HVAC
Moving on from the design phase, the production phase is the next step. Starting with the purchasing and management of the BOM, the integrated solution soon shows its advantages. The discretely implemented, universal controllers often include hundreds of components, which must be purchased, stored in a warehouse, and transported to the production facility. Managing such a large quantity of different components naturally contributes to the overall cost. With a single-chip solution and reusable design, the BOM logistics are simplified—the purchasing department deals with fewer suppliers, and less storage space is required. Thanks to the smaller number of
components, the PCBs can be up to 40% smaller, and the pick and place cost in production is also significantly reduced. Moreover, because the software-configurable I/O enables design reuse, the controller manufacturers will require more PCBs of the same type. Therefore, volume discounts on the boards also contribute to cost savings. Figure 3 summarizes the comparison of discrete and
integrated channel function implementations. Last but not least, the testing in production follows unified procedures and takes less time to set up in comparison with the multiple variant, discrete implementation. Increased design complexity might even raise the risk of test failure. Certification is just another example of aspects where integrated, reusable solutions can save cost and other resources, and the list goes on when it comes to finished product logistics, installation, and technical support. The training of sales, technical support teams, and installation technicians is much more extensive when numerous different designs are based on multiple platforms, as opposed to universal, reusable solutions based on integrated software- configurable I/O.
CONCLUSION Software-configurable I/O brings innovation to the building automation market, that, while being traditionally conservative, is now being pushed to become more agile and respond to ever-changing customer needs more rapidly.
Integration and design reusability are key features that enable this transition. Some may see the integrated solution as a simple BOM replacement that could actually increase the cost, but in fact, when looking at the bigger picture and considering the overall value created throughout the whole product life cycle, the integrated solution quickly outweighs any doubts. To tackle the shortcomings of a discrete
design, Analog Devices created the AD74412R, a fully software-configurable I/O. It integrates the discrete signal chain in a single chip and provides four fully configurable channels. The AD74412R creates value throughout the controller life cycle, from product definition, through design and production, to installation and operation. It is the first such product in the market and offers customers an easy way to increase their return on investment while shortening time to market and time to revenue.
Analog Devices
https://www.analog.com/
HVAC CARBON EMISSIONS REMAIN LOW BOARDROOM PRIORITY FOR ENERGY- INTENSIVE
T
he carbon emissions of HVAC systems in energy-intensive manufacturing industries
are seen as a top priority by only 21% of UK senior management, despite accounting for up to 40% of a site’s energy consumption. Recent research among facilities managers
from across the life sciences, pharmaceutical and high-tech manufacturing sectors has revealed that for 79% of companies, the primary HVAC concern for senior management is a system’s ability to deliver thermal comfort, low running costs or uninterrupted operation. Worryingly, in the wake of a series of net
zero pledges affirmed by both governments and manufacturers alike at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, 81% of those surveyed would class their site as efficient despite less than a third (31%) admitting to continuously monitoring a facility’s carbon emissions. Paul Walsh, General Manager EMEA at building analytics specialists CIM, which commissioned the research, commented: “Life science, pharmaceutical and hi-tec manufacturing are all notoriously energy- intensive sectors, with HVAC accounting for up to 40% of site’s overall utility consumption. However, due to the nature of the sector and its ultra-tight cleanroom controls, once the temperature, humidity and differential pressures have been validated, alterations are rarely made.
“Worryingly, this ‘set and forget’ mentality
can easily pervade into all areas of a manufacturing facility, with settings having the potential to deviate significantly from the intended parameters over time. All of this leaves HVAC costs – and their associated carbon emissions – at best unregulated and, at worst, increasing to unnecessary levels. He continues: “Despite a collective willingness at board level for manufacturers to take proactive action around sustainability, it remains a concern to see the carbon emissions of energy-intensive HVAC systems – which in reality, represent the real low-hanging fruit – deprioritised to the extent they currently are. “The solution lies not in extensive capital
investment or the diversification of energy sources, but in better use of Building Management System (BMS) data, especially in non-validated areas of a plant. Identifying and rectifying inefficiencies here can make significant inroads into reversing the over delivery of energy, and play a tangible role in wider industrial decarbonisation strategies.” For more information on building analytics
platforms, and how CIM’s PEAK platform can enhance energy reductions strategies, please visit:
CIM
https://cim.io/
42 MAY 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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