Perfect networking of fans, control engineering and remote maintenance – part of modern building management
Ziehl-Abegg AG, known as the market leader for axial and centrifugal fans , is extending its product range.
In the systems and control engineering sector, the company is launching an intelligent, freely programmable control module and a web server to enable various methods of remote monitoring.
The newly developed control module is used for control functions and communication between central and decentralised air conditioning components. These could be frequency inverters or intelligent fans with integrated control engineering. The new web server has been developed specifically to ensure that relevant system data can be recorded and communicated externally, rounding off the new product range perfectly.
Fans, power electronics and the overall control intelligence from a single source
The new freely programmable control module for HVAC applications is a DIN rail mountable module. It is equipped with numerous inputs and outputs. Up to six sensors can be connected, for example to measure temperature, differential pressure, air speed, air quality or humidity. Depending on the programming, the sensor inputs actuate the integrated outputs. These are analogue outputs and relays. The module also has integrated digital inputs that can be used for monitoring or switching functions, for example. To ensure that setpoints can be conveniently changed, the module has an integral display.
During this product’s development, a key question was that of which software would allow flexible adaptation – if possible allowing trained specialist personnel to configure an additional input on site or perform similar tasks. It was clear that we needed a programming system that can be programmed in line with the IEC 61131-3 standard. In addition, we did not want our customers to have to purchase proprietary software, which would make the whole system unnecessarily expensive.
Taking all of this into account, we eventually chose the CoDeSys programming system from the German company 3S.
This programming system is freely available and is enjoying increasing popularity in the market. The standard integral Ethernet interface allows the product to be connected to a PC or laptop with no problems to load the software.
The control module is equipped with Modbus-RTU. This bus system is integrated into almost all of the more sophisticated Ziehl-Abegg electronic control components and allows individual components to be networked and then to communicate with one another as required with no problems. This greatly simplifies everything for system manufacturers. It is useful to illustrate the real possibilities of this complete system, made up of various individual components from one manufacturer. For example, in practice two fans (supply and extract fans), two frequency inverters and an overall control module can be installed or used in the central air conditioning control unit.
If these components are made by the same manufacturer, for example two free running centrifugal fans from Ziehl-Abegg, with two compatible Icontrol frequency inverters, that adjust the volumetric air flow according to the settings in the UNIcon control module, it is possible to achieve smooth system communication, perfectly co-ordinated because of the product’s uniform interfaces, and ultimately obtain precise and balanced functionality.
The extensive features of the UNIcon control module allow additional components, such as actuator motors for ventilation dampers, mixers, heating registers etc. to be controlled without problems.
Display options, data memory and remote monitoring
The control module is normally fitted in a control cabinet or inside the air conditioning unit. It may be necessary to display data from the connected components at a central point. As well as external control terminals, which are available either for control panel installation or in an IP54 wall housing design, further data transfer options are available to achieve this.
Incorporating the Ziehl-Abegg ZETAview web server enables the collection of this data from the control module and, if required, retrieves additional data from connected field devices such as frequency inverters via Modbus-RTU. The data is stored on the internal memory card in the web server. Data can be exchanged and accessed to change parameters via an Ethernet interface or by modem (analogue or GSM).
Intelligent fans with integrated control electronics round off the system
Intelligent Ziehl-Abegg fans are available in the FREvent and ETAvent product families.
The FREvent range includes axial and centrifugal fans with a frequency inverter integrated directly on the efficiency-optimized motor. For ETAvent, there are energy saving axial and centrifugal fans with an EC controller integrated directly on the EC-motor (electronically commutated motor with integrated permanent magnets).
These fans come complete with power electronics. In contrast to conventional fans, this means that there is no need for a separate upstream control unit, such as a frequency inverter. The fans have a built-in communication interface (Modbus-RTU). This allows them to communicate with other Ziehl-Abegg components, including the new control module and web server.
This opens up a world of new possibilities. The control process for the fans is precisely monitored and managed. The fact that sensors are connected directly to the fan means that a FREvent or ETAvent is capable of independent control. At the same time, it is monitored and relevant data is recorded.
The flexible, freely programmable UNIcon control module in conjunction with other components from Ziehl-Abegg, e.g. intelligent fans, frequency inverters and the new web server, creates a system made up entirely of products from a single manufacturer. This eliminates any interface problems between the individual products. And there is only contact point for any problems. Take advantage of all these benefits and put your trust in system components that go together perfectly.
