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Light control

Multiload Technology has introduced a range of rotary controls for 0-10 V analogue dimming of fluorescent and analogue lighting schemes. The controls are designed to fit behind MK GridPlus, Wandsworth and Forbes & Lomaax switchplates to offer advanced control of light sources.

Three versions are available. The RPS series, with three-way mains terminal for on/off or changeover switching of the mains. The RPA, which has only low-voltage terminals and is used with Multiload switching actuators. And the RPC series, which has the same functions as the RPA series. But it also has an extra low-voltage terminal for remote two-way changeover low-voltage signal switching of the actuator.

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Very smart

A new linkage kit from Honeywell allows its Smart Act direct-coupled actuators to be mounted on site to ESBE and Croval three- and four-port rotary valves used in building services, as well as for operating air dampers, air handlers and VAV units.

The direct-coupled actuators feature a self-centring shaft adapter for plug and play installation, the ability to mount in any direction, a detachable wiring box for easy connection, a rotation direction switch and a position indicator.

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Better standards of metering

Recently the European Parliament passed the ‘Energy end-use efficiency and energy services directive'. The directive requires "that meters and systems measure accurately and frequently customers' actual energy consumption; that billing is informative, sufficiently frequent and based on actual energy consumption".

It also imposes a general energy end-use savings target of 1% a year for nine years (2008-2017). "The logic is that if consumers can see the energy they are using… they will make the link between what they use and what it is costing them," says Howard Porter, a director of the electrotechnical trade association BEAMA Energy.

BEAMA Energy is to work with DEFRA on suitable metering solutions. The latest technology lets consumers track energy use on a remote display, for instance in the kitchen or on a mobile.

Dual role

Danfoss has launched the AB-QM, a compact dual-purpose valve, which can be used as an automatic flow limiter. Or, when fitted with an actuator, as a combined flow limiter and temperature control valve. When used as an automatic flow limiter, the user simply needs to turn the presetting scale to the desired flow rate. A built-in diaphragm then maintains a constant low differential pressure across the valve's setting cone to ensure maximum set flow is not exceeded.

Sizes of 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm and 32 mm are available.

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Individual energy monitoring

Finder has introduced the 7E Series single phase kWh totalising meter for the measurement, recording and display of individual energy consumption for loads drawing a maximum of 65 A.

Suitable for use in residential, commercial and industrial applications, the meters incorporate a digital display. They can be DIN rail mounted, and can be installed in a standard consumer unit.

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Desigo PX Interface

Siemens ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Technologies has launched a new range of operator interfaces for the Desigo PX building automation system. The units are designed to make it easier to monitor, analyse and control energy usage. The basic PXM10 is designed for a single automation station and displays set points, present values and operating modes. The networkable PXM20 can manage multiple stations and includes a graphical display.

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Making the most of HVAC controls

Bill McConnell, Carrier UK national controls systems manager, explains how to go about choosing the right HVAC plant control system:

• Work out what you expect from the system, then prioritise in case economies have to be made.

• Choose a system that provides full open-system integration so you won't be tied to one supplier.

• Check the energy management functions of the proposed control system to see if they provide you with control routines that control and track equipment usage. Adaptive optimal start, trim and respond and demand-based setpoint adjustment are minimum requirements.

The Head End system that requires special software on each operator work-station is an unnecessary expense. Look for a system that provides web-based front end software.

• A web-based system can raise security concerns: banks, hospitals etc do not want to share their data with anyone who stumbles across their Internet address. Firewalls, secure socket layer, virtual private networks - these security provisions are sufficient to protect the sensitive data.

If you decide on a web-based system, give your IT department information on your chosen system early.

Choose a system that is easy to install. Use a low capacitance shield twisted pair wire for your backbone network.

Trace elements

The Trace Summit Chiller Plant Control system from Trane Control Systems is claimed to provide significant energy savings on chiller operation, even when the chillers are controlled via a conventional BEMS.

The control system has the ability to interrogate the chillers for more detailed information than a traditional control system and uses this to devise a control strategy tailored to each installation.

On/off switching, set point reset, modulation and scheduling are used to achieve optimum performance.

Tracer Summit has been built on open protocols and can be retro-fitted to existing systems.

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Setting the scene

The X-touchbox from Tridonic Acto enables task-specific lighting moods to be programmed and automatically activated in all DALI lighting control systems when used in conjunction with the X-touchpanel.

The two control units with integrated sensors are suitable for lighting systems in which dynamic light, changes of scene or defined sequences are required.

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Water saver

Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a photo-electric sensor that will assist with water management. The controller has been specifically designed to control taps on wash basins and toilet flushing. The unit is IP67 rated and has a built-in two-second off delay to allow hands to be moved while the water is running, as well as a shut-down function that automatically switches water off after 30 seconds to prevent excess water use.

An LED indicates when hands have been detected and flashes when the automatic stop is activated. The units' sensitivity range is adjustable up to 600 mm, with a detection angle of 20°, and it can be installed using a two-wire connection and has an operational voltage of 24 V.

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