Integration of Asset Administration Shell in openBIM Workflow

This integration supports the complete digital twin concept, enabling not only better design and construction processes but also more efficient operation and maintenance throughout the asset's lifecycle.

1 Understanding the Key Components

1.1 Asset Administration Shell (AAS)

The AAS is a standardized (IEC 63278) digital representation of an asset, encapsulating all relevant information, properties, and functionalities throughout the asset's lifecycle. The Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Asset Administration Shell. Originating from the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the AAS serves as the digital twin of a physical asset, enabling standardized and interoperable communication across different systems.

The AAS allows you to describe objects in their lifecycle: as planned –as built –as operated.

Overall, the IDTA AAS standard has the potential to transform the building sector by making it more efficient, sustainable, and occupant-centric. The AAS outside the industry sector is still under development, but it is already gaining traction in the building industry, and it is likely to become a widely adopted standard in the years to come.

1.2 Information Delivery Specification (IDS)

IDS, developed by buildingSMART, is a standardized framework designed to specify information requirements in BIM (Building Information Modeling) projects. IDS ensures that the correct data is delivered at the right time and in the appropriate format. It focuses on non-geometrical data such as classifications, properties, and relationships within BIM models, primarily based on the IFC schema.

It allows for automatic compliance checking of IFC models, that increases quality control and fidelity of data. IDS also aids the efficient delivery of the data, by setting the expectations and providing clear guidelines of what needs to be exchanged. A user of IDS can specify how objects, classifications, materials, properties, and even values should be delivered in an IFC model.

The IDS standard is captured in an XML Schema (XSD). Apart from that, buildingSMART provides a thorough documentation including implementers agreements and guidelines.

1.3 Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

IFC is a standardized (ISO 16739) data model used to describe building and construction industry data. It defines classes (e.g., IfcBuildingElement, IfcTypeObject) that represent various elements of a building or infrastructure, facilitating the exchange and sharing of BIM data across different software applications.

It is an open, international standard and promotes vendor-neutral, or agnostic, and usable capabilities across a wide range of hardware objects, software platforms, and interfaces for many different use cases.

2 Integration of AAS with IDS

Integrating AAS into the openBIM workflow with IDS provides a more comprehensive approach to managing and exchanging information about both physical assets and their digital counterparts within BIM environments. The following steps outline how this integration can be realized:

2.1 Mapping AAS Data Models to IDS

• Identify Relevant IFC Classes: Start by identifying relevant IFC classes that correspond to the asset types represented by AAS. For instance, an IoT device like a smart thermostat could be associated with IfcSensorType.
• Define AAS Submodels: The AAS should include submodels that encapsulate different aspects of the asset, such as operational data, maintenance information, and connectivity details. These submodels need to be aligned with the corresponding IFC entities.
• Map AAS Properties to IDS Requirements: Each property in the AAS submodel must be mapped to an equivalent property in the IDS. This ensures that the information delivered via IDS is compliant with the predefined requirements.

2.2 Extended Property Sets and Compliance

• Extended Property Sets (Psets): AAS data can be incorporated as extended property sets within the openBIM workflow, allowing the digital twin data from AAS to be checked and validated against the information requirements specified in the IDS.
• Utilize IDS for Compliance: Building Collaboration Format (BCF) can be used to ensure that the information exchanged between the AAS and the IFC model adheres to the predefined standards. This involves dictating the specific properties and data formats that need to be included, ensuring that the digital twin in the AAS is accurately represented within the IFC schema.

2.3 Example: Smart Thermostat

Consider a smart thermostat designed during the engineering phase as type and used throughout the operational phase of a building as instance. The AAS for this thermostat would include submodels for its physical characteristics, operational data (e.g., current temperature, setpoint, operating mode), and maintenance logs. The IDS will define how this information is exchanged, ensuring that when the thermostat data is imported into an IFC-based BIM system, it is placed accurately within the building model.

3 Connecting the AAS with IFC

AAS and IFC are crucial technologies for advancing digital construction and smart building operations. Both buildingSMART and IDTA, which are open-source communities and non-profit organizations, support the development and implementation of these technologies. The AAS facilitates the integration of digital twin technologies within the built asset industry and for building components, ensuring a comprehensive approach throughout the lifecycle of a built asset.

