AC drive add on provides communication options

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 5, 2008

Control Techniques modules give connectivity to virtually all the major industrial networks, allowing feedback from a large range of devices.

Control Techniques has released its 21st option module, designed to provide added functionality to its range of AC drives.

This new module provides communication with the LonWorks network, a popular choice for heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications.

Control Techniques' Marketing Manager, Gareth Jones said "We recognise that connectivity with LonWorks networks is crucial to our further growth in the HVAC sector and we now expect continued growth in this area".

Control Techniques modules give connectivity to virtually all the major industrial networks, allow feedback from a range of devices.

The LonWorks communications platform designed is for networking devices over media such as twisted pair, power lines, fibre optics and RF and is popular for the automation of various functions within buildings, such as lighting and HVAC.

LonWorks is a flexible and robust network that is optimised for systems that are not time-critical.

It is essentially, a distributed control system with software tools for configuring and managing the network traffic.

The new option module, which simply plugs into the interior of the appropriate variable speed drives (taking up no additional cubicle space) is compatible with Control Techniques' range of Commander SK, Affinity and Unidrive SP variable speed AC drives, which are becoming increasingly popular for energy-saving in heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications and for other building control systems.

"The LonWorks module will allow users to integrate the HVAC system right down to drive level", says Gareth Jones.

"Now, using our AC drives with the LonWorks module, facilities managers can have central monitoring of all key drives parameters, with plenty of advance warning of any problems, such as impending motor failure, improving both the quality and reliability of air handling in the building".