Compulsory ventilation systems represent the most effective way of regulating the air-climatic parameters. At the same time, the more complex the equipment, the more versatile its functionality and controls. Combine all the regulatory tools in one node allow the controllers for ventilation, linking automation and mechanical supply and exhaust modules.
Appointment of the device
Controllers of this type are intended for the organization of integrated control systems for supply and exhaust or supply ventilation equipment. The latter may include water heaters, cooling systems, electric motors, sensors, etc. These and other functional components are connected to a single control system. If we talk about specific tasks, then the controllers for ventilation systems can perform the following work:
- Diagnostics. The equipment detects malfunctions, puts the target equipment in emergency operation mode, turns on the external alarm or completely turns off the system.
- Control of microclimatic parameters. The temperature regimes of the supply, exhaust and room air are taken into account. In more advanced models, hygroscopic parameters are also evaluated if the work is carried out in conjunction with air conditioners and humidity controllers.
- Air velocity control. By changing the speed of the impeller, the position of the valves and the operating parameters of the rotor units, the controller changes the intensity of the air flow.
These are the main tasks, but depending on the functional support, they can be supplemented by other operations that go beyond the control of ventilation only.
Typical controller device
Most models are made in a plastic case, which provides for the possibility of mounting on a DIN rail. For connection on the same case there are detachable connections, and for external indication - LED bulbs. Physical control is via hardware buttons, switches, or touch panels. Recently, modifications have been produced with remote control only due to integrated wireless sensors. To connect to other equipment and a computer, the ventilation control controller is supplemented with an RS-232 interface or ports for special cables. A separate place is occupied by terminal blocks, through which the connection of power sources and analog detectors is performed. Some versions due to risers allow the possibility of expanding communication support.
Technical and operational characteristics
In the standard version for regulating the functioning of the supply systems, the ventilation controller can have the following operating parameters:
- Supply voltage - on average from 90 to 264 V.
- The frequency of the current is from 45 to 65 Hz.
- The temperature regulation range is from 5 to 150 ° C.
- The permissible temperature range of the medium is from -10 to 55 ° C.
- Protection class - not lower than IP20.
- The mass of the device is up to 0.5 kg.
- Presentation of data - through the LCD display.
- The number of relay outputs is from 5 to 10.
There is also a tendency to switch to fully autonomous operating modes, therefore, both power and communications increasingly support independent communication channels. The power supply can be provided by lithium-ion cells, and the transmission of commands and signals is performed via various types of radio channels, depending on the module used.
Additional functionality
All functionality can be divided into three groups conditionally - working components, sensors and auxiliary protective and diagnostic devices. The first group includes optionally complementary units that perform the tasks of recuperation of air flows, heating, humidification, mechanical redirection, etc.
Sensors also occupy a significant place in the control infrastructure of controllers for ventilation, because based on the readings of sensitive elements, decisions are made at the program level. So, dry contact sensors, temperature and humidity meters, smoke detectors, filter clogging control devices, etc. can be used. All of them within their field of action can activate certain mechanical controls, but, again, through the controllers commands.
As for protection and diagnostic devices, these include safety modules, contact relays, digital impulse noise filters, devices for monitoring open circuits and short circuits.
Device mounting
For installation, it is advisable to prepare a special socket in the wall according to the type of outlet of the appropriate size. If there is an automation cabinet or a place in the electrical distribution panel, it is better to integrate into a free niche through the standard connectors. The main requirement for the installation site is the absence of pollution, moderate indicators of humidity and temperature. Directly mounting ventilation controllers is usually done through a complete DIN rail. During installation, it should be borne in mind that all operating terminals and controls should be in a form accessible for physical handling. If possible, it will not be superfluous to install a protective frame - depending on the version, it can protect the device from external mechanical influences and from unauthorized access.
Device connection
Power, as a rule, is provided from the network, and along a line that does not have a connection with direct power supply to the main power equipment. The external circuit is supplemented by fuses for current of the corresponding rating in strength (for example, 1 A) and a switch that will allow you to disconnect the controller from the network if necessary. Connection with input sensors is carried out in a three-wire circuit. For typical supply ventilation controllers, it is recommended to use buses with the same resistance of not more than 15 ohms. If the output signals of the active sensors are current and voltage, then the connection is made using a two-wire circuit. In this case, the line length should be no more than 100 m, and the resistance for each circuit should be no more than 50 Ohms.
Controller Manufacturers
OVEN industrial controllers are widespread in Russia, and in this case, you can pay attention to the TPM133M model, designed for ventilation and air conditioning systems with the ability to automate control processes. No less worthy solutions are the Siemens ventilation controllers - in particular, the Synco series modifications are intended for such tasks. For example, the RLU220 version has ample opportunities for regulating flow, temperature and pressure with the ability to assess the quality of the air. In addition, interesting versions of the controllers can be found in the families of manufacturers "MZTA" (MC8 and MC12) and OPTIMUS (911M).
Conclusion
Modern engineering is markedly different from the systems that were used 10-15 years ago. To a large extent, it is precisely distinguished by innovative means of control and management. But does the supply ventilation controller justify itself taking into account its considerable cost and the cost of a communication organization for connection? Indeed, commissioning along with maintenance will become an additional item in financial and time costs. But if we talk about the pros, then they are much more significant. As practice shows, programmable control systems facilitate not only operational processes, but also save energy in volumes up to 20-25%.