By establishing a foundation for interoperability between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), AAS and IFC ensure adherence to relevant regulatory and organizational policies. This standardization is vital for promoting the economical and sustainable operation of buildings and infrastructure. Furthermore, the AAS transforms digital twins into comprehensive repositories of all essential data related to a building, encompassing everything from architectural plans to mechanical systems.

3.1 Define Submodels in AAS

• Identification Submodel: Includes basic details like manufacturer, model, type, and serial number.
• Operational Data Submodel: Captures data such as current temperature, setpoint temperature, and energy consumption.
• Communication Submodel: Details the connectivity type (e.g., Wi-Fi, Zigbee) and supported protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus).
• Maintenance Submodel: Logs maintenance activities and schedules future maintenance.

3.2 Assigning AAS to IFC Elements

The smart thermostat’s AAS can be assigned to an IFC element, such as a wall, using an IFC property set (Pset) that contains references to the AAS. This allows the digital twin of the thermostat to be functionally connected to the wall in the BIM model, reflecting its physical installation.

Example:

3.3 Linking AAS to IFC Attributes

The data fields within the AAS must be mapped to corresponding IFC attributes. For instance, if the AAS contains a parameter like “current status,” it should be linked to an IFC property set (Pset) that holds operational status data, ensuring that the information is seamlessly integrated into the BIM model. An AAS submodel contains the information to which IFC element it is connected (e.g. thermostat -> wall, motion detector -> ceiling)

4 Future Steps for Implementation

The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) encompasses the entire lifecycle of all assets within a construction objects like buildings, including products, devices, machines, and more. It ensures that each asset is unambiguously identified and addressable within the network. Through a standardized and secure communication interface, the AAS allows controlled access to all information related to the asset. Additionally, it facilitates the sharing of information both from the asset and about the asset. Additional developments and best practices are needed to improve digital twins.

4.1 Standardization of Submodels

Further work is needed to standardize AAS submodels for different asset types, ensuring compatibility with existing IFC standards. This involves ongoing collaboration between organizations like the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) and buildingSMART.

4.2 Development of Mappings

Continuous development of mappings between AAS submodels and IFC entities is crucial. This ensures that the integration remains effective as both standards evolve.

4.3 Tooling Support

Developing tools that automatically generate and validate these mappings within BIM environments will facilitate the practical use of AAS within the construction and facility management industries.

5 Example: Integrating Motion Detector and Lighting Control

Imagine a scenario where a motion detector is installed on the ceiling of a room, such as a toilet, and three lamps are installed within the same room. The motion detector is designed to detect presence, and upon detection, it triggers the lamps to switch on for at least 4 minutes. If the motion detector detects further presence within this period, it resets the timer, keeping the lamps on for another 4 minutes.

Both the motion detector and the lamps are connected to specific inputs and outputs of a controller. This setup allows the controller’s programming to be preconfigured, enabling automated control of the lighting system based on the motion detector’s readings.

5.1 Integrating the Motion Detector via AAS and IDS

To implement this scenario using the AAS and openBIM frameworks, the following steps could be taken:

5.1.1 AAS Representation of the Motion Detector and Lamps

The motion detector and lamps would each have their own AAS, capturing all relevant data points:

• Motion Detector AAS: This AAS would include submodels for detection range, sensitivity, power supply, and current status (e.g., detecting or idle).
• Lamp AAS: Each lamp would have an AAS that includes submodels for power consumption, brightness level, and operational status (e.g., on or off).
• Controller AAS: The controller would also have an AAS that manages the logic for turning the lamps on or off based on input from the motion detector, including the timer setpoint.

5.1.2 Defining the IDS for this Configuration

The IDS would specify how these components interact within the system:

• Trigger Logic: The IDS would define that the motion detector’s presence detection triggers the lamps’ power state to turn on. The timer resets every time new motion is detected.
• Data Exchange: The IDS would detail the format and timing of data exchange between the motion detector, controller, and lamps to ensure synchronized operation.
• Pre-configured Programming: The IDS could also specify the preconfigured logic within the controller that automatically controls the lighting based on the motion detector’s input.

5.1.3 Linking AAS and IDS to IFC

In the IFC model, the room (e.g., toilet) would have an IFC representation that includes the motion detector and lamps. These elements would be linked to their respective AAS data via property sets (Psets) in IFC. The IDS would ensure that the controller's logic is accurately reflected in the building's digital twin, facilitating seamless automation of the lighting system.

