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.
Why is Internet of Things (IoT) so important?
Over the past few years, IoT has become one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. Today, our planet has more connected devices than it has people. The IoT will transform the way businesses, governments and humans interact with the rest of the connected world. In this hyper connected world, digital systems can record, monitor and adjust each interaction between connected things. The physical world meets the digital world—and they cooperate.
IoT and Sentera
Sentera is known for its high-performance HVAC control solutions that are easy to use. Innovation has always been one of our main strengths. Thanks to IoT technology, we can make our products more intelligent and tailor them even better to meet the requirements of your application. When a technical fault occurs in a ventilation system, the ventilation system itself will send a warning. Thanks to data logging it is possible to view and evaluate the indoor air quality of the past weeks. Is the capacity of the ventilation system sufficient?
SenteraWeb - IoT for the HVAC industry
Via an internet gateway, Sentera product(s) or solutions can be connected to SenteraWeb. This is a software platform that was developed by Sentera and is optimally tailored to our products and solutions. The connected devices send data to SenteraWeb and receive firmware updates or parameter updates. Do you have an HVAC control solution with Sentera sensors and an EBM-Papst EC motor, an Invertek frequency controller or a Grüner damper actuator? Don't worry, these products can also be connected to SenteraWeb.
What is the benefit for the customer?
HVAC control solutions that are connected to SenteraWeb, offer the customer many benefits. Today, following functionalities are available:
Data logging - All values measured by the connected devices are stored in SenteraWeb. This makes it possible, for example, to view the evolution of temperature, humidity or CO2 values over the past few weeks.
Receive alerts - If a threshold value is exceeded, the ventilation system sends you a warning. In case of a defect an alert can be sent.
Remote control - SenteraWeb makes it possible to remotely monitor the status of a connected device or to adjust settings.
Firmware updates - Connected devices can receive a firmware update via SenteraWeb. Additional functionalities can be made available via new firmware. Application specific firmware can be downloaded via SenteraWeb. So the customer does not need to program a 'universal HVAC controller' - just download the firmware for your application and adjust some settings. HVAC distributors can sell standard Sentera products.
Reduce stock - Via a firmware update, several functionalities are available. This allows the HVAC distributor to reduce the number of item codes in stock.
And more to come!
Typical applications
End users can receive an alert when the air filter of their ventilation system is clogged and needs replacement.
Schools, restaurants or sport clubs can receive a warning when the CO2 level exceeds the threshold value. By analyzing the CO2 loggings, it is possible to see if the capacity of the ventilation system is sufficient in different circumstances.
HVAC installers can receive a notification when the fresh air supply drops below the minimum threshold value. They can schedule an intervention before their customer detects a problem.
AHU manufacturers can monitor their installations in the field. Current consumption, air volume flows and other data can be logged. Based on these data, they can further optimize their installations.
The future of HVAC control solutions
Ventilation and good indoor air quality is essential. To assure good indoor air quality, the ventilation system must operate fully autonomously on a continuous basis. The additional possibilities offered by IoT technology can make an important contribution to the reliability of a ventilation system. With the insight provided by advanced analytics comes the power to make control solutions more efficient. In the years to come, SenteraWeb will allow us to further optimize our control solutions and tailor them even better to your needs. Our HVAC control solutions will become more and more intelligent and discreetly create your perfect environment.
Recent news
02/10/2023
Sentera I/O modules are Modbus RTU compatibleSentera I/O modules are Modbus RTU compatible. They are of course used in Sentera HVAC solutions, but because they are universal they can also be useful for your project or product.
Fire alarm panels, motion detection, door contacts, etc. ... Sometimes your (HVAC) application interacts with external equipment. Sentera offers a full range of converters or I/O modules. They are widely used in industrial and automation applications, but home automation or ventilation solutions for domestic use also make full use of I/O modules. I/O modules are the interface between a controller and external equipment.>>>
19/09/2023
New ECMF8 Series of Customizable EC Fan Speed ControllersOne of Sentera’s most recent developments is the ECMF8 series of EC fan speed controllers. They can control one or two EC motors or VFDs, which is why we call them “dual”. The series is a versatile solution consisting of 3 product versions, each featuring different control options.>>>
12/09/2023
DRM - I/O module with relay outputs and Modbus RTUAn I/O module with relay outputs is a device commonly used in industrial and automation applications to interface between a control system (such as a programmable logic controller or PLC) and external devices or equipment. >>>
04/09/2023
Temperature-based fan speed control for AC motorsWe 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. >>>
07/08/2023
TCMF8 – HVAC controller for AC fansQuality ventilation in rooms with high ceilings can be a challenge. Warm air in these rooms rises while cold air lingers at human height. We keep finding it chilly even though there is enough warm air in the room, and turn up the heating as a result. This is not necessary if destratification is provided, pushing the warm air back down.>>>
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.jpg "Sentera I/O modules are Modbus RTU compatible")
.jpg "New ECMF8 Series of Customizable EC Fan Speed Controllers")
.jpg "DRM - I/O module with relay outputs and Modbus RTU")
.jpg "Temperature-based fan speed control for AC motors")
.jpg "TCMF8 – HVAC controller for AC fans")
