Tridium Inc. Niagara

Historically, a Building Automation System (BAS) adds monitoring and control features to heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems. Today, some BASs can also integrate with other building systems such as lighting, blinds, security, fire, etc. These BASs can be used to save energy by allowing users to monitor system parameters, identify faults, and implement schedules/programs.

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Tridium Inc. Niagara

The Tridium Niagara Building Automation System solution consists of the open-source Niagara N4 software and two building/general controllers. This programable system integrates with HVAC and other building systems by offering multiple different open communication protocols.

Hub Highlights:

BACnet (IP, MS/TP), Modbus (TCP/IP, RTU), LonWorks communication options between JACE 8000 building controller and lower-level controllers
Open-source all-in-one Niagara N4 control software (commissioning, programing, monitoring, dashboards, and energy management)
Open Application Programming Interface (API)
Cyber security add-ons include accreditation under the Federal Risk Management Framework (RMF) and FIPS 140-2 Level 1 conformance
I/O terminals built-in-to Niagara Edge10 controller

Last Edited on: 05/31/23

Product Name	Niagara
Communication protocols - from building controller to other controllers	BACnet (IP & MS/TP), Modbus (TCP/IP & RTU), LonWorks.
Software - steps for system setup	1) Niagara N4 - for commissioning, programming and dashboards
Programming options	Programmable
Software licensing and software agreement (SMA)	Initial cost for each computer (platform) license and controllers (JACE 8000 and Edge 10 controller) with a minimum 1 year software maintenance agreement (SMA), but optional 1, 3 or 5 year SMA package) to maintain the latest version of software. If the SMA lapses and a new SMA is purchased, then the new SMA will pay for the period where an SMA was not used and add the desired number of years (1, 3 or 5) moving forward.
Software licensing structure	Cost for computer (platform) license is based on number of control points (physical I/O terminal connections represent a point and virtual variables represent a point) and number of Niagara connections (connection between one Tridium component to another Tridium component). The computer can connect to any Tridium Niagara component, but Niagara components cannot talk to each other without a Niagara connection. Cost for the controller (station) license does not depend on system or building size.
User interface style	Graphical programming with graphical dashboards available
User interface connection options	Central PC or computer on network
Dashboards	Yes
Remote access	Yes, optional
Different user permissions	Yes
Cyber security features	User passwords, auto log-off and eligible for accreditation under the Federal Risk Management Framework (RMF) and FIPS 140-2 Level 1 conformance available.
Building controller built-in I/O terminals (connection locations)	None, but can connect to IOR modules
Building controller maximum expansion modules or I/O modules that add multiple terminals (connection locations)	(8) IO-R-34 or (16) IO-R-16 modules
Installation approach	Authorized integrators
Manufacturer training	Yes, Technical Certification Program (TCP) through Tridium University
Service contract	Yes, optional through system integrator
System application	New construction & retrofit
Monitoring and trending	Yes
Report output type	SQL, MySQL or Oracle databases, and JSON, HTTP/HTML/XML, CSV or text formats
Export point data and trends (SQL)	Yes, after purchasing and setting up 3rd party SQL server
Setpoint recording	Yes
Alarm/fault detection	Yes
Wireless capabilities	Yes, WLAN antennae for network Wi-Fi connection
Manufacturer advertised variable air volume (VAV) controller with integrated actuator	No
Manufacturer advertised thermostats	No
Manufacturer advertised blinds controller	No
Manufacturer advertised display monitor device	No
Manufacturer integrated application programming interface (API)	Yes
Manufacturer integrated automated demand response (ADR)	No, may be available with 3rd party driver
Warranty (yrs.)	Not listed
Other notes	Manufacturer mentions energy management (micro grid, net-zero)

Last Edited on: 09/27/23

Date of Test	07/26/22 - 03/29/23
Model	JACE-8000, EDGE-10, IO-R-34
Sample Size	1
Average (and maximum) power consumption of a BAS when controlling building HVAC loads per square foot (mW/sf) of California building space	2.04 to 2.64* (14.0 to 16.3)* *The minimum/maximum power and energy used by VAV controller/actuators and thermostats were added to the Tridium Niagara BAS from other BAS manufacturers to estimate total building control consumption because Tridium does not provide their own VAV controller/actuators and thermostats.
Average (and maximum) power consumption of a BAS when not controlling building HVAC loads (standby mode) per square foot (mW/sf) of California building space	1.01 to 1.64* (6.05 to 15.6)* *The minimum/maximum power and energy used by VAV controller/actuators and thermostats were added to the Tridium Niagara BAS from other BAS manufacturers to estimate total building control consumption because Tridium does not provide their own VAV controller/actuators and thermostats.
Average (and maximum) energy consumption per square foot per year (Wh/sf/yr) of California building space for a BAS	23.1 to 30.0* (171 to 175)* *The minimum/maximum power and energy used by VAV controller/actuators and thermostats were added to the Tridium Niagara BAS from other BAS manufacturers to estimate total building control consumption because Tridium does not provide their own VAV controller/actuators and thermostats.
Power failure recovery after 10 seconds (Yes or No)	Yes Power failure recovery may vary depending on 3rd party general/application specific controller and thermostat selection. This system was connected to one third party general/application specific controller and thermostat and it was able to re-establish communication after both power failure events.
Power failure recovery after 112 minutes (Yes or No)	Yes Power failure recovery may vary depending on 3rd party general/application specific controller and thermostat selection. This system was connected to one third party general/application specific controller and thermostat and it was able to re-establish communication after both power failure events.
Average time (and maximum time) in seconds (s) for the software to update the temperature setpoint as a result of the user manually overriding values via the software	N/A* *This BAS manufacturer does not offer a thermostat. This BAS requires a 3rd party thermostats and not all 3rd party configurations can be tested.
Average time (and maximum time) in seconds (s) for the software to update the temperature setpoint as a result of the user manually overriding values via the thermostat	N/A* *This BAS manufacturer does not offer a thermostat. This BAS requires a 3rd party thermostats and not all 3rd party configurations can be tested.
Average time (and maximum time) in seconds (s) for the software to update the temperature setpoint as a result of the user manually overriding values via a scheduled setpoint change	N/A* *This BAS manufacturer does not offer a thermostat. This BAS requires a 3rd party thermostats and not all 3rd party configurations can be tested.