This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Controls Continued from page 52


ture that enterprise software provides complex computing environments. That is exactly where CCN is today. This black box (literally) is an integrated computer hardware and software package that connects all of a building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning sys- tems to a single network control system. In most cases, the functionality for complex systems operation is complete, without the hassle of creating and testing customized code. The user interface is as simple as a thermostat or a portable software interface that can be displayed on most hardware devices, such as a laptop or desktop computer. Using the CCN, I am able to monitor and control com-


ponents in my home via thermostats, a touchpad interface or through my laptop when I am away. I can monitor or troubleshoot and make instant changes to any of the set- tings by looking at real-time data. The system can send me an email or text message when something is out of the parameters for alarms I’ve set. The ability to automate intelligent, energy-efficient


choices without intervention from home or building own- ers is possible today. It would be a nightmare, using con- ventional controls, to choose the heating source with the lowest operating cost from among a multiple-stage geot- hermal unit, solar collectors and a high-efficiency con- densing boiler. While it is possible to achieve this same objective using


Albert Wallace was determined to rebuild using the latest energy efficient technology and methods, and found him- self thrust into the role of integrator, coordinating geother- mal, radiant and photovoltaic contractors to build a home that produces more energy than it consumes for heating, cooling and domestic hot water.


direct digital controls (DDC), that approach is costly and time-consuming for the contractor and the homeowner. For most residential clients, the DDC system’s up-front and maintenance costs are too expensive. Yet, without complex functionality, we would be limited in what we could deliver as a systems integrator. With the CCN, we are able to outperform DDC capa-


bilities using commercial off-the-shelf software modules provided by Uponor. Troubleshooting a complex system with DDC-controlled mechanical relays would be extremely difficult. Using the CCN controls, we are able to troubleshoot and isolate a component failure in several minutes. For me, the clear choice is the new generation of HVAC


controls like the CCN that can detect all the available heating devices in a home and automatically select the one with the lowest possible energy consumption. Take the time to investigate your opportunities to learn


a new way of doing business that will greatly enhance the value of your services to your customers. n


Circle 34 on Reader Reply Form on page 73 Page 54/Plumbing Engineer


Albert R. Wallace is president, Energy Environmental Corporation, Centennial, Colorado.


October 2011


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76