas like Priority Arrays and BACnet fundamentals.