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EU declaration conformity
Electric heater controller | expansion module | 6 kW
Product description
This is a slave device or an expansion unit to control electric heating elements. It must be connected to a master unit of the same AH2C1 series.
This controller is designed specifically for electric heating elements and provides precise control and efficient operation for both single-phase 230 VAC and two-phase 400 VAC electric heating elements, ensuring optimal heating performance.
Time-proportional control - TRIAC technology - is used to control the heating element.
The temperature setpoint is transmitted by the master unit.
There is one digital input for remote ON-OFF switching. The controller is capable of handling a maximum resistive load of 3.2 kW for single-phase configurations and 6 kW for two-phase systems.
Additional specifications and description
Electric heating elements convert electricity into warm air. The warm air can be used to heat a room or a building. This expansion or slave module is intended to create extra heating capacity in case the maximum capacity of the master module has been exceeded. This cannot function unless it has been connected to a master device. It controls the connected heaters synchronously with the master device. These heating controllers use time-proportional control (TRIAC technology) to control heating element(s).
What is the technology behind these controllers?
Time-proportional control with TRIAC technology is a method used to regulate power to heating elements or other resistive loads based on the desired temperature setpoint. It involves modulating the power supplied to the load by controlling the duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle of the alternating current (AC) waveform.
TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is a type of electronic switch that can control the flow of current in both directions in an AC circuit. It acts as a solid-state relay, allowing the controller to turn the power to the heating element on and off rapidly in a controlled manner.
In time-proportional control, the TRIAC is used to switch the power to the heating element on and off in cycles. The duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle is varied to achieve the desired temperature setpoint. For example, if the setpoint is lower than the current temperature, the power may be switched on for a shorter duration, reducing the overall power delivered to the heating element. Conversely, if the setpoint is higher, the power may be switched on for a longer duration to increase the power delivered.
By modulating the power in this way, time-proportional control with TRIAC technology provides a means to regulate the average power delivered to the load and maintain a relatively stable temperature. This method offers advantages such as precise control, energy efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on the heating element by minimizing thermal cycling.
The control signal for time-proportional control can be generated using various techniques, such as pulse width modulation (PWM) or phase angle control. These methods determine the duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle based on the difference between the desired temperature setpoint and the actual temperature.
What are the control options?
Although AH2A1-6 does require a master unit, it can be either Modbus operated or manually controlled using the two DIP switches on its PCB. Apart from Mobdus RTU communication connection, the controller also features a remote ON/OFF connection for an external switch and an analogue output, which repeats the heater PWM output, i. e. 70 % PWM output is translated to 7 VDC analogue output signal, 80 % PWM is translated to 8 VDC analogue output signal, etc. It can be used to control a fan or another slave device to increase the power output.
Modbus communication can be used to control AH2A1 devices remotely or from a Master controller i.e. a computer with Sentera’s free 3SModbus software. When Modbus mode is selected (via holding register 7), the controller does not follow the DIP switch settings and all options are selected via Modbus. Electrical heaters up to 3,2 kW (230 VAC) or up to 6 kW (400 VAC) can be controlled. Via the output (0-10 V or 0-20 mA) of this slave module, another slave module can be connected to further increase the heating capacity. All heaters are controlled synchronously.
What is the technology behind these controllers?
Time-proportional control with TRIAC technology is a method used to regulate power to heating elements or other resistive loads based on the desired temperature setpoint. It involves modulating the power supplied to the load by controlling the duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle of the alternating current (AC) waveform.
TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is a type of electronic switch that can control the flow of current in both directions in an AC circuit. It acts as a solid-state relay, allowing the controller to turn the power to the heating element on and off rapidly in a controlled manner.
In time-proportional control, the TRIAC is used to switch the power to the heating element on and off in cycles. The duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle is varied to achieve the desired temperature setpoint. For example, if the setpoint is lower than the current temperature, the power may be switched on for a shorter duration, reducing the overall power delivered to the heating element. Conversely, if the setpoint is higher, the power may be switched on for a longer duration to increase the power delivered.
By modulating the power in this way, time-proportional control with TRIAC technology provides a means to regulate the average power delivered to the load and maintain a relatively stable temperature. This method offers advantages such as precise control, energy efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on the heating element by minimizing thermal cycling.
The control signal for time-proportional control can be generated using various techniques, such as pulse width modulation (PWM) or phase angle control. These methods determine the duration of time the power is switched on during each cycle based on the difference between the desired temperature setpoint and the actual temperature.
What are the control options?
Although AH2A1-6 does require a master unit, it can be either Modbus operated or manually controlled using the two DIP switches on its PCB. Apart from Mobdus RTU communication connection, the controller also features a remote ON/OFF connection for an external switch and an analogue output, which repeats the heater PWM output, i. e. 70 % PWM output is translated to 7 VDC analogue output signal, 80 % PWM is translated to 8 VDC analogue output signal, etc. It can be used to control a fan or another slave device to increase the power output.
Modbus communication can be used to control AH2A1 devices remotely or from a Master controller i.e. a computer with Sentera’s free 3SModbus software. When Modbus mode is selected (via holding register 7), the controller does not follow the DIP switch settings and all options are selected via Modbus. Electrical heaters up to 3,2 kW (230 VAC) or up to 6 kW (400 VAC) can be controlled. Via the output (0-10 V or 0-20 mA) of this slave module, another slave module can be connected to further increase the heating capacity. All heaters are controlled synchronously.
What makes the enclosure reliable?
The enclosure is made of high-quality r-ABS VO (UL94) plastic in our own factory. This material is flame extinguishing in case of fire, very tough and offers good protection against impacts. It offers an IP54 protection against ingress of moisture and dirt.
The enclosure is made of high-quality r-ABS VO (UL94) plastic in our own factory. This material is flame extinguishing in case of fire, very tough and offers good protection against impacts. It offers an IP54 protection against ingress of moisture and dirt.
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