CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTATION
The increased savings from improved energy management and maintenance generated by these smart control systems can enable installers to offer their clients a more comprehensive, flexible cooling solution that meets their exact requirements.
To take full advantage of the business growth opportunities presented by smart control technologies, the air conditioning industry must fully embrace the innovative and disruptive control technologies that are coming to market. Panasonic has partnered with Schneider Electric to connect Schneider Electric’s SmartStruxure solution and intelligent room controller with Panasonic’s VRF smart connectivity solution.
This aims to create a comprehensive building energy management solution, allowing building owners and managers to view all of their core building systems including HVAC equipment, lighting, security, power and electrical distribution anytime and anywhere via a single interface. This will enable them to make significant reductions in energy consumption and drive operational savings.
The joint Panasonic and Schneider Electric solution can be installed wirelessly – which preserves existing infrastructure and is ideal for retrofits of older buildings – or it can be wired. The solution takes full advantage of innovative plug-and-play technology which simplifies system configurations for extensive VRF systems – or it can be installed as part of a stand-alone system. This makes it easy to integrate and allows professional installers to save time and costs on installation. In addition, facility teams have access to comprehensive energy reports and dashboards
as well as Schneider Electric and Panasonic’s expert technical support teams to ensure that all systems are running at the highest performance levels at all times.
Better Remote Access
Historically, control functionality has also been an issue for heating and cooling systems. Scheduling timers have proven difficult for end users to operate and adjust because of the way they have been set up and programmed.
Typically, they are also only accessible from a fixed point in the space or via a central PC in the building as part of a broader BMS solution that in itself can be difficult to navigate.
It is crucial for installers offering smart control systems that the interface enables users to adapt and optimise their heating and cooling systems to suit their specific requirements. Panasonic’s AC Smart Cloud is an internet-based remote monitoring and management system that allows users to set holiday timers, weekly timers with different instructions for the separate zones as well as checking the system for faults. Users can monitor and manage multiple premises in real-time through the cloud-based control system, from a single connected device, anywhere in the world. The system enables users to program an air conditioning schedule that meets their exact requirements and can then be conveniently accessed and calibrated from any secure remote device.
Using this technology, a detailed breakdown of the system’s energy consumption can be accessed on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.
This can help end users compare space utilisation and adjust the system to turn off
during quiet periods. They can also control several different installations at once with a single dedicated interface, saving time and simplifying logistics across multiple sites. Remote access will also enable installers to offer ongoing maintenance contracts. Maintenance teams can be engaged in predictive fine-tuning which keeps the air conditioning system operating at its optimum level for longer. This minimises the likelihood of a system break- down by anticipating maintenance and means a lengthier lifespan for the system. Installers will also be able to respond more quickly to faults and issues, keeping the end user completely satisfied with their air conditioning systems. These developments have special significance for business critical applications; including data centres and server rooms.
Using Panasonic’s AC Smart Cloud management system, cooling performance can be precisely monitored to eliminate the risk of downtime. As a result, the management of maintenance regimes becomes more efficient.
The future
We are only beginning to see what is possible with innovative air conditioning and building control. Throughout 2017 and beyond, the industry is set to see new services added to this type of intelligent control system making them even more attractive to building end users. The ultimate aim is to provide end users with an environmentally friendly, comfortable and intuitive air conditioning solution. Breakthrough innovations such as Panasonic’s AC Smart Cloud and the partnership between Panasonic and Schneider Electric are examples of the steps being taken towards reaching this aim.
www.acr-news.com
December 2016 45
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