www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 23
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" It ' s not about a sophisticated operator interface ; plenty of those are available . It ' s about a simple user interface ,” he says . He provides a practical example of their approach by highlighting the need for effective temperature and humidity monitoring in sensitive environments such as operating theatres . Instead of constantly displaying raw data which would be a distraction , iLED ' s visualisation devices are engineered to capture attention through subtle notifications , ensuring crucial information doesn ' t go unnoticed amid the hustle and bustle of critical operations .
" These devices are set up to alert operators with a flashing screen , avoiding disruptive buzzers that could potentially pose safety risks ," Potter explains . The goal is to provide a user-friendly interface that allows for quick corrective actions when anomalies are detected .
“ All products are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing building management systems , leveraging open protocols for compatibility across different platforms . By decentralising processing tasks and moving them to the Edge , iLED ' s solutions optimise system efficiency while reducing the burden on central processors .
“ The application of these innovations extends across various HVAC environments , from variable air volume systems to fan coil units and branch static pressure control . By leveraging our technologies and in-house manufacturing capabilities , we ensure quality and reliability of our products , from hardware design to firmware development .
“ The response from both local and international markets has been positive . Local uptake has been strong , with notable implementations among financial institutions for various monitoring applications . However , we are , in particular , placing an outward focus on the international market through our international partnerships . The international response has been great . Our development costs are lower in South Africa , giving us a competitive edge in terms of pricing ,” says Potter .
He notes that iLED ' s offerings complement existing solutions in the market , making them a valuable addition for addressing diverse requirements , especially their display products which have garnered significant attention .
One of the key factors contributing to iLED ' s success is its commitment to quality and compliance . Potter highlights that their products have already received CE certification , a crucial step for entering international markets . He outlines their phased approach to obtaining certifications for all products , ensuring they meet the necessary standards for global distribution .
Ongoing innovation through research and development ( R & D ) remains a priority for iLED . With a dedicated team of engineers focusing on hardware and firmware development , the company continues to explore new product ideas to address evolving market demands .
" We ' re always looking ahead . Our goal is to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the HVAC sector , delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers ."
An example of deploying intelligent Edge devices is in the commercial property market vertical to meet the ever-evolving needs of property portfolios as they undergo significant transformation to mitigate the risk of load shedding through self-power generation , plus improve data collection of utility billing . These requirements include continuous water and electrical metering , as well as the integration of various power sources such as solar , grid and generator power .
" One of the key challenges is ensuring billing-quality metering . They cannot afford to compromise on accuracy , especially when it comes to billing for utilities ."
These products include metering solutions for water and electricity , utilising protocols such as DLMS and Modbus to ensure compatibility across different industries .
Potter emphasises the modular nature of their product stack , allowing for easy customisation through the integration of plug-in cards . This approach enables clients to tailor their devices to match their unique requirements , whether it ' s implementing DLMS for electricity metering , utilising Mbus for water metering or Modbus for generator monitoring .
" Our goal is to provide configurable devices that can adapt to the changing needs of our clients . This flexibility ensures that our solutions remain relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving landscape ,” he adds .
As iLED continues to push the boundaries of innovation through their eZiControl family of products , Potter is optimistic about the impact they will have on the industry . With a strong focus on quality , reliability and adaptability , iLED Group aims to lead the way in shaping the future of smart building technologies , one innovation at a time .
ENHANCING BUILDING COOLING EFFICIENCY Within Schneider Electric ' s product lines , Eliwell is a brand within the refrigeration space , distributed by Keystar , though the company ’ s controls offerings extend beyond that . By offering seamless integration , versatility and advanced features , Schneider Electric aims to drive efficiency and sustainability in the building and data centre operations landscape .
Thabang Byl , buildings segment leader at Schneider Electric notes that while Elliwell is owned by Schneider Electric , there is a distinct separation in terms of how products are made available . This distinction allows for greater flexibility in distribution and purchasing channels .
“ EcoStruxure Building Operation ( EBO ) is the primary platform in our portfolio . It serves as a comprehensive HVAC control solution , leveraging a mesh platform to optimise building operations . Its various components include field devices ( sensors ), programmable logic controller ( PLC ) controls , and integration with security offerings . It has evolved over the years through acquisitions and strategic integrations ,” he notes .
He describes the key feature of EcoStruxure as being its seamless integration with other Schneider Electric products and
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 23