Climate controller (HVAC)

Article Summary

The RACC-3 device can control 1 or 2 air conditioning units in alternating or concurrent operating mode. The device is built up of independent modules, which allows for flexible use and economic implementation. We can offer suitable configurations for various needs.
Whenever local conditions permit, the device provides steady room temperature by fan-driven ventilation. If needed, the unit defrosts the system using the heating operating mode of AC units or radiator heating.
The equipment can directly control the compressor or internal and external fans of traditional climate controller systems without the need to install a winterizing set. It manages heating and cooling air conditioners in both operating modes. Due to its configurable alarm values, it can send a warning about any issue before the event actually occurs. In the event of freezing up, the device can activate an unfreezing operating mode.
It regularly measures and registers internal and external context and device temperature data. The device stores intervention data and the measured readings in a log.
It features LEDs to display its operations and any errors. For more detailed troubleshooting, there is a web based user interface available. Communication with the central management software is maintained via SNMP (TCP) protocol.

Components

Controller module (RACC-3 controller)

The controller module continuously monitors input parameters (temperature, input) and controls output modules.
The device is controlled by a 32-bit microcontroller. The controller program and the configuration data are stored for an unlimited period even when power supply is interrupted. Program code may be changed remotely.
Measured and calculated values are stored in non-volatile MicroSD memory.
Controller LEDs and audio signals indicate operations to the operator on site. Three push-buttons may be attached to the device to modify control locally. Push buttons may be installed on the chassis or away from the device.
Binary signals (7) and a communication channel are provided towards the device management, the latter being serial protocol or SNMP v2 (with TCP/IP module).

Temperature sensors

Temperatures are detected by custom digital sensors specially designed for the air conditioning units using water resistant, cylindrical metal probes. Our digital sensors are insensitive to ambient conditions and protected against electric interferences. Accuracy: ± 0,5 °C.

Power current interface (RACC-3 Isolator, Machine-2)

It contains the 230 V controlling elements (relays and triacs) required for the control of climate controller devices with galvanic isolation and terminal blocks. The unit is isolated from the previous module due to electric shock protection requirements.
Controlling of phase monitoring and, if needed, phase margins is solved.
Fans and selector switches can be controlled directly. The compressor may only be connected through the slave relay, which is normally included in the air conditioning units.
The RACC-3 device may be ordered with control for only one air conditioner with one power current interface. The device may be expanded for control of two units on site.

Controller software

All control parameters may be configured and control is automatic based on these parameters. No restart of the device is required when configuring parameters. The program may be used for controlling inverter machines. The program registers and logs running time and statistical data calculated during operation.

Control push buttons can be used to adjust operation (emergency ventilation, shutdown, startup heating).
The program sends an alarm when a theft attempt is detected.

The control program may be customized to the customer's individual needs. The RACC-3 has lots of reserves as the program has more memory than in the RACC-2 device.

WEB LCT

The device has its own web server that can be accessed by authorized personnel through a web browser, which makes development and cumbersome distribution of a special configuration program unnecessary. The interface displays configuration settings (control and IP), statistical data and current status of inputs and configuration data may be edited. As opposed to configuration programs, WEB LCT can be accessed remotely through the network to improve operator productivity.
WEB LCT is a product of Ruby Inc. and thus may be expanded to meet your needs.

Communication (SNMP)

The RACC equipment can communicate using SNMP v2 (UDP or TCP) protocol (set, get, trap) and the required MIB file is available.

Storage of log data

The device continuously logs faults and control events (shutdown and startup) and all context parameters (temperature, phase status) at regular intervals. Data are stored in a non-volatile memory with a minimum record number of 2000. A MicroSD card is optional and extends maximum record number to 2 million.

Configuration, storage

The full configuration of the equipment may be modified locally using a maintenance PC program via serial/USB port or remotely with commands via SNMP protocol or from anywhere using the WEB LCT interface. Users can only modify data after being identified and even then the device logs any changes and the person implementing them.
The full configuration is stored in non-volatile memory and thus remains available even in the event the power supply is disrupted.

Program updates

RACC-3 can update its own operating software while running. Download may be controlled via TCP/IP from another machine other than the server of the management system. Downloading is a highly secure process; therefore, data integrity and compliance are checked multiple times.

System time

The device uses the NTP protocol to set the correct time. The network must have an available NTP server to which the device can synchronize its time.