In this product showcase, ebm-papst explains how to integrate EC fans into your system.
Building automation systems (BAS) or building management systems (BMS) control a building’s internal environment and are essential in the running of energy demand management systems. These systems help to further monitor and improve energy performance of buildings and allow organisations to track and meet their environmental targets.
An important criterion for investors and tenants alike is the building’s energy efficiency rating, such as its NABERS rating. By monitoring the building’s performance, the BAS can highlight problems early on, therefore minimising the risk for costly repairs and ensuring the building’s performance as specified. In the Melbourne CBD for example, 25% of all energy efficiency upgrades now include the installation or upgrade of a BAS.
Fans play an important part in any air conditioning and ventilation (VAC) system and therefore the building’s energy performance. They are typically used in a central air handling unit (AHU), deployed in hundreds of fan coil units (FCU), installed in fan assisted variable air volume boxes (VAV) across the building, or mounted on air-cooled rooftop condensers.
Fans use a tremendous amount of power, and with fan performance directly affecting the VAC system and comfort levels in a building, the close control and monitoring of these systems is crucial. An increasing number of EC fan specifications for VAC systems therefore require monitoring and direct control over the fans via the BAS.
The ConnECtor range of communication gateways and controllers from ebm-papst A&NZ aims to provide a bridging platform for information flow between the BAS and EC fans which form part of a building’s HVAC system.
The product range was designed with a unified and simple wiring design reduces the probability of installation errors while keeping installation costs low.
Three implementation levels are available in the ConnECtor range, with the main difference being the control source. In all three levels the communication from the BAS can be set up either via high level, for example BACnet, or via analogue control.
Communication from and to the fans takes place via MODBUS RTU and analogue 0-10V DC voltage control.
Implementation levels
1.1 Monitoring:
In a very basic setup, the ConnECtor controller is used as in interface to allow information flow without changing the control parameters of the EC fans. For example, fans that are part of a packaged air conditioning unit are speed-controlled by the on-board controller of the air conditioner. The BAS monitors the fans, for example to measure the amount of air supplied into the building, and to ensure that all fans are running. Any fan errors or warnings can be communicated back to the BAS for diagnosis without the need to send a service technician on site to investigate.
1.2 Gateway:
In this configuration the ConnECtor receives a demand signal from a higher-level controller, for example a BAS, and takes over the speed control of the connected fans. This is useful in applications where multiple EC fans are used, for example an AHU with multiple EC fans in a FanGrid. The BAS only needs to communicate with the AHU or condenser controller and does not have to address each fan individually, which in turn reduces the number of network devices and simplifies the installation and commissioning.
1.3 Controller:
In this setup, the ConnECtor has its own control logic, e.g. controlling the fan speed to maintain a certain air flow or temperature independent from an external control source. The BAS is mostly monitoring but it can interfere by changing set points or by turning equipment on or off. This can be particularly useful if the control variable from the BAS is not a percentage run signal. For example, the BAS might send a demand for 5,000 l/s of air flow. The ConnECtor then controls the fans within the AHU to deliver the required amount.
Whatever the control set up is, the ConnECtor range of controllers, display units and communication gateways allows for a proven and simple integration of ebm-papst EC fans into new and existing buildings.
Removing the need to mix and match components, everything can be provided by ebm-papst, already proven, tested and pre-configured.
All ConnECtor devices are supplied in kit form and the installing contractor is provided with ebm-papst contact details should issues arise during installation. ebm-papst offers complementary commissioning and installation training to contractors in its Sydney and Melbourne training centres and ebm-papst engineers can offer on-site support should the need arise.
Our ConnECtor control solutions are developed by ebm-papst engineers in Australia in cooperation with our customers.
Contact ecupgrades@au.ebmpapst.com for more details.