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Takeover results in a new HVAC controls range
Following its $5.2bn acquisition of Invensys in 2013, Schneider Electric has been working with Invensys’ Italian heating and ventilating controls subsidiary Eliwell, to develop controllers for HVAC and pump applications. The result is the Modicon M171 family of controls which made its debut at the recent SPS IPC Drives show in Germany.
There are several different models catering for applications with differing levels of complexity. They include DIN-rail-mounting versions, with or without displays, and flush-mounting versions for use in cabinets or panels. Remote LCD or LED displays are available for use with “blind” versions. There are models for 12–24V DC/AC and 100–240V AC operation.
The controllers are split into “optimised” and “performance” models. The optimised controllers have 14-22 analogue and digital I/O in various combinations, and three expansion modules are available to take the maximum I/O count to 44. The performance versions have up to 27 built-in I/O and can be used with expansion modules with 14 or 27 I/O.
Communications are via Modbus SL or a LAN. Peripherals such as remote displays and thermostats can be connected via the expansion bus, while Schneider's Alitivar VSDs can be connected via the Modbus port.
The Modicon M171 portfolio includes a variety of temperature, humidity and pressure sensors, as well as electronic expansion valve drivers.
A configuration tool called SoMachine HVAC includes a program editor that can be used to create IEC 61131-3 compliant programs. The tool can also be used to configure and commission installations.
