Wireless control nodes shipments for commercial buildings to grow

BOULDER, USA: As building automation and information technology converge, wireless technology is providing a range of potential benefits for commercial building owners and managers.

While building automation and controls have been used for decades, wireless communication systems are becoming the catalyst for enabling more granular control over building systems, without many of the design and labor challenges involved with running traditional cabling to support communications and/or power.

According to a new report from Navigant Research, shipments of wireless control nodes for commercial buildings will grow from 12.9 million in 2014 to 57.4 million by 2023.

"The cost of wireless radios has come down enough that wireless versions of some products are being offered at the same price as wired versions," says Benjamin Freas, research analyst with Navigant Research. "As a result, wireless deployments, which were previously limited to retrofits of existing buildings, now make sense in an increasing number and variety of projects, including new construction."

A key driver for wireless deployments, according to the report, is intelligent lighting systems. The controllability of LED lighting and the density of devices of lighting systems make wireless an appealing option for control.

According to the report, as smart lighting continues to gain acceptance, Navigant Research expects greater expansion into other controls segments, as wireless mesh networks established for lighting can also be leveraged by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and by security and access control devices.