This example demonstrates how the integration of AAS, IDS, and IFC can extend beyond simple asset management to encompass complex automation tasks. By pre-configuring the controller logic and linking it with digital representations of the motion detector and lamps, building managers can ensure reliable and efficient operation of systems like lighting, enhancing both functionality and energy efficiency.

5.2 The openBIM workflow including bSDD and AAS

The openBIM workflow, as defined by buildingSMART, incorporates several critical standards and tools, including IFC, IDS, bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary), CDE (Common Data Environment), and BCF (BIM Collaboration Format). Integrating the AAS into this workflow enhances digital twin capabilities, ensuring more effective data management throughout the lifecycle of assets in construction and building operations.

The AAS can relate to IFC to provide detailed, real-time, and lifecycle data for building components. While IFC serves as the standard for representing physical building elements and their relationships, AAS enriches this by offering a comprehensive digital twin of each asset, encompassing all its operational and maintenance data. For instance, a smart thermostat can be represented in the IFC model as an?‘IfcSensorType’?with a custom property set (Pset) that includes a reference to its AAS. This reference could be a URL pointing to the AAS, which contains detailed data such as the thermostat’s current settings, operational history, and maintenance records. This integration transforms the BIM model from a static representation of the building into a dynamic tool that includes real-time data and operational insights.

IDS plays a crucial role in the openBIM workflow by governing the delivery of data throughout a project’s lifecycle, specifying what data is needed at each stage. Integrating AAS with IDS ensures that the detailed specifications and operational data contained within the AAS are delivered precisely according to the requirements defined in the IDS. During the design phase, for example, the IDS might require specific operational data from the AAS to be included in the BIM model. This can be achieved by referencing the AAS within the IDS, ensuring that the necessary data such as connectivity protocols and energy consumption metrics is included. This integration ensures that all stakeholders receive the required data at the appropriate time, fully aligned with the project’s data requirements.

bSDD provides a standardized vocabulary for terms and properties used across the construction industry. By integrating AAS with bSDD, it is ensured that the data within the AAS adheres to these standards, promoting consistency and interoperability. Within the AAS, properties and data points can reference bSDD terms to maintain consistency. For example, the energy efficiency classification of a smart thermostat in the AAS can be aligned with the definitions provided in bSDD. This alignment supports better data exchange between different stakeholders and systems, as everyone uses a common set of definitions.

The CDE serves as the single source of truth for all project-related information, storing and managing data in a central repository. Including AAS in the CDE ensures that all stakeholders have access to up-to-date and detailed asset information throughout the project lifecycle. The AAS can be stored as part of the project documentation within the CDE, linked to corresponding IFC elements and made available for all project participants. This ensures that when a stakeholder accesses the BIM model or any related documentation, they also have access to the latest data from the AAS.

BCF facilitates issue tracking and collaboration among stakeholders in a BIM project. Integrating AAS with BCF allows for the inclusion of detailed asset information when discussing and resolving issues. When an issue is raised in BCF regarding a specific asset, the AAS can be referenced to provide detailed information about the asset’s specifications, operational status, or maintenance history. This context-related collaboration leads to more informed discussions and decisions, and therefore to better problem-solving.

Integrating AAS into the openBIM workflow enhances the functionality of each component of IFC, IDS, bSDD, CDE, and BCF by adding a layer of detailed, structured, and real-time data about assets. This integration not only improves data consistency and interoperability but also supports better decision-making, collaboration, and project outcomes. By adopting this approach, organizations can fully leverage the potential of digital twins and ensure that their BIM processes are both comprehensive and efficient.

6 Impactful Use Cases of AAS and BIM in Future Design and Operation of Buildings and Infrastructure

6.1 Use Case 1: Designing and Placing Fire Protection Systems

Integration of AAS and BIM

In designing and placing fire protection systems, the integration of AAS and BIM can provide significant benefits such as:

• Comprehensive Data Integration: The AAS encapsulates all necessary information regarding fire protection components, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and smoke detectors. This data is integrated into the BIM model, ensuring that designers have access to detailed specifications, performance data, and maintenance requirements.
• Enhanced Design Accuracy: Using real-time data and simulation capabilities provided by BIM, designers can accurately place fire protection systems to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness. The integration with AAS allows for precise modeling of the building’s spatial layout, identifying optimal locations for fire safety equipment.
• Regulatory Compliance: AAS-BIM integration ensures that fire safety systems comply with relevant building codes and safety regulations. The digital twin can automatically check compliance against regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and ensuring safety standards are met.
• Improved Collaboration: All stakeholders, including architects, fire safety engineers, and regulatory authorities, can access the same integrated model. This enhances collaboration, ensures all parties are informed of design decisions, and allows for easier coordination of fire safety system installation.
• Predictive Maintenance: With AAS providing real-time data and historical performance data, predictive maintenance strategies can be implemented. This ensures that fire safety systems are regularly inspected and maintained, reducing the risk of system failures during emergencies.

