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Feature
CHILL OR THRILL ? UNRAVELLING THE SECRETS OF SMART HVAC CONTROLS
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
With the current trends of Internet of Things ( IoT ) and Industry 4.0 ( 4IR ), all OEM air-handling-unit and chiller manufacturers are looking for intelligent components with bus-protocol communication .
CRS Multi sensor .
It functions in the following manner :
• Connect – the system connects every device within a machine and shop floor
• Collect – it captures critical data at every level from sensor to cloud
• Analyse – it converts data into meaningful analytics
• Act – it drives action through real-time information and business logic
Through Industry 4.0 , all industrial networks have been standardised . Nevertheless , there are still many different industrial network systems such as Profinet , Profibus , Modbus , BACnet , EtherCAT , Bluetooth and more .
The use of connected capabilities integrating machine / asset health monitoring and providing analytics for failure prediction to improve operational efficiency and performance and establish product condition transparency also :
• Increases asset utilisation and availability
• Decreases operational cost and downtime
• Extends the lifespan of a machine and optimises energy consumption significantly
• Improves productivity , service and quality
Supplied by Schneider Electric
SEAMLESS COMPATIBILITY AT THE CORE OF ZIEHL- ABEGG ’ S CONTROL SOLUTIONS Ziehl-Abegg South Africa provides a comprehensive range of advanced control solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers in respect of control systems and their integration into HVAC infrastructure .
Managing director Marius du Plessis of Ziehl-Abegg South Africa says , " When comparing us to a direct competitor on fans , it ' s important to note that our control layout is unique . We manufacture our own sensors , which gives us a distinct advantage in offering tailored solutions for both small and large-scale applications . We ' ve undertaken projects involving units with up to 15 fans , demonstrating an ability to cater to diverse needs .”
A significant aspect of Ziehl-Abegg ' s offerings is its support for various communication protocols , enhancing interoperability and compatibility with different systems . " We support a wide range of communication protocols , including BACnet , CANbus , Modbus , PROFIBUS and more . This flexibility allows us to integrate seamlessly with existing HVAC systems and automation processes ,” he says .
He adds that the fan manufacturer offers a wide range of industrial networks and add-on modules , ensuring maximum flexibility and ease of integration for customers . Bluetooth modules provide real-time monitoring , offering convenience and safety for operators .
" We offer a wide array of sensors tailored to different parameters , from temperature and velocity to flow , humidity , CO 2 and CO sensors " explains Du Plessis .
Pointing to a setup demonstrating flow measurement , he elaborates , " This setup utilises a primary flow sensor to measure volumetric flow . By calculating the differential pressure across the unit , our controller accurately determines the flow rate . Moreover , our controllers feature temperature compensation capabilities , adjusting setpoints based on external temperature inputs for enhanced accuracy ."
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RACA Journal I May 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za