Automation of heating ventilation air conditioning systems. How ventilation systems are automated. Equipment for automatic ventilation control system

Today, ventilation and air conditioning systems are present in all newly built buildings. They are laid at the stage of project development, because they provide: ventilation - the outflow of polluted air and the supply of fresh air, air conditioning - provides comfortable conditions for people to stay in the premises, namely, it brings humidity and temperature to normal levels. Since both systems are quite complex, automation is being developed for them, which monitors the parameters of their work. In this article, we will understand what the automation of air conditioning and ventilation systems is.

Why do you need

First, it should be noted that the following are considered normal indoor conditions:

  • temperature + 20-24C;
  • humidity - 40-65%;
  • the speed of air movement is 1 m/s.

To control these parameters, it is necessary to carefully calculate and assemble the automation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. At the same time, the project immediately determines the places of their installation and functional purpose. Very often in buildings with large dimensions and many rooms, an air conditioning system is used, which includes several subsystems. And, as practice shows, all subsystems work individually. In order to follow all of them, an automatic air conditioning system is being installed.

It must be understood that the air conditioning and ventilation system is quite expensive in terms of electricity consumption. Therefore, it is very important to correctly configure the automation that provides control over air conditioners and fans. And if there are no problems with the latter, because they are set to a certain rotation speed, which will be constant almost all the time, then the setting for air conditioners is more complicated.

After all, their work mainly depends on the humidity and temperature of the air inside the premises. These two values ​​are not constant. This means that the automation will have to be configured so that it first of all controls these two parameters, and then transmits a signal to the air conditioners. And they will work in terms of power with an increase, then with a decrease. And here the setting can be made so that the conditions inside the premises are normal, and the power consumption of the air conditioners is not maximum.

The dispatching of ventilation and air conditioning systems is responsible for this. Namely, several devices that process data and transmit them to the equipment. At the same time, a strict sequence of algorithms is maintained, which are programmed individually for each type of equipment.

Automation of ventilation and air conditioning

There are three types of ventilation and air conditioning automation systems: partial, complex and complete. Most often, the first two are used. Automation itself consists of several blocks that control different processes:

  • sensors or, as specialists call them, primary converters;
  • secondary;
  • regulators are automatic;
  • actuators, in some schemes control devices are used;
  • electrical equipment, with the help of which the electric drives of fans and air conditioners are regulated.

Basically, all these mechanisms and devices that are part of industrial automation are standard. That is, they are mass-produced according to GOSTs. But there are some of them that are produced in small batches and are intended specifically for air conditioning systems, for heating and ventilation systems. For example, sensors for monitoring air humidity or temperature controllers brand T-8 or T-48.

Usually, all devices that show the parameters of the indoor conditions are installed in a special separate shield. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that the more subsystems in the building, the more shields have to be installed. This complicates the monitoring of parameters that must be periodically removed. To simplify this process, today in the branched air conditioning and ventilation systems, a control panel is organized, behind which the operator sits. One person is in complete control of the entire process. At the same time, with the help of the Internet, the problem of signaling and the ability to control all parameters at a distance is solved. That is, an SMS with data on all ongoing processes can come to the phone.

As for the sensors, it is very important to correctly place them in the rooms with a certain frequency of placement. It is these small devices that begin to respond to changes in air parameters. It is they who give impetus to the beginning of the change in the operation of the equipment. But HVAC automation systems do more than just monitor the conditions inside a building. Sensors are installed in each duct, which monitor whether something has got inside. After all, even a small foreign object can get into the equipment and disable it. This is also very important for dampers that shut off the air supply and exhaust.

Any automation includes a warning and alarm system. Here it is standard: sound and light.

Dispatching ventilation and air conditioning

Dispatching is the collection of signals from sensors and, based on them, the management of all processes. The main functions of scheduling ventilation and air conditioning are:

  1. Indexing of incoming signals from sensors, their processing and configuration.
  2. Sending a signal to the dispatcher if deviations from the specified parameters occurred in the system or an unusual or emergency situation occurred.
  3. If necessary, the operation of the entire circuit is transferred to emergency mode.
  4. If a fire breaks out in a building, the smoke extraction system is activated.
  5. Air parameters are strictly monitored and maintained throughout the operation of the equipment.
  6. If necessary, adjust the set parameters.
  7. During low load hours, ventilation and air conditioning systems are switched to the mode of saving electricity and other types of energy carriers (steam, hot water).
  8. Data is processed at the time of activation or deactivation.