Example Scenario

A new high-rise office building is being designed. The integration of AAS and BIM allows the design team to simulate various fire scenarios, optimize the placement of fire sprinklers and smoke detectors, and ensure all components meet regulatory standards. During construction, the integrated model is used to coordinate the installation, and after completion, the facility management team uses the same model for ongoing maintenance and compliance checks.

6.2 Use Case 2: Impact on MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) Planning

Integration of AAS and BIM

In MEP planning, integrating AAS and BIM significantly enhances the design, installation, and maintenance processes. Benefits are:

• Detailed Component Data: AAS provides detailed information about MEP components, including specifications, performance data, and lifecycle information. This data is integrated into the BIM model, enabling precise design and planning.
• Enhanced Design Coordination: BIM models allow for detailed visualization and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The integration with AAS ensures that all component data is up-to-date and accurate, facilitating seamless coordination and reducing the risk of clashes between systems.
• Efficient Space Utilization: By using BIM’s 3D modeling capabilities, MEP planners can optimize the placement of ducts, pipes, and electrical conduits within the building’s spatial constraints. This ensures efficient use of space and minimizes the impact on other building systems.
• Real-Time Performance Monitoring: With real-time data integration from AAS, MEP systems can be monitored continuously for performance and efficiency. This allows for timely adjustments and maintenance, ensuring optimal operation and energy efficiency.
• Predictive Analytics: The integration enables the use of predictive analytics to forecast potential failures or maintenance needs for MEP components. This proactive approach reduces downtime and maintenance costs while ensuring system reliability.

Example Scenario

During the design phase of a hospital, the integration of AAS and BIM allows the MEP engineering team to create a detailed model of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. They use the model to simulate different scenarios, optimize the layout, and ensure no conflicts between systems. During construction, the integrated model guides the installation process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Once the hospital is operational, the facility management team uses the real-time data from AAS to monitor system performance and schedule predictive maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted service and optimal efficiency.

6.3 Use Case 3: Electrical Planning of Low Voltage Systems Including PV and E-Charging Stations

Integration of AAS and BIM

In the electrical planning of low voltage systems, integrating AAS and BIM provides significant benefits, particularly when incorporating photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roof and e-charging stations in the garage. This also includes considerations for power generation, storage, and usage. Benefits are:

• Comprehensive Component Data: AAS provides detailed information about low voltage electrical components, PV panels, battery storage systems, and e-charging stations. This data is integrated into the BIM model, ensuring that planners have access to specifications, performance metrics, and maintenance requirements.
• Optimized Energy Management: By integrating real-time data from PV systems and battery storage with the BIM model, energy generation, storage, and consumption can be monitored and optimized. This ensures efficient use of renewable energy and minimizes dependency on the grid.
• Enhanced Design Coordination: The BIM model allows for detailed visualization and coordination of electrical systems, ensuring that the placement of PV panels, batteries, and charging stations is optimized for both performance and space utilization. The integration with AAS ensures all component data is up-to-date and accurate.
• Real-Time Performance Monitoring: With real-time data integration from AAS, the performance of PV systems, battery storage, and e-charging stations can be continuously monitored. This allows for timely adjustments and maintenance, ensuring optimal operation and energy efficiency.
• Predictive Maintenance: The integration of AAS and BIM enables predictive maintenance strategies for all electrical components. By analyzing data from digital twins, potential issues can be identified before they become critical, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: AAS-BIM integration supports sustainability goals by optimizing the use of renewable energy from PV panels and managing energy storage effectively. This reduces the carbon footprint of the building and contributes to overall energy efficiency.
• Enhanced User Experience: For e-charging stations, the integration allows for seamless management of charging schedules, power availability, and user access. This ensures that e-car owners have a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Example Scenario

In a new residential complex, the integration of AAS and BIM allows the electrical engineering team to create a detailed model of the low voltage system. This includes the layout of PV panels on the roof, battery storage systems, and e-charging stations in the garage. The BIM model is used to simulate energy generation, storage, and consumption scenarios, optimizing the placement of all components for maximum efficiency.

