Advance Controls Inc. (www.acicontrols.com) exhibited a wireless controller for a variety of applications including aircraft hangar doors, commercial gates, and loading docks. It was said to be good for any application where the operator would have had to exit a car, truck, forklift, or boat to operate the door.

AirTest Technologies Inc. (www.airtest.com) announced the availability of the TR9294-BAC wall-mount CO2 BACnet transmitter. These sensors are self-calibrating and will not require any maintenance for the life of the sensor (typically 15 years). These sensors provide a CO₂ parts per million (ppm) output and a percentage of standard network variable type (SNVT) for 0-2,000 ppm CO₂. Other ranges up to 10,000 can be factory set.

American Auto-Matrix (www.aamatrix.com) featured its new AspectFT v2.0, which uses HTML5 to allow access to building information via popular Web-enabled devices. Combining the power of its Facilitating Technology with HTML5 allows easier and faster building data access. Once a project is created in AspectFT-Studio, the data can be viewed from most Web-enabled devices with no additional required plug-ins or engineering time.

Armstrong Ltd. (www.armstrongintegrated.com) released the new iFMS Intelligent Fluid Management System, which serves both chilled-water and hot-water applications. The Design Envelope iFMS is a prefabricated all-variable pump station that offers value to new-build or retrofit projects.
Drawing on Design Envelope technology, the pumps in an iFMS system integrate a perfectly matched, vertical in-line pump, motor, and intelligent controller. The control methodology maximizes pumping efficiency by adjusting pump speed in response to sys-tem demand.

Automation Components Inc. (www.workaci.com) showcased its new A/LP2 Series pressure transmitters, which incorporate a durable piezoresistive sensing element to enable low-pressure measurements. Integrated temperature compensation with offset and span calibration extends the performance of these devices to provide long-term reliability. This A/LP2 has the option for an LCD, which provides an initial set-up reference, troubleshooting assistance, and performance monitoring.

Belimo Americas (www.belimo.us) introduced the Energy Valve, a two-way, pressure-independent control valve that optimizes, documents, and proves water-coil performance. It monitors the coil performance characteristic curve and resulting energy/power output, and has standard analog signal and feedback wiring. The product communicates data to the DDC system via BACnet MS/TP, BACnet IP, and TCP/IP. The company also announced the release of its Generation Globe Valve Actuator and Retrofit Linkage solution, which is designed for applications where higher close-off pressures are required. Also highlighted was the ZIP Economizer, developed to allow for easy user interaction when setting up or troubleshooting economizer systems and rooftop units.

BES-Tech Inc. (www.bes-tech.net) highlighted its Digi-RTU™ control kit, designed to improve the energy efficiency of a rooftop air conditioning unit. The control kit reduces peak demand and energy consumption by modulating the rooftop unit’s capacity to match the dynamic nature of a building’s cooling or heating loads by regulating both the supply-air fan and compressor speeds. The product comes with an industry-standard Modbus RTU RS 485 communication protocol and complies with other protocols using a communications bridge.

Blue Ridge Technologies Intl. LLC (www.brtint.com) announced an extension of its Aperio open-control platform to BR Series relay panels, retrofit interiors, and retrofit kits. The new controller features universal inputs and backward compatibility with previous controller technologies. The controller is expandable with satellite control and capacitive touch stations via the satellite/station network. All these features may be configured remotely with Aperio software via wireless and IP communication.

Bray Intl. Inc. (www.bray.com) introduced the battery backup unit (BBU) for the 24-vac/vdc Series 70 electric actuator. In the event of power failure, the BBU will switch the actuator to battery power to reach its fail-open or fail-closed position. After the actuator has reached its fail position, the BBU turns off until external power is restored. Once external power has been restored, the actuator returns to the control device’s command position. The battery-monitoring feature includes a green LED indicator light on the BBU cover, which lights up when the batteries are adequately charged and functional.

Bryan Steam LLC (www.bryanboilers.com) displayed its Universal Communication Gateway, an external, high-performance, low-cost building automation multiprotocol gateway for integrating boiler/burner controls into building-management systems. The gateway is preprogrammed to support several protocols and boiler configurations with no additional software, downloads, or programming required at the job site.

Cerus Industrial Inc. (www.cerusind.com) showed the enhancement of its P-Series line of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) with its Redundant Drive Panel (RDP), which is designed to provide an economical HVAC motor-control solution that maintains full control of an application, if the primary drive fails. Another enhancement to this line of VFDs is an energy management bypass option, which ensures uninterruptible operation of HVAC systems, even if, for some reason, the drive is taken out of the loop. The company also showcased its new building automation starter controls, which incorporate a Smartstart™ control module for seamless integration with digital controls. The starters accept dry-voltage inputs for activation by control systems without interposing relays.

Contemporary Control Systems Inc. (www.ccontrols.com) introduced the CTRLink family of Ethernet infrastructure products, which are designed for unattended operation in environments not conducive to office-grade equipment. CTRLink provides convenient mounting in control panels, low-voltage power wiring, improved EMC compliance, and reliability. The CTRLink Ethernet family includes plug-and-play unmanaged switches, media converters, fully managed switches, wired and wireless IP routers, and products that support Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). These products may be used in industrial, building, and commercial automation, as well as embedded networking and communications, and networking.

Continental Control Systems LLC (www.ccontrolsys.com) exhibited the CTL and CTBL family of revenue-grade, low-voltage, split-core current transformers, which combine the ease of installation of an opening-current transformer with the accuracy normally associated with solid-core transformers. Designed primarily for commercial, industrial, and multi-tenant applications, the new transformers mean it is no longer necessary to schedule expensive power shutdowns or provide shorting blocks for the current transformer installation. The company also featured the WattNode® Revenue, its new line of revenue-grade electric power meters, which are designed for use in applications requiring revenue-grade accuracy. The WattNode Revenue meters support all major BAS communication protocols and are designed for 120/208/240-vac or 277/480-vac applications.

Cylon Energy Inc. (www.cylon.com) featured its new Active Energy system, which monitors, analyzes, and optimizes the energy consumption of buildings, regardless of size, number of buildings, or geographical location. As a cloud-based service, it is possible to monitor energy performance remotely by accessing the Active Energy SaaS Product online via any Internet-enabled device. The system provides charting capabilities, as well as smart analytics, alarms, reporting, and continuous monitoring. The Active Energy Green Screen is a public-facing display that communicates information on a building’s energy performance in real time.

Delta Controls Inc. (www.deltacontrols.com) introduced enteliWEB, which is a Web-based, native BACnet application that combines the power of enterprise dashboards with easy-to-use facility-management tools. EnteliWEB connects to all facilities under one login, bringing all buildings, systems, and energy analyses into one facility-management umbrella, which saves engineering and maintenance time. With all these interconnected systems, enteliWEB collects and organizes data, displaying it within a customized dashboard visualization. Powerful energy reports grant managers the tools needed to reduce consumption and lower costs, while the task-driven alarm management and system dashboards allow operators to quickly visualize and prioritize their work.

Efficient Building Automation Corp. (www.circon.com) displayed the Circon UHC-400 controller, which is a fully programmable LonWorks device that can fit seamlessly into any LNS-based building automation system. With access to more than 400 network variables, an on-board real-time clock, self-contained programmability, scheduling, alarm, and trend logs, the UHC-400 can also be a cost-effective, stand-alone solution where enhanced functionality and flexibility is required. The UHC-400 is easily configured and programmed through the Circon LNS plug-in and Catalyst graphical programming tool. It is part of a flat system architecture, meaning that no hierarchical controls (e.g., system or network control devices) are required.

EnOcean Alliance Inc. (www.enocean-alliance.org) demonstrated its newest 902 MHz energy-harvesting wireless module series. The new frequency offers a longer range and robust performance in combination with easier product integration, enabling fully integrated small-product enclosures. The 902 MHz lineup is designed for reliable long-range wireless and battery-less communication in the home and building automation sector. EnOcean also offers a selection of energy harvesting, wireless, white-label finished products for OEMs. Energy harvesting, wireless technology enables wireless communication by collecting energy from the surroundings such as motion, light, and temperature differences.

Entouch Controls (www.entouchcontrols.com) introduced its fully wireless energy management system (EMS). It features a seven-day schedule, which provides flexible occupancy and temperature management, and it supports motion-detector and security-system inputs. The EnTouch EMS is a coordinated system that replaces existing thermostats and implements advanced controls that coordinate the HVAC systems, optimize runtime, and provide diagnostic data to the servers. Contractors can change logos on the touch-screen display, Web portal, and mobile tools, so customers can quickly identify their company.

FieldServer Technologies (www.fieldserver.com) featured its enhanced QuickServer gateway, which is a high-performance, fully configurable, cost-effective gateway for integrators to easily interface devices to networks in commercial buildings and industrial plants. Each QuickServer includes browser-based tools to make it easy to set-up and perform diagnostics including determination of status, network settings, node information, map descriptors, and more. Also displayed was the upgraded FS-B35 Series protocol gateway, which makes it easy for integrators to interface devices utilizing various building or industrial protocols.

First Sensor AG (www.sensortechnics.com) showcased its LDE ultra-low differential pressure sensors for air and gases, which are highly immune against dust contamination and humidity. Because the flow impedance is predefined at the sensor-chip level, the LDE series does not require complex housing constructions and provides very small and cost-effective devices for space-saving printed circuit board (PCB) mounting. In HVAC applications, the LDE sensors are typically used to measure differential pressure across a flow-restrictive element in an air duct, thereby inferring measurement of airflow. Other areas of use are the control of duct pressures, room pressures, and filters.