Depending on the customer's requirements for air conditioning, automation can be carried out using freely controlled devices (controllers) or with the addition of so-called software and hardware systems. The second option is more expensive, but it makes it possible to combine all control levers in one control point.

However, it should be understood that situations in large buildings with several subsystems can be different. Therefore, air conditioning and ventilation is divided into modules in terms of providing dispatching. And each module can work autonomously in the event of an emergency.

Dispatch capabilities:

  • it is possible to organize the management of a large number of modules, which, as necessary, are connected in parallel;
  • setting up the collection of data that the user needs;
  • the ability to transfer data to other computers;
  • telephone and computer networks are controlled;
  • automation of data transfer processes from the lower levels to the control panel;
  • data transfer to the phone.

Controllers for automation and dispatching

In principle, it should be noted that the technological scheme of air conditioning and ventilation of the building, which includes the controller, is standard, or rather basic. It can be changed under necessary requirements with addition. For example, you can change the indoor temperature control not through a duct sensor installed in the ducts of the exhaust ventilation system, but through a cascade sensor, which is installed directly in the room itself. Or you can configure the heating of the blinds in the air conditioning, which open or close the openings.

That is, the dispatching of ventilation and air conditioning systems, taking into account the installed controllers, can be developed according to different schemes. And at the same time, you can choose such a technological chain that will be beneficial specifically for a certain type of building where different requirements to individual rooms.

Home Automation

Today, the term “smart home” is increasingly heard. In fact, this is the automation of control over all networks that ensure the normal life of a person in own house. Of course, this is an extensive network, the tasks of which include:

  • external and internal security (the latter is the tracking of employees doing household work in the house);
  • control and monitoring of emergencies: gas leakage, cold or hot water;
  • creating a favorable indoor climate, and this applies to air conditioning, heating and ventilation.

At the same time, dispatching strictly controls all work. engineering networks. And if there is a need to change any parameter, there is no need to run around the floors to the automation panels to make the adjustment. " Smart House» is supplied with a separately installed mini-remote control or a mini-unit, through which the regulation and setting of the required modes is carried out.

Most importantly, all automation is tied to dispatching from controllers installed in it. That is, the technological scheme here is exactly the same as at any facility where there are modular air conditioning and ventilation schemes.

The Climate World magazine continues to publish fragments of a new curriculum FPE Educational and Consulting Center "CLIMATE UNIVERSITY" under the name "Automation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems."

Earlier, we described in detail how to work with applications of the modern CAREL c.Suite development environment. Now let's talk about the development of dispatching user interfaces in the c.Web environment.

Custom development dispatching interfaces in c.Web environment

Dispatch tools

The CAREL product range includes various dispatching tools, both local and global.

Freely programmable c.pCO family controllers

The c.pCO family controllers, equipped with a built-in Ethernet port, provide direct supervisory capability over the Internet through the built-in web server.

The user interface of the server can be either standard, provided by CAREL free of charge, or custom-designed.

The standard user interface is enough to monitor the operation of the installation, manage it and analyze the behavior of the equipment over time due to the built-in logging function (log) of the values ​​of the selected parameters, followed by viewing them in the form of graphs.




This solution is optimal for objects with a small amount equipment where the budget does not allow installing a dedicated dispatch system server.


BOSS Object Level Dispatch Server

All controllers of the c.pCO family, regardless of modification, have at least one built-in RS485 port, which can be used to integrate the controller into a supervisory bus using the ModBus or BACnet protocols.

Collection, storage, display of information from field controllers and notification of facility personnel about situations requiring attention should be carried out by the BOSS dispatch system server.

The features and advantages of the BOSS dispatch system server are:

  • access via any web browser with PC, tablet or smartphone;
  • built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to work remotely with BOSS how to mobile device so personal computer;
  • if necessary, it is possible to connect a monitor via Display Port or VGA connectors, and also keyboards and mice via USB ports;
  • automatic scaling of server pages to the screen resolution of the device, with which is being accessed;
  • integrated support for Modbus (Master and Slave) and BACnet (Client and Server) protocols via MS/TP (RS485) and TCP/IP buses;
  • the most simplified procedure for deploying a dispatching system based on BOSS for data visualization account with using template pages.


The solution using BOSS is focused on objects where integration into a single dispatching interface of tens - hundreds of controllers, both manufactured by CAREL and third-party, supporting the currently most common communication protocols ModBus and BACnet, is required.

tERA Cloud Dispatch Service



tERA's cloud-based dispatch service, which uses the power of the Internet to interact with field controllers located in various locations, is a universal solution for sites of any size, as well as for site networks.

Advantages of tERA:

  • no need to place any server equipment in the field;
  • Access to Internet portal tERA is possible with any device connected to global network;
  • not requires special configuration of network equipment on the facility where the automation systems that are supposed to be controlled are installed;
  • detailed information on equipment and control options depend on user type set by the local administrator;
  • automatic generation of reports schedule, and when certain events occur that require the intervention of maintenance personnel;
  • update support software field controllers;
  • built-in toolkit for analyzing the behavior of equipment by comparing parameters over time and between different objects;
  • the user interface can be either minimalistic, consisting only of tables and graphs, or designed with taking into account the wishes of a particular customer.



The use of the tERA service is especially relevant for networks of small and medium-sized facilities, where it is impractical to use physical dispatch servers due to the small amount of equipment at each of the facilities, and the number of facilities themselves is large, which makes it difficult to connect directly to each of them.

Also, the tERA service is the optimal platform for service organizations that offer their customers services of periodic after-sales service and equipment repair.


User Interface Development Tools

All dispatching tools assume the possibility of creating a user interface designed in accordance with the requirements of the customer.

An important component of the operator's user interface is graphic design, on the convenience, visibility and ergonomics of which the dispatcher's work efficiency depends.

In addition, modern information visualization tools in BMS systems are subject to requirements to ensure cross-platform and support for mobile devices.

All of the above requirements are met by the CAREL c.Web user interface development environment, which has the following main characteristics:

support for modern cross-platform visualization technologies - standard HTML code and SVG graphics are used, supported by all modern platforms - unlike FLASH and a number of other technologies;

the development process is maximally optimized to use library elements with the minimum amount of programming required. At the same time, the experienced developer is provided with extensive customization options;

support for mobile devices is provided in terms of convenience for the operator when working with small screens;

protection of intellectual property - the interests of developers are taken into account - the compiled HTML code is loaded into the target device, while the original project remains with the author;

c.Web is a single unified tool for developing user interfaces for dispatching tools of various levels of CAREL production, up to the possibility of transferring projects from one system to another while maintaining functionality and minimal modifications.

c.Web

Launching c.Web and creating a project



To launch c.Web, select the appropriate shortcut in the taskbar and run it as an administrator:

The menu will then look like this:



You should select the Project Console, which will lead to the appearance of the corresponding window:



If you intend to work with an already selected project, then you should click the Builder button. If you want to change the current project, you should press the red button to stop the server.




In the window that opens, specify the name of the new project and the folder in which it will be located:



It should be noted that if files of a previously created project are found in the specified folder, they will be opened as a new project when the editor is launched. In this way, new projects can be developed based on previously created ones.




and then the Builder button to launch the actual c.Web editor.

If the server has not been previously configured, a parameter window will appear in which you need to assign a server name, address, and type.



In our case, the type should be Carel, and we specify the name and IP address of the target controller based on our own preferences.



On the Advanced tab, you must specify the paths to folders containing tables of controller parameters available for dispatching, and to folders where the editor will place the finished project.



If there is a connection with the controller via local network it is convenient to upload the finished project directly to the controller using the built-in FTP server, so we specify the corresponding folders in the controller as target folders.



To populate the Config Source field, you must create a controller variable configuration file, which can only be done if you have a source project.

To do this, return to the controller application project and open it in the c.Suite development environment, in the c.design program.




Set the Enable c.Web checkbox - this is necessary for the correct operation of the user interface project after loading into the controller:



Export the project variables in the format corresponding to the c.Web editor:



A window will open in which you should specify the folder where we intend to save the configuration file.



After completing these steps, a message like this will appear:



Since we have made changes to the controller application project, it needs to be reloaded:


Now we can return to setting up the c.Web editor by specifying the path to the folder where the variable configuration file from c.design was saved in the Config Source field:



As a result, the specified window will take the form:



Checking the Cleanup dataroot checkbox will clean the folder where the project files will be loaded into the controller, so if any additional files that are not included in the c.Web project are placed there during operation, they will be deleted. In some cases, this is undesirable, so it is better not to check this box.



On the Layout tab, we will select the appropriate page format, taking into account the screen resolution, on which, most likely, the created user interface will be displayed:



After clicking OK, the main editor window will open:


Getting Data Points and Binding to Objects

The first thing to do is to upload information about the data points that we plan to use in our project. To do this, right-click on the project name and select Acquire Datapoints:



Upon successful completion of the procedure, the following window will appear:



The read variables can be seen in the OBJECTS section of the project tree:


Let's start creating the actual user interface on the Main page. Let's move the Circular Meter object from the library to the project page:



The properties of the selected object are displayed in the corresponding editor window. To bind a variable to an object, you must use the Base property to display the value of the variable.



Let's bind a variable containing the value of the current temperature to the existing object:



And change a number of other parameters that determine appearance and object behavior:


Download to controller

To make sure that the variable import mechanism worked correctly, let's load the resulting project with one object into the target controller.

To do this, right-click on the project name and select Distribute:



Upon completion, by opening a browser and specifying the IP address of the controller, we can verify that the download was successful and the data is displayed correctly in the controller web interface:



To change the titles of the web interface pages, modify the corresponding line in the code of the index.htm object located in the Library - ATVISE - Resources section:



Let's add an object to our page that allows not only viewing, but also changing the values ​​of variables in the controller.

Such an object can be, for example, Read/Write Variable - it is especially convenient for use on touch screens, as it contains large buttons to decrease and increase the value, as well as a slider.

Let's place the specified object on the page, bind the temperature settings to the variable and modify the object's appearance in accordance with our preferences:



After uploading the updated project to the controller, it will be possible to change the setpoint via the web interface:



Let's add a switch to change the state of a discrete variable and bind it to turn the unit on and off:


Dynamic alarm indication

Let's add an alarm indication. To do this, draw a circle using the Add circle tool.



For a number of graphical objects in c.Web there is a set ready-made templates, in particular for circles: by selecting a circle and choosing Templates from the menu, you can apply the template format to the selected object.



Let's make the circle red with a gradient fill.



To change the state of the alarm indicator depending on the situation, we will use the Add Simple Dynamic mechanism built into c.Web.



In the EVENT item, we specify the value of the alarm state variable, and in the ACTION item, let's compare the alarm presence state - the blinking of the selected object and the state of its invisibility in the absence of an alarm.


In fact, the Simple Dynamics mechanism is a wizard that, using simple visual means, allows you to create certain sequences of actions that require programming. Simple Dynamics allows you to simplify this process, but the output is a script that can be used as a basis and further manually modified by the developer.

To display and edit the script, click the Script button on the c.Web panel:



The resulting script can be analyzed and supplemented.



For a more detailed notification of the operator about the presence of an alarm, it is advisable to add an acoustic signal to the visual notification - a flashing red indicator.

To do this, add a file containing an alarm to the Resources folder:



In addition, let's add one more indicator - green, which should glow when there is no alarm:



Let's set the dimensions of the green indicator to be the same as the red one, and for the exact location of both indicators one above the other, we will use the alignment tools:



Let's modify the script as follows:



More information about available commands and script syntax is available in the built-in help.

Let's add one more controller, which we will bind to a variable that determines the threshold for triggering an alarm.



And add labels to the display and control elements:



To improve the aesthetics of the created web interface, let's add a gradient background using the Add Rectangle tool in the c.Web control panel.



Let's set the parameters of the rectangle and place it under the existing objects:



After loading into the controller, the web interface will look like this:


Embedding Ready Pages

Further expansion of the functionality of the web interface is possible using ready-made templates available for download from the c.Web section of the ksa.carel.com portal:



In particular, ready-made pages are available showing the built-in display of the WebpGD controller, log and alarm graphs.

To apply these templates, the corresponding files must be uploaded to the controller's file system via FTP. To do this, you can use the FileZilla program:


The previously downloaded folders should be prepared for copying to the controller's HTTP folder.



If the web interface has already been loaded into the controller up to this point, this folder will not be empty, and the template folders should be added to the existing files:


Upon completion of the data transfer process, the HTTP controller folder will look like this:


To use the templates, it is proposed to add a menu with three items to the main page of the user interface: WebpGD, Trends and Alarms.



Let's also add a new page, naming it WebpGD.



In the File menu, select the Settings item to configure the parameters of the new page:


Set the page dimensions to 900 by 500 pixels, then use the Add Foreign Object tool:


Let's draw a 460 x 800 px rectangle - this is the area where the controller screen and control buttons will be displayed.

By clicking on this zone, we get the window for editing the script of the object, where we add the command for accessing the previously loaded template page: