X-AIR-ZMAS

Functional description

The X-AIR-ZMAS zone master module is used for the integration and configuration of up to 25 zone modules; 25 zone modules and the zone master module form a segment.

The zone master module includes a webserver. The webserver is used to access a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) for the configuration display and operation of the zone master. Interfaces to higher-level systems and to an air handling unit are used for exchanging data with those systems. The zone master module has inputs and outputs for the integration of components that are relevant to the entire segment.

Up to five cascading master modules form a section with up to 125 zone modules. The first master module in such a chain is the highest-level master, with higher-level functions. This highest-level master performs functions for the entire section, such as controlling the fans and releasing heating and cooling requests. All other functions of the zone master module apply only to the respective segment.

Signals and functions

• Outdoor air temperature sensor: Summer or winter compensation for all zone modules is based on the outdoor air temperature.
• Fire alarm: Signal from the central fire alarm system for the (override) control of all VAV terminal units in a segment; the function can be configured: supply air V_max or shut-off, extract air V_max or shut-off
• Release of zones: Switching between Standby and Automatic mode for all zones
• Alarm signal from the supply air and extract air fans: For signalling to the central BMS
• Supply air fan activation: Control of the supply air fan, based on demand and on the actual damper blade positions of all supply air terminal units (only if X-AIR-ZMO-MOD or X-AIR-ZMO-MP is included in the segment); if required, including pressure limitation in the supply air system (only with a duct pressure sensor, which is a useful addition)
• Supply air fan activation: Control of the supply air fan for constant pressure control in the supply air system (only if X-AIR-ZMO-ANA is included in the segment, and only with a duct pressure sensor, which is a useful addition)
• Extract air fan activation: Control of the extract air fan, based on demand and on the actual damper blade positions of all extract air terminal units (only if X-AIR-ZMO-MOD or X-AIR-ZMO-MP is included in the segment); if required, including pressure limitation in the extract air system (only with a duct pressure sensor, which is a useful addition)
• Extract air fan activation: Control of the extract air fan for constant pressure control in the extract air system (only if X-AIR-ZMO-ANA is included in the segment, and only with a duct pressure sensor, which is a useful addition)
• Cooling fluid temperature sensor: Optimised operation of the cooling circuit as the pump is triggered based on the valve position; alarm output if the configured temperature value is exceeded (only X-AIR-ZMO-MOD or X-AIR-ZMO-MP)
• Cooling request output: The output is active if at least one zone requests cooling
• Heating request output: The output is active if at least one zone requests heating
• Operating mode output: The output is active when all zones are in Automatic mode
• Alarm output: Major fault (A alarm, leads to the system being switched off) or minor fault (B alarm)

Operating modes

• Automatic: Demand-based zone control
• Minimum volume flow rate: All volume flow controllers are set to V_min, temperature control and control of heating and cooling valves remain active
• Maximum volume flow rate: All volume flow controllers are set to V_max, temperature control and control of heating and cooling valves remain active
• Fire alarm: Supply air V_max or shut-off, extract air V_max or shut-off
• Standby: All volume flow controllers are shut off, heating and cooling valves are closed

Increasing requirements on the energy efficiency of ventilation and air conditioning systems as well as EU regulations can be fulfilled with intelligent control engineering solutions.

X-AIRCONTROL is a control system that uses information from sensors and actuating elements to optimise ventilation and air conditioning systems. It calculates what all is required to achieve a comfortable room climate, and controls fans, pumps and valves accordingly.

X-AIRCONTROL is a modular system that can be used to optimise individual functions or a whole range of functions for a project.

• Evaluate the damper blade positions of all air terminal units
• Optimise fan control (optimiser function)
• Evaluate the heating and cooling required for a zone
• Calculate the supply air temperature setpoint value for the air handling unit
• Configure the system, display the system configuration and manage alarms – all this from a central point

X-AIRCONTROL zone

An X-AIRCONTROL zone is an area where air conditioning parameters such as temperature and humidity are controlled based on demand and based on the occupancy. These are usually single rooms, but it is possible to create individual zones also in larger areas, e.g. in open plan offices.

• Each zone is controlled by a zone module
• Sensors detect various air conditioning parameters as well as occupancy
• Actuators control these conditions
• Room occupants can use control panels to adapt the system to their individual comfort requirements
• A zone module can be used either as a stand-alone unit or as part of a larger system

X-AIRCONTROL segment

A segment is a group of up to 25 zone modules; the entire segment is controlled as a unit, i.e. the same conditions apply to the entire segment. Grouping zones into segments is necessary when these zones are to be controlled centrally and when data from these zones are to be evaluated. A segment may be a floor in a building, the wing of a building or simply areas that are used differently from adjacent areas.