Heat-Timer Corp. (www.heat-timer.com) exhibited the ETV Plus (electronic tempering valve) for domestic hot water, which incorporates both tempering valve operation and high-temperature alarm, and shut-down function in a single control. An optional module allows the valve to interface with most energy management systems through BACnet. Available in sizes ranging from ½ to 2 ½ inches, the valves meet the no-lead criteria.

Hoffman Controls Corp. (www.hoffmancontrols.com) introduced the 710-VDC electronic fan speed control, which can control the flow of conditioned air or fluids to maintain temperature, pressure, or flow rate by providing a proportional 2- to 10-vdc output signal from a building automation system. The control is applicable for controlling direct-drive, shaded-pole, or permanent-split capacitor motors; supplies up to 10 amps to the fan motor without having to derate the control; and features full-voltage torque start, which ensures proper fan start-up and rotation.

Incenergy LLC (www.incenergy.com) featured a new wireless energy management system to deliver immediate command and control without requiring rewiring of existing buildings. The system is designed for small to medium buildings and includes performance alarms and usage reports. The ZigBee wireless communication protocol forms up to 16 possible communication routes with each node, and uses existing controls’ wiring. It provides total control of thermostats and manages up to 70 devices through one gateway.

Industrial Control Communications Inc. (www.iccdesigns.com) displayed PicoPort, which is a miniature serial communications engine on-module for OEM applications. Featuring dual serial ports, USB-based configuration, analog and digital I/O ports, and built-in communication protocol drivers, all compressed into a device smaller than a U.S. postage stamp, the PicoPort allows OEM device manufacturers to network-enable their equipment or expand their existing supported networks. PicoPort can be used in intelligent devices such as drives, PLCs, and HMIs that include a host CPU, as well as in traditional sensor and I/O devices such as pressure, humidity, temperature, and contact sensors, which do not include a host computer.

Intellidyne LLC (www.intellidynellc.com) introduced IntelliCon-PTAC, which is a microprocessor-based control for package terminal heating and cooling systems or window-mounted/through-the-wall air conditioning units. The PTAC economizer uses dynamic cycle management (DCM) technology to automatically adjust compressor cycles to achieve maximum efficiency and reduced electrical usage. The compact size allows for installation behind the grille and out of sight. Once installed, the IntelliCon-PTAC control requires no maintenance or follow-up visits. The company also displayed its HW+ with HydroGuard hot-water heating economizer with low water cut-off, which saves energy without replacing costly system components.

KMC Controls Inc. (www.kmccontrols.com) showcased the AppStat™ BAC-4000 Series of thermostats, which combine a BACnet controller and temperature, humidity, and motion sensor into a single space-mounted device. The AppStat is simple to install, configure (with contextual menus and no obscure numeric codes), and operate (with an intuitive interface). The two-piece design has connections to screw terminal blocks mounted on the backplate for easy wiring and installation. The user interface is a color LCD display that features five push buttons. Through the menu-driven display, an operator can change set points, configure available options, and commission the installation. Separate passwords can be set up for users (normal operation) and administrators (installation and configuration).

Leslie Controls Inc. (www.lesliecontrols.com) released its D-Series all-purpose, cage-guided, balanced control valves. The body is a single seated, top entry bolted bonnet, globe style, and the valve trim consists of heat-treated-and-hardened 400 series stainless steel. Available in 2-16 inch sizes, the pressure ratings are ANSI class 150-1500. Flow capacity varies for each valve size, ranging from up to 70-2,300. The valve features a compact multi-spring actuator, interchangeable and self-aligning trim, high-performance stem packaging, and a wide variety of trim materials. Trim sets are available in linear, equal percentage, anti-cavitation, and noise reduction.

Leviton Mfg. Co. (www.leviton.com) highlighted its LevNet RF energy-harvesting self-powered controls, which work well in retrofit situations, as they have no wires or batteries. The controls incorporate occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and other lighting-control strategies. The company also displayed its Verifeye metering solutions, which enable secure global access to real-time energy usage reporting to support demand response, carbon footprint reduction, and LEED-validation objectives.

Loytec Americas Inc. (www.loytec-americas.com) introduced the L-WEB system building management platform for managing distributed building automation systems of any size. Flexibility and scalability are achieved through the LWEB-900 client/server architecture in combination with the distributed L-INX automation servers and L-ROC room controllers. The company also featured the LGATE-950 universal gateway, which adds all the advanced features known from the L-INX family: LCD display with backlight and jog-dial for manual operation, L-POW compatible connector, SD card memory extension, integrated two-port Ethernet switch, and four communication ports reaching out to the world.

Lynxspring Inc. (www.lynxspring.com) announced SecureLYNX™, a new cyber-threat protection solution that secures, manages, and monitors account access and activities across building automation networks and the devices connected to them. SecureLYNX creates shields of security and pre-emptive threat protection for the devices and systems across a building network by securing, managing, controlling, tracking, and monitoring all account access and activities.

Parker Boiler Co. (www.parkