Sections
- Introduction
- Building Management Systems/BMS
- Weather data applications in building automation
- Thies CLIMA weather stations, performance & interfaces
- Weather Station Compact - WSC Advanced
- Weather Station - Clima Sensor US
- Weather Station Compact - WSC 11
- Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ - Weather data for building management systems
Introduction
The data can be integrated into modern building automation systems via Modbus, RS485, Ethernet, LoRaWAN and other communication interfaces.
Measured parameters include:
• Wind speed and direction
• Solar radiation and brightness
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Air pressure
• Precipitation status and intensity
• GPS position and sun position
Building Management Systems/BMS
Perfect control with Thies CLIMA weather stations for functional buildings!
The seamless integration of precise weather data is the key to controlling your building management system (BMS). The BMS enables holistic monitoring and control of various technical systems - from room temperature control to finely tuned monitoring and control of windows, lighting, ventilation and shading systems such as awnings, blinds and shutters.
Weather data applications in building automation
Weather Data for HVAC Control
Heating optimization
Cooling optimization
Ventilation control
Energy savings
Weather Data for Sun
Shading Systems
Blinds Louvres
Awnings Façade protection
Weather Data for Smart Buildings
Occupant comfort
Energy efficiency
Building analytics
Predictive control
Weather Data for Energy Optimization
Reduce cooling costs
Reduce heating costs
Solar gain management
Demand-based control
Thies CLIMA weather stations, performance & interfaces
An example use case: façade brightness for optimum lighting and shading control:
The brightness on façades can have a significant impact on energy efficiency and comfort in buildings. Our integrated weather stations of types 4.9xxx.xx.xxx (Clima Sensor US, WSC11, WSC Advanced ), which have brightness sensors and GPS, provide all the data required to calculate the brightness on vertical façades of any orientation. The only system requirement is that the weather station is installed at a location where it is unshaded throughout the day. Our calculation instructions (link) can be used to determine the brightness on any number of vertical façades in any orientation. This not only provides you with the irradiation from the main cardinal directions north, east, south and west, but also allows you to determine the irradiation at any time and at any position of the sun for any orientated facade using just one single weather station. Find out more: For detailed information on calculating brightness, you can download our application note ‘How to calculate the brightness of facades’.
Our integrated weather stations, such as the CLIMA SENSOR US weather station, the WSC11 and WSC Advancedweather stations, offer optimum solutions for recording all relevant environmental parameters.
The weather stations not only allow you to record precise data such as wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, global radiation, position of the sun, brightness, temperature, humidity and air pressure, but also offer various interfaces to make this information available in your BMS systems. This means that the BMS has the necessary weather data to derive measures that enable, for example, energy optimization or alarm messages to janitors or building managers in the event of potentially dangerous weather events.
Challenges of integrated weather stations: Integrated weather stations have extensive measurement sensor technology integrated into one device. Typically, this means that the entire device has to be replaced in the event of a fault if it is not possible to replace individual sensor modules on site. This places the highest demands on the measurement technology in order to realize the precise recording of various parameters in just one compact sensor housing. The design of a sensor system that is compressed into a very small space and does not interfere with each other as much as possible is a demanding metrological challenge that requires many years of experience and corresponding expertise on the part of the manufacturer.
Connection to various control systems: The seamless integration of weather stations into intelligent building management systems requires a selection of interfaces to ensure connection to various control systems. This not only offers maximum flexibility, but also enables efficient communication and integration of weather data into control processes, from industrial networks to IoT applications.
Interfaces for maximum flexibility:
PROFINET/PROFIsafe: Secure integration into industrial networks.
LORAWAN: Efficient IoT connectivity, especially for extensive areass.
Ethernet and TCP/IP: Reliable data transmission in IP networks.
WLAN/Bluetooth: Flexible wireless connectivity options.
GPRS: Mobile data transmission, ideal for remote locations.
Modbus RTU, RS-422 and RS-485: Established standards for serial communication.
MQTT: Effective messaging protocol for IoT applications.
KNX: Flexible standard for building automation, enables comprehensive networking and control of building components.
Are you interested in Thies CLIMA weather stations with KNX interface, for example the WSC11 with KNX, Konnex Network, “Connectivity system in building automation” originally “Konnex”? These are offered by OEM partners and are not available directly from Thies. Let us help you find the perfect solution. Contact us directly and we will be happy to put you in touch with a suitable OEM partner, info@thiesclima.com 49.551.79001-0
KNX is a manufacturer-independent open standard for building automation (comparable to BACnet or Modbus, …). KNX is based on a field bus system that enables a wide variety of devices to be networked and controlled. The KNX interface in weather stations allows easy integration into the KNX system, which enables precise control and monitoring of various building functions based on environmental data. For example, heating, ventilation, lighting and security systems can be efficiently controlled and automated to improve the comfort of building users and save energy at the same time.
Weather Station Compact - WSC Advanced
The future of weather monitoring in functional buildings - WSC Advanced weather station: Reliable weather data with forecast insights, thanks to precise sensors, durability, and connectivity in a compact design. With a wide range of measurement data, including wind speed, air pressure, precipitation and global radiation, the WSC Advanced integrates advanced features into a user-friendly design. The thermal wind sensor ensures accurate measurements, while THERMACERN(R), a robust, long-term stable ceramic component, handles precipitation measurement.
Various communication interfaces (RS-485, Modbus, WLAN, LoRaWan, MQTT) and integration into IoT networks via MQTT make the WSC Advanced a future-proof solution. With free access to the Thies CLIMA Cloud, forecast data for the next 24 hours can be downloaded to the device and output via the Modbus interface.
More details WSC Advanced
Various communication interfaces (RS-485, Modbus, WLAN, LoRaWan, MQTT) and integration into IoT networks via MQTT make the WSC Advanced a future-proof solution. With free access to the Thies CLIMA Cloud, forecast data for the next 24 hours can be downloaded to the device and output via the Modbus interface.
More details WSC Advanced
WSC Advanced - The future of weather monitoring in functional buildings: Reliable weather data with forecast insights, thanks to precise sensors, durability, and connectivity in a compact design.
Weather Station - Clima Sensor US
Innovative weather station for BMS systems: CLIMA SENSOR US provides precise weather data: This includes wind speed, wind direction, precipitation status, precipitation intensity (amount), precipitation type, global radiation/brightness, temperature, humidity and air pressure as well as information on location, altitude, orientation and time with GPS. A 16-pin connector provides both digital and analog interfaces.
Robust construction and ultrasonic technology: This compact weather station is specially designed for the high-precision recording and processing of weather data, which is why the areas of application extend far beyond the BMS sector and also include regional weather networks. The radar-based precipitation type detection, which recognizes 16 synoptic codes for drizzle, rain, snow, mixed precipitation, ice grains and hail, is particularly noteworthy. With ultrasonic sensor heating, it ensures reliable wind measurement even under extreme conditions such as snowstorms or temperatures as low as -50°C. The hard-wearing polycarbonate housing is impact-resistant and UV-resistant and offers durable and precise ultrasonic-based wind measurement thanks to proven Thies ultrasonic technology.
More details Clima Sensor US
Robust construction and ultrasonic technology: This compact weather station is specially designed for the high-precision recording and processing of weather data, which is why the areas of application extend far beyond the BMS sector and also include regional weather networks. The radar-based precipitation type detection, which recognizes 16 synoptic codes for drizzle, rain, snow, mixed precipitation, ice grains and hail, is particularly noteworthy. With ultrasonic sensor heating, it ensures reliable wind measurement even under extreme conditions such as snowstorms or temperatures as low as -50°C. The hard-wearing polycarbonate housing is impact-resistant and UV-resistant and offers durable and precise ultrasonic-based wind measurement thanks to proven Thies ultrasonic technology.
More details Clima Sensor US
Weather Station Compact - WSC 11
The solution with Thies CLIMA weather stations: To meet these challenges, we at Thies CLIMA have dedicated ourselves to the careful development and continuous improvement of all sub-components and functions of our integrated weather stations. For the precipitation sensors in our integrated weather stations, for example, we rely on a surface technology that is robust against weather influences and a proven connection technology. Extensive laboratory tests and many years of field testing ensure that the weather stations work reliably and for a long time, even under demanding conditions.
Should a malfunction occur despite these high quality standards, the modular design allows sensor elements to be replaced on site by trained customer service team. To further improve the measurement quality and reliability of our integrated weather stations, we use internal plausibility checks to specifically optimize the meteorological quality criteria (scores) of our weather stations, such as minimizing false-positive or false-negative event outputs and the Heidke skill score.
Weather station WSC11: Due to the thermal wind measurement technology, the very compact, discreet design without moving elements meets the expectations of architects and project developers for the most inconspicuous sensor technology possible on roofs and along building facades. The digital interface with RS485 enables bus operation. Data output is digital via RS485 with preset ASCII or MODBUS RTU protocol.
WSC 11 measures:
Wind speed, wind direction, brightness (north, east, south, west), twilight, global radiation, precipitation (precipitation ceramics), temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, time/date, geostationary data, longitude, latitude, position of the sun, elevation and azimuth.
More details WSC 11
Should a malfunction occur despite these high quality standards, the modular design allows sensor elements to be replaced on site by trained customer service team. To further improve the measurement quality and reliability of our integrated weather stations, we use internal plausibility checks to specifically optimize the meteorological quality criteria (scores) of our weather stations, such as minimizing false-positive or false-negative event outputs and the Heidke skill score.
Weather station WSC11: Due to the thermal wind measurement technology, the very compact, discreet design without moving elements meets the expectations of architects and project developers for the most inconspicuous sensor technology possible on roofs and along building facades. The digital interface with RS485 enables bus operation. Data output is digital via RS485 with preset ASCII or MODBUS RTU protocol.
WSC 11 measures:
Wind speed, wind direction, brightness (north, east, south, west), twilight, global radiation, precipitation (precipitation ceramics), temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, time/date, geostationary data, longitude, latitude, position of the sun, elevation and azimuth.
More details WSC 11
WSC 11:Extensive measurement data
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ - Weather data for building management systems
The following questions provide a technical overview of weather data usage in building management systems and building automation applications.
What weather data is required for a building management system?
Building management systems typically rely on weather data such as wind speed, solar radiation, brightness, temperature, humidity, precipitation and air pressure. These parameters help optimize HVAC operation, shading systems, façade protection and energy efficiency.
How does weather data improve HVAC efficiency?
Real-time weather data enables heating, cooling and ventilation systems to respond to actual outdoor conditions. This helps reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort and prevent unnecessary HVAC operation.
Which weather station is suitable for building automation?
A weather station for building automation should provide reliable measurements of the key environmental parameters required by the building management system. Compact all-in-one solutions simplify installation and integration while reducing maintenance requirements.
Can weather stations control blinds and shading systems?
Weather stations do not directly control blinds or shading systems. They provide the environmental data required by the building automation system, which uses this information to operate shading devices automatically and safely.
How is weather data integrated into a BMS?
Weather stations typically communicate with building management systems via standard interfaces and protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, RS485, Ethernet or analog outputs. Integration depends on the specific automation platform and project requirements.
Which interfaces are available?
Available interfaces vary by weather station model and application. Common options include Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, RS485, Ethernet, KNX, Bacnet, analog outputs and other industry-standard communication protocols, e.g. PROFINET/PROFIsafe, LORAWAN, TCP/IP, WLAN/Bluetooth, GPRS, MQTT.
What weather parameters should be measured on commercial buildings?
The most important parameters are wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation, brightness, temperature, humidity and precipitation. Depending on the application, air pressure, sun position and additional environmental measurements may also be beneficial.
Can one weather station monitor multiple building façades?
Yes. Advanced weather stations can provide data for multiple façades by calculating sun position, brightness distribution and other environmental conditions. This allows centralized weather monitoring for complex building structures.
How accurate must weather data be for building automation?
The required accuracy depends on the application. Reliable and stable measurements are essential for effective control of HVAC systems, sun shading, façade protection and energy management functions.
What is the difference between a weather sensor and a weather station?
A weather sensor measures a single parameter such as temperature, wind or humidity. A weather station combines multiple sensors in one system and provides comprehensive weather information for monitoring and control applications.
What weather data is required for a building management system?
Building management systems typically rely on weather data such as wind speed, solar radiation, brightness, temperature, humidity, precipitation and air pressure. These parameters help optimize HVAC operation, shading systems, façade protection and energy efficiency.
How does weather data improve HVAC efficiency?
Real-time weather data enables heating, cooling and ventilation systems to respond to actual outdoor conditions. This helps reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort and prevent unnecessary HVAC operation.
Which weather station is suitable for building automation?
A weather station for building automation should provide reliable measurements of the key environmental parameters required by the building management system. Compact all-in-one solutions simplify installation and integration while reducing maintenance requirements.
Can weather stations control blinds and shading systems?
Weather stations do not directly control blinds or shading systems. They provide the environmental data required by the building automation system, which uses this information to operate shading devices automatically and safely.
How is weather data integrated into a BMS?
Weather stations typically communicate with building management systems via standard interfaces and protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, RS485, Ethernet or analog outputs. Integration depends on the specific automation platform and project requirements.
Which interfaces are available?
Available interfaces vary by weather station model and application. Common options include Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, RS485, Ethernet, KNX, Bacnet, analog outputs and other industry-standard communication protocols, e.g. PROFINET/PROFIsafe, LORAWAN, TCP/IP, WLAN/Bluetooth, GPRS, MQTT.
What weather parameters should be measured on commercial buildings?
The most important parameters are wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation, brightness, temperature, humidity and precipitation. Depending on the application, air pressure, sun position and additional environmental measurements may also be beneficial.
Can one weather station monitor multiple building façades?
Yes. Advanced weather stations can provide data for multiple façades by calculating sun position, brightness distribution and other environmental conditions. This allows centralized weather monitoring for complex building structures.
How accurate must weather data be for building automation?
The required accuracy depends on the application. Reliable and stable measurements are essential for effective control of HVAC systems, sun shading, façade protection and energy management functions.
What is the difference between a weather sensor and a weather station?
A weather sensor measures a single parameter such as temperature, wind or humidity. A weather station combines multiple sensors in one system and provides comprehensive weather information for monitoring and control applications.
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