Weidmuller shows unique LON-based building management system

Citation

(1998), "Weidmuller shows unique LON-based building management system", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318dad.009

Weidmuller shows unique LON-based building management system

Weidmuller shows unique LON-based building management system

Keyword Building management

At FieldComms '98, Weidmuller will be showing its complete control solution for management and automation of environmental, energy and security conditions throughout a building. The room control device (RCD), together with integrated room controller (IRC) enable communications between all individual local operating network (LON)-based components within a building.

Based on Weidmuller's building automation modular concept (DIAloc BAMC) and the LONworks fieldbus protocol, the products allow architects, planners, designers and system integrators to plan the control and intelligent management of a building's systems. The DIAloc BAMC electronic interface modules decentralise the intelligence normally provided, by offering local input/output terminal blocks containing all necessary control logic. This means signals are measured and processed on the spot, with results sent directly, without delay, to a command receiver for subsequent action.

The RCD provides the user interface for building automation components, with unique features including the ability to have four pre-set scenarios programmed in; to set and display blind positions, room temperature and up to three lighting channels; a built-in temperature sensor and backlit LCD display. The design concept for the man-machine interface, in terms of the visual aspects of the RCD, was put forward by building design and construction consultants Foster & Partners. Weidmuller then implemented the design and manufacture, using its expertise in LONworks fieldbus technology.

The DIAloc BA IRC 2420 integrated room controller is a BAMC node with custom software implemented. Controlled by the RCD, this input/output module monitors and controls, at a local level, all the sensors and actuators needed to maintain pre-set conditions in both individual rooms and open-plan zones. Either directly or via the LON network, the interface modules manage two or three state control valves, sunblinds and curtains, lamps, lighting and temperature sensors, motion detectors and other room appliances.

The unique feature of Weidmuller's building automation modular concept is that it can be tailored to an individual building's requirement by adding I/O cards to individual modules as necessary. This avoids the need to purchase fixed multiples of I/O, which can result in redundant or unused I/O channels ­ resulting in an inefficient system.

For further information contact: John Bauckham, Weidmuller Ltd, 1 Abbey Wood Road, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4YT, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1732 877032; Fax: +44 (0) 1732 874296. E-mail: publicity@weidmuller.co.uk