BACnet Gateway Explainer

Overview: Real-Time Occupancy Intelligence That Drives Energy Savings

The R-Zero BACnet Gateway enables real-time HVAC optimization by translating sensor-level occupancy data into actionable building control signals—directly within your existing BMS. This is the key enabler of our “data-only” optimization strategy, delivering energy savings with no construction, no IT headaches, and no disruption to tenant comfort.

How It Works

1. Sensor Data Ingested at the Edge
R-Zero smart sensors detect presence and movement across your space. This data flows to the R-Zero Gateway, a secure, networked edge device installed onsite.

2. Occupancy Logic Applied in the Gateway
Using built-in R-Zero logic, the Gateway aggregates data by HVAC zone—generating a binary occupancy signal(occupied/unoccupied) and/or occupant count per zone in real time..

3. Data Published to BACnet
The Gateway posts occupancy signals to your BACnet/IP network continuously, creating virtual BACnet points that mirror real-time zone occupancy.

4. HVAC Control Adjustments via BMS
Your building automation system (BAS) reads the occupancy signals from BACnet and adjusts ventilation and temperature setpoints accordingly—based on your existing control sequences and operational strategies.

Configurable to Your Building’s Need

The Gateway includes built-in configuration software, enabling your team or contractor to:

• Define zones and map sensors to HVAC zones
• Select between binary occupancy or occupant count
• Customize BACnet point names
• Manage and validate zone configurations over time

This allows the system to scale easily across diverse building types without requiring complex reprogramming of building controls.

Why It Matters

🔧 Simple Integration

• Seamless BACnet/IP output for plug-and-play compatibility with nearly any BMS
• No rip-and-replace or heavy retrofit needed

💡 Smart HVAC Adjustments

• Enables strategies like temperature setbacks, demand-controlled ventilation, and reduced airflow in unoccupied zones
• Adapts dynamically to real-time occupancy, not static schedules

⚡ Energy Savings with Zero Disruption

• Helps reduce HVAC energy use by up to 30%, aligned with our core value proposition
• Maintains tenant comfort and meets IAQ standards—validated by R-Zero sensors

🔐 Future-Proof & Scalable

• Supports MQTT, HTTP, and custom outputs for future integrations
• Can be layered with additional strategies (like temperature or airflow resets) as needed

Who Benefits

• Facilities Leaders cut HVAC costs without capex or disruption
• Property Managers deliver efficient, comfortable spaces with fewer complaints
• Energy & Sustainability Teams get verified impact on decarbonization goals
• IT & Compliance see minimal network footprint with full data security