• A segment is controlled by a zone master module.
• Sensors detect various air conditioning parameters that are relevant to the segment, e.g. the outdoor air temperature
• Digital inputs and outputs are used to activate functions for a segment, e.g. to activate a fire alarm
• A webserver (integral part of the zone master module) is used to configure the entire segment, to display the segment configuration, to monitor all segment functions and to manage alarms
• Modbus TCP and BACnet IP interfaces allow for the integration with higher-level systems
• A segment can be treated as an individual unit (stand alone) or it can be combined with other segments to form a section

X-AIRCONTROL section

A section is a group of up to 5 segments. A section may consist of up to 5 zone master modules and 125 zone modules.

• A section is controlled by the first zone master module
• If the first zone master module is connected to the control system of an air handling unit, the system can be operated most efficiently
• It is possible to have several, independent sections and hence create larger structures; there are virtually no limits to the size of the overall system

Stand-alone solution for a zone

A single zone module and a room control panel can be used to control a single room.

• Integrate air terminal units (up to 2 for supply air and 1 for extract air)
• Activate valves for cooling and heating
• Measure the temperature and configure the zone with the X-AIR-CP-2T control panel (required)
• Define schedules independent of the central BMS
• Simple wiring
• Connect components using plug and play

Use additional sensors (optional) to include other parameters.

• Occupancy
• Air quality
• Humidity

Interconnecting zones for multi zone operation

Up to 25 zone modules and another 4 zone master modules can be connected to a zone master module such that a system of up to 125 zones is achieved. Different zone modules (Modbus, MP bus or Analogue) can be combined and connected with plug and play.

• Up to 25 zone modules per zone master module (segment)
• Up to 5 zone master modules (section)
• Up to 125 zone modules in a section

Each zone module controls and maintains individually the required conditions for the particular zone (single room) for which it is used. The zone modules are connected in series; 100 m cables (module to module) allow for linking even large areas or different buildings. Each zone master module and each zone module is automatically assigned a unique address (plug and play), which simplifies commissioning.

Advantages of a zone master module

• Central access for displaying and setting individual zone parameters using the integral webserver
• Ethernet connection allows for easy integration with higher-level systems and for remote maintenance via the internet
• Option to connect a WiFi router (WLAN)

System solution with X-CUBE compact

If a project is to include X-CUBE compact air handling units, zone control with X-AIRCONTROL is the ideal system solution. With such a solution the air handling unit's X-CUBE Control system not only activates fans, dampers and other components of the air handling unit, it also acts as the zone master.

The X-CUBE compact air handling unit can serve up to four zones. If up to four zone modules are connected to the X-CUBE compact, no additional zone master module is required.

X-CUBE Control includes an Ethernet interface and a webserver for the configuration of the air handling unit, yet it can also be used to configure the connected zone modules.

• The zone master function is included in X-CUBE Control
• Up to four zone modules per X-CUBE compact unit, including different variants (Modbus, MP bus or Analogue)
• Integral webserver for configuring the air handling unit and the zone modules
• Remote maintenance is possible
• Expansion option: Up to 25 zone modules per air handling unit if an additional zone master module is used

System solution with X-CUBE

X-CUBE air handling units with X-CUBE Control offer zone master functions; no additional units or devices are necessary.

• Control of the air handling unit
• Zone master function for up to 125 zone modules

If X-CUBE Control is to be used for the zone master function, all entries, both for the X-CUBE and for the zone modules, have to be made on the X-CUBE Control touch screen. This includes configuration, display of the system configuration, monitoring, and alarm management.

Since X-CUBE Control includes an integral webserver, the system can be accessed from anywhere with the correct password.

• Remote access via webserver
• Display of actual operating values
• Adjustment of parameters
• Maintenance management
• Alarm alert by e-mail or SMS

Design information

• Design and select sensors depending on the required zone functions
• Ensure that the zone module variants (Modbus, MP bus, Analogue) and actuators (volume flow controllers and valve actuators) you select are compatible
• For optimum energy efficiency select zone modules with bus compatible actuators (Modbus, MP bus) as only these will signal information on valve and damper positions
• If you use an X-CUBE air handling unit with integral X-CUBE Control system, you may connect up to 125 zone modules without the need for an additional zone master module
• If you use an X-CUBE compact air handling unit, you may connect up to 4 zone modules without the need for an additional zone master module