During construction, the integrated model guides the installation process, ensuring accuracy and minimizing conflicts with other building systems. Once the complex is operational, the facility management team uses real-time data from AAS to monitor the performance of the PV panels, batteries, and charging stations. Predictive maintenance strategies are implemented, ensuring reliable operation and minimizing downtime.

Residents benefit from reduced energy costs due to optimized use of renewable energy and have access to efficient e-charging stations for their electric vehicles. The overall energy efficiency and sustainability of the complex are enhanced, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

6.4 Use Case: Connected Digital Twins for Optimized Building and Energy Management

Integration of AAS and BIM for Connected Digital Twins

In a smart building complex, connected digital twins interact and exchange data to optimize overall performance. These digital twins represent various systems such as HVAC, lighting, energy management, security, safety, and renewable energy sources, including PV panels and battery storage. Benefits are:

• Integrated Energy Management: Connected digital twins enable real-time data exchange between PV panels, battery storage, and building energy management systems. This ensures optimal use of renewable energy, efficient energy storage, and reduced reliance on the grid. The system can dynamically adjust based on energy production, consumption patterns, and weather forecasts.
• Optimized HVAC and Lighting Systems: Digital twins of HVAC and lighting systems interact with occupancy sensors and weather data to optimize indoor climate and lighting conditions. This interaction improves energy efficiency and occupant comfort by adjusting settings based on real-time data and predictive analytics.
• Enhanced Security and Safety: Connected digital twins of security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and fire protection, share data to provide a comprehensive safety solution. For example, in case of a fire, the digital twin can coordinate between the fire suppression system and access control to facilitate safe evacuation.
• Predictive Maintenance and Fault Detection: By exchanging data, digital twins of various building systems can identify potential issues and schedule maintenance before failures occur. This proactive approach reduces downtime, extends the lifespan of equipment, and ensures continuous operation.
• Improved Space Utilization: Digital twins of occupancy sensors and space management systems exchange data to optimize space usage. They can adjust HVAC and lighting settings in unoccupied areas, allocate meeting rooms based on actual usage patterns, and improve overall building efficiency.
• Enhanced User Experience: Connected digital twins provide a seamless and responsive environment for occupants. They can personalize settings for individual preferences, ensure optimal indoor conditions, and provide real-time information on energy consumption and system performance.

Example Scenario

In a smart office building, connected digital twins are implemented across various systems, including energy management, HVAC, lighting, and security, to optimize performance and ensure seamless operation. The energy management system’s digital twin integrates data from photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage, and the building’s overall energy consumption. On sunny days, excess energy generated by the PV panels is stored in the batteries. This stored energy is then used during peak hours or on cloudy days, reducing dependency on the grid and helping to lower energy costs. The HVAC and lighting systems are managed by their respective digital twins, which interact with occupancy sensors and weather data to optimize settings. For instance, when a meeting room is booked, the system pre-adjusts the temperature and lighting based on the number of occupants and their preferences. If the room is unoccupied, the system conserves energy by adjusting the settings accordingly. The security system’s digital twin integrates data from surveillance cameras and access control systems. In case of a fire, this system coordinates with the fire suppression system to unlock exit doors and guide occupants to safe exits, ensuring a rapid and secure evacuation process. Predictive maintenance is another important feature managed by digital twins in this building. HVAC and energy management systems continuously monitor their performance. If a decrease in efficiency is detected in the HVAC system, a maintenance alert is generated, scheduling a technician visit before the system fails, ensuring smooth operations without unexpected downtime. Space utilization is optimized by the digital twin of the space management system. By analyzing occupancy data, the system reallocates underused spaces for different purposes, making efficient use of the building’s real estate and ensuring that resources are deployed where they are most needed. This integration of digital twins in energy, HVAC, lighting, security, and space utilization systems ensures that the building operates efficiently, saving energy and optimizing resources, while also enhancing safety and user comfort.

Connected digital twins that interact and exchange data offer significant benefits for optimizing building and energy management. They enhance energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort, ensure safety, and provide predictive maintenance, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and responsive building operations. This interconnected approach exemplifies the transformative potential of AAS and BIM in creating smart, adaptive, and efficient built environments.

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Christian G. Frey VP Industry Affairs