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Schneider Electric and Panasonic Corporation announced an integrated HVAC equipment and building management solution that brings additional HVAC control and energy efficiency solutions to commercial buildings.
Both companies have developed a new interface wireless solution which enables direct serial communication between Schneider Electric's building management system and room controllers with Panasonic's variable refrigerant flow (VRF)-based HVAC systems via the ZigBee wireless communication standard. This integration allows building owners and managers to view these building systems, including HVAC equipment, lighting, security, power and electrical distribution via a single interface, and deliver information that helps to reduce energy consumption and increase savings.
The joint Schneider Electric/Panasonic solution can be either be installed wirelessly, which helps to preserve existing infrastructure and is suited for retrofits of older buildings, or it can be wired. The solution leverages plug-and-play technology, which helps to .simplify system configurations for extensive VRF systems, or it can be installed as a part of a standalone system. This makes it easier to install and helps to allow system integrators to save additional time and costs on installation. In addition, facility teams have access to energy reports and dashboards, as well as Schneider Electric and Panasonic's technical support teams to better ensure that all systems are running at a high performance level continuously.
Schneider Electric's SmartStruxure building management solution helps to maximize building efficiency and reduce operating costs by integrating customized hardware, software, engineering, installation and services to help ensure facilities are more energy efficient and more effectively managed. It helps to break down traditional information silos and deliver information in real-time so facility managers can make more informed decisions to better optimize energy management. Additionally, Schneider Electric's SE8000 Series room controllers, as part of SmartStruxure, combine a thermostat/temperature sensor and programmable room controller in a single unit to better optimize the energy use of HVAC systems and helps to reduce operational costs.
VRF-based HVAC systems are becoming increasingly popular in commercial building settings because of their ability to operate at variable speeds by inverter technology, instead of the traditional on/off operation, which hepls for energy savings. Panasonic's VRF system (ECOi/FSV) is designed to help increase energy efficiency by delivering a higher ESEER rating in outdoor capacities, as well as higher efficiency for part-load operations that matches the environment in which it is being used. The system is provides cooling and heating power even when operating at extreme ambient temperatures, ranging from -25°C up to 52°C.
Keywords: Energy Management, HVAC Equipment, Building Management, Intelligent Room Controller, Inverter Technology, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), ARC Advisory Group.