News from Sentera HVAC control solutions

In our daily lives we are surrounded by electric motors. Sometimes they are obvious, sometimes we use them without realizing. They exist in different versions. In HVAC applications we distinguish AC motors and EC motors. What is the difference? What are the pros and cons? This article provides an overview of the main operating principles.

Transformer controllers regulate the speed of fans with electric motors in steps. They are cost efficient and have proven to be very reliable and robust.

Electronic or variable fan speed controllers offer continuously variable speed control for AC fans. They use phase angle control, Triac technology, to reduce the motor voltage. The lower the motor voltage, the lower the fan speed.

Indoor air quality is a critical concern, particularly in enclosed spaces like parking garages where vehicular emissions can impact the environment and occupant health. In our quest to ensure safety and optimal conditions within these spaces, we delve into the importance of monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.

Ventilation and indoor air quality are always important aspects of a building. In some areas, they are even essential for maintaining the functionality of the space.

Potentiometers are electronic components but they are also speed controllers for EC motors. In both cases, the word 'potentiometer' indicates that something can be adjusted infinitely variable. A control switch can be used to regulate EC motor speed in steps.

Precise fan speed control through TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and long life span of motors and connected devices in one or multiple HVAC systems. By regulating the phase angle, TRIAC technology ensures smooth, gradual adjustment in speed, preventing sudden voltage leakages. This reduces mechanical strain on the motor and minimizes wear and tear of its components and the other connected devices, which can lead to power failure or even irreparable damages. With optimized speed control, the motor should operate at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and extending its lifespan. In this article we will explain in details the TRIAC technology, how it works and we will explore Sentera’s devices for precise fan speed control of the motor.

In these modern times, it is really hard to keep up with the newly established technical traditions and norms, and at the same to cooperate with someone or something. Things, techniques, norms, modernisations and others change constantly all the time, and probably, after years, when we look back, everything will be different. Let us see in this article why some things must remain the same.

The successful storage of potatoes and onions in warehouses depends significantly on temperature, relative humidity and CO2 levels.

In most industrial environments, the precise speed and torque moment control should be viewed as a critical part of precise fan speed control process. Sometimes the well-regulated fan speed control depends on the right choice of frequency drives and fan, otherwise we might end up not well prepared for the consequences of fake or poorly produced devices running our fans and motors. Frequency drives provide infinitely variable speed control for AC fans or pumps in HVAC applications. They are suitable for regulating the speed of various motor types as single phase AC motors, IE2, IE3 and IE4 induction motors, AC permanent magnet motors, brushless DC motors, synchronous reluctance motors, etc. The used IGBT transistor technology is supposed to vary both motor voltage and frequency via pulse width modulation (PWM), which results in a very precise and efficient motor control. You can change or add new requirements for precise motor control thanks to the integrated macros.

Sentera's HVAC sensors undergo extensive testing to ensure top performance, accuracy and durability in any environment. Trust our innovative solutions for reliable and precise control, even under the most challenging conditions

What are the advantages of Sentera's DIN rail mounted devices for HVAC systems? Thanks to their enclosures, these provide compact, organised, and efficient solutions for housing and protecting control components. Sentera's diverse product offerings includes HVAC controllers, power supplies and converters, designed for easy installation and maintenance in control cabinets.

Effective air curtain control is crucial for minimising energy consumption by adjusting performance to suit real-time conditions. Using appropriate controls alongside auxiliary devices optimises airflow, enhancing the barrier effect and preventing air infiltration through doorways.

Nowadays, proper ventilation system is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment and preserving the good health of inhabitants. The strict control of the ventilation system leads to constantly supplied fresh air and extraction of air pollutants, which immediately impacts the health of the people in the building. But, as the world continues to develop and modernise, the need for comfortable and, yet easy to control ventilation system grows. The team of extremely motivated to bring to you perfectly constructed ventilation system control solutions engineers of Sentera has developed easy to handle sensors, variable fan speed controllers, potentiometers and other devices from the diverse range of devices of Sentera.

