Buildings Magazine - January 2018

ENOCEAN VS. ZIGBEE

The Internet of Things is built on multiple communication protocols. In fact, you’ve already been exposed to several protocols if you use devices with Bluetooth, BACnet or Wi-Fi. However, building-specific devices commonly rely on one of two wireless protocols: EnOcean or Zigbee. Troy Davis of EnOcean and Victor Berrios of Zigbee describe features of their respective protocols.

ENOCEAN

While the overwhelming number of Io T sensors use wireless radio, many products still rely on batteries. This could result in expensive and time-consuming maintenance efforts. Imagine a hotel that has 1,000 devices that require a battery. The solution is to use energy harvesting wireless technology. EnOcean is an essential element to create a comprehensive network of self-powered wireless sensors.

Energy harvesting wireless modules convert kinetic, solar or thermal energy into electrical power. Together with ultra-low power electronics, self-powered Io T devices communicate on open radio standards. These flexible and maintenance-free sensor solutions help to make buildings more energy efficient and cost effective to operate. In retrofits, self-powered switches and sensors can be placed nearly anywhere without having to modify the existing layout.

— Troy Davis, Sales Director, EnOcean Inc

ZIGBEE

The Internet of Things is helping to connect devices to each other regardless of brand to bring new possibilities in linking various and formerly siloed objects to one another. The value Zigbee technology brings is that it’s an open, interoperable mesh Io T solution available to manufacturers. We want to work with wireless protocols and products that not only connect but interoperate with other wireless brands and products.

We promote the use of smarter, greener Io T standards for use all over the world. We have a feature called Zigbee PRO with Green Power, which eliminates battery usage and waste. It integrates battery-less or lifelong battery-operated devices into a Zigbee network so building maintenance and IT can add nodes and devices to the network that are virtually maintenance-free.