Niagara BAS Controls Foundations Program by Think Tech
This is one of the most comprehensive and accessible training course available for learning the fundamentals of building automation systems.
Designed as a self-paced, on-demand program, it combines three core courses—BAS-1 Controls Essentials, BAS-2 Controls Core Knowledge, and BAS-3 Controls Applied Learning—to provide a structured and progressive learning experience.
This program is ideally suited for individuals who are new to the building automation industry, including sales professionals, project managers, and technicians with backgrounds in electrical, mechanical, or refrigeration systems. It also serves as an excellent introduction for anyone seeking to build a solid understanding of building automation, regardless of their technical background.
Whether you’re transitioning into the BAS field or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge, this program offers the tools and concepts needed to succeed.
BAS 1 - Controls Essentials
- Module 1 – Introduction to BAS
- What is BAS, and why do we need it?
- Breaking down the BAS Ecosystem
- The Benefits of Automation in Buildings
- Common Acronyms and Terminology
- Quiz
- Module 2 – BAS Infrastructure & Components
- System Architecture Overview
- Key Components
- Understanding BAS Points
- Quiz
- Module 3 – Real BAS in Action
- Interface & Graphics Overview
- User Roles & Responsibilities
- Alarms & Notifications
- Data Logging & Trends
- Schedules
- Data Reporting & Analysis
- Quiz
- Module 4 – Integration and Networking
- Common Networking Protocols
- BAS Integration Media
- Troubleshooting BAS Networks
- Quiz
- Module 5 – The Life Cycle of a BAS
- Roles in BAS
- Lifecycle of BAS
- Future-proofing a BAS System
- Quiz
BAS 2 - Controls Core Knowledge
- Module 1 – Fundamentals of Control
- Control in Buildings
- Why is control necessary?
- Quiz
- Module 2 – BAS Hardware & System Architecture
- BAS System Hierarchy
- Control System Components
- Understanding Input & Output Devices
- Quiz
- Module 3 – The Software Perspective
- BAS Architecture from a Software Angle
- Point Naming & Organization Best Practices
- Control Objects
- Protocols Deep Dive – BACnet
- Protocols Deep Dive – Modbus
- Wireshark Example
- Ontologies & Standard Data Models
- Quiz
- Module 4 – Control Methods
- Types of Control – Basics
- On/Off, Floating and PWM Control
- Proportional Control
- Proportional and Integral Control
- Proportional, Integral and Derivative Control
- Quiz
- Module 5 – HVAC Equipment & Control
- Types of Equipment – Packaged Air Conditioning
- Types of Equipment – Fan Coil Units
- Types of Equipment – Air Handling Units
- AHU with economy cycle control – example methodology
- Types of Equipment – Variable Air Volume devices
- VAV control – example methodology
- Constant Air Volume and Variable Air Volume Systems
- Types of Equipment – Chilled Beams
- Quiz
BAS 3 - Controls Applied Learning
- Module 1 – HVAC & Control
- Why talk so much about HVAC?
- Why do we need AC?
- Comfort factors and touch on psychometrics
- Cooling and heating loads
- Zoning – load variations
- Operational factors
- Variations in load control
- Quiz
- Module 2 – Designing Control Strategies
- How to design and effective control strategy?
- Example control strategy – Mismatch alarm
- Example control strategy – PAC control
- Example control strategy – AHU temperature control
- Example control strategy – AHU pressure and economy cycle control
- Best practice in control sequence development
- Quiz
- Module 3 – HVAC Equipment and System Selection Factors
- Types of HVAC Equipment – Chilled water systems and chillers
- Types of HVAC Equipment – Condenser water systems
- CW system control example methodology
- Types of HVAC Equipment – Hot water systems and boilers
- Types of HVAC Equipment – VRF/VRV systems
- HVAC system selection factors
- Quiz
- Module 4 – BAS – Now & Future
- Modern User Experience (UX) & BAS Interfaces
- The role of IoT & Smart Buildings
- Cloud-based BAS and Edge Computing Prescriptive maintenance
- AI & Machine Learning in BAS
- APIs & Open-Source BAS Trends
- Importance of MSI
- Cybersecurity
- Quiz