Modbus is a robust, widely used communication protocol in industrial automation and control systems. It allows multiple devices to be connected on a single communication line, facilitating efficient data exchange between controllers, sensors, actuators, and other devices.

There is an element in our everyday life that not many of us notice on a daily basis. It is everywhere we go and we use it every minute of every day. Although air is so vital for human existence, we often remain oblivious to its quality. Oblivious or not, air quality affects us on numerous levels. Like any other environmental factor, air can have a positive or negative impact on human health. Human beings are solely dependent on air to survive; however, poor air quality can result in unpleasant and dangerous medical conditions.

With the current unprecedented energy prices, we are forced to use energy even more consciously and efficiently. Lowering room temperatures is an obvious measure, but in spaces with high ceilings happens a process called stratification, in that case additional savings can be achieved through the strategic use of destratification fans. This article delves into what causes stratification and why destratification fans are a game-changer for maintaining comfort, enhancing air quality, and significantly reducing energy consumption.

Learn about the importance of moisture control when maintaining a lawn and find out how moisture sensors can help you grow a lawn that your neighbours will be envious of.

The best control of a ventilation system is one that does not require interaction with the user. And discreetly ensures that the air quality is always optimal, regardless of the circumstances. Depending on the way a room is used, ventilation will have to be controlled differently. Developing such control systems is our goal.

In HVAC systems, "differential pressure" denotes the variance in air pressure between distinct points within the system. This pressure variance plays a pivotal role in ensuring proper ventilation and air quality management.

For the open house at one of our customers, we built a VAV demo unit in which various Sentera product groups are incorporated to work together as one solution. To explain the complete operation of this installation step by step, we have made a detailed video which you can watch on our Youtube channel. Check out the full article for more information.

Ventilation is a crucial aspect of greenhouse management as it plays a vital role in maintaining the right environmental conditions for plant growth. Proper ventilation in greenhouses helps regulate temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, ensuring optimal conditions for plants.

We need controls and control systems because, in our modern age of technology, they make our lives more convenient, comfortable, efficient and effective. HVAC controls enable equipment to operate effectively and sometimes give the ability to change their actions as time goes by and conditions or occupancies change.

An air filter monitoring device is specifically designed to monitor and assess the condition of air filters in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, industrial air filtration systems, or any other systems that utilise air filters. It helps in evaluating the performance and efficiency of air filters and assists in determining when they need to be cleaned, replaced, or serviced.

When desgning a ventilation system, we often come across the terms "VAV", "CAV" and "Constant Pressure Control". In this article I would like to explain what these terms mean exactly, when which option is used and what you need to pay attention to when designing and adjusting an automated ventilation system.

Which sensors should I use in my building? This is the question that is regularly asked these days with most people spending up to 90 % of their time indoors. Due to Corona and the ever-improving insulation of our buildings, the importance of good ventilation is becoming increasingly clear. Along with this advancing insight, additional questions arise.

Given the current circumstances (Corona virus, polluted air, ...), monitoring indoor air quality is strongly encouraged. CO2 meters are particularly suitable for controlling a ventilation system because they indicate whether there is sufficient fresh air in the room. Suddenly you can buy CO2 meters on every street corner. They are available in different price categories, sizes, types, etc. How do you select the right CO2 sensor for your project?

The Sentera ACT-H-125 is a round motorized control damper for air ducts with a diameter of 125 mm and is equipped with an RJ45 socket and a classic terminal block. The damper blade position can be controlled by analog signal or Modbus RTU communication. The ACT-H-125 can be combined with many Sentera sensors. This ensures optimal demand based control of the ventilation system.

Summer has finally arrived and soon we will all be leaving for our favourite holiday destination. After an intensive day of vacation, we often like to put our feet under the table in an authentic local restaurant to enjoy the local specialties. As soon as the fragrant dishes appear on the table and stimulateour senses, we realize (as an HVAC professional) that the kitchen is most likely equipped with an efficient ventilation system.

Internet of Things - or IoT - refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. The IoT is a giant network of connected things and people – all of which collect and share data about the way they are used and about the environment around them. The Internet of Things is making the fabric of the world around us more smarter and more responsive, merging the digital and physical universes.