RACA Journal May 2024 RACA_May2024_digital | Page 27

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Feature reputable professionals handle their products and solutions . We ’ re committed to maintaining high standards of quality and reputation . Unlike standard and extensive offers from Schneider equipment available through well-known distributors , Schneider Electric ' s configurable solutions like EBO are only available directly from the company or a certified system integrator . This ensures that clients receive reliable , high-performance products and that technicians have the necessary training and expertise to deploy them effectively ,” he adds .
The future of controls , says Byl , is to move beyond mere on-site operational capability , to include cloud-based artificial intelligence ( AI ) or machine learning , with paramount importance devoted to cybersecurity .
The company ' s EcoStruxure Building Advisor is a cloud-based platform that is the sister product to EBO . It leverages AI and machine learning for predictive analytics , fault detection and adaptive control strategies . By infusing AI into HVAC control systems , it enhances operational efficiency , optimises energy consumption , and proactively addresses maintenance needs . Byl notes that it is an evolving technology that has been installed at only a few key customers to date , but he anticipates a widespread deployment of such platforms over the next five years into building management practices and empowering informed decisionmaking . “ Integrating the Internet of Things into our offering is increasingly becoming a requirement from our clients .”
Byl acknowledges the inherent vulnerabilities of any system to hacking and emphasises the importance of proactive security measures . “ There are growing cybersecurity concerns in the HVAC industry , requiring robust security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure . Our systems prioritise data privacy and security , adhering to industry standards such as ISO 27001 and implementing secure communication protocols like HTTPS . Equally important at an operational level is vulnerability management , regular security assessments and stringent access control measures with data encryption to mitigate the risk of cyber threats .” These include regular patches , updates and vulnerability assessments to address potential security loopholes . Additionally , Byl stresses the importance of physical security measures , such as restricted access and stringent identification protocols , to complement cybersecurity efforts and protect sensitive infrastructure .
This is particularly so with data centres , which are driven by competitive considerations and the desire to maintain technological differentiation . Some international data centre operators differentiate themselves by demanding industrial-grade control systems over traditional building management systems ( BMS ). The reluctance of data centres operators to divulge details about their infrastructure and technology choices , is well known .
CAREL INNOVATIONS IN HVAC & R CONTROLS EQUIPMENT CAREL , a leading player in HVAC & R controls equipment , is
Supplied by testo setting new standards in the industry with its cuttingedge products designed to meet the twin demands of optimisation and efficiency .
" Our product is versatile and adaptable , catering to both refrigeration and air conditioning needs ," says Andrew Damari , CAREL CONTROLS-SA national sales manager for HVAC . " While the underlying concepts remain similar , the use of natural refrigerants such as CO 2 can significantly impact airconditioning systems , especially in terms of energy efficiency , more and more with Heatpump AC units ."
The company ' s dedication to R & D means a significant portion of its turnover is invested in R & D activities . " We focus on testing new technologies and ideas in our laboratories to ensure that we offer high-efficiency solutions within the refrigeration space ," he adds .
CAREL ' s expertise lies in controls and optimisation strategies rather than hardware manufacturing . For instance , in CO 2 transcritical refrigeration systems , CAREL ' s role revolves around optimising the performance of components like expansion valves and compressors to minimise energy consumption and maximise efficiency .
In recent years , CAREL has expanded its scope through strategic acquisitions , incorporating additional products and solutions into its portfolio . These acquisitions have enabled CAREL to offer complete packages for air handling units including heat exchangers , heat recovery wheels and various accessories .
" Although we don ' t manufacture the physical units , our involvement in temperature , humidity and pressure control is fundamental to the operation of HVAC & R systems ," says Damari . " From controlling EEV operations to monitoring environmental conditions , our solutions contribute to system efficiency and performance ." c . pCO sistema is the solution that CAREL offers its partners for managing HVAC & R applications and systems . c . pCO sistema includes programmable controllers , user interfaces , communication interfaces , remote management systems and cloud services , providing OEMs operating in the HVAC sector a powerful yet flexible control system that can easily interface with the most common BMS .
The testo smart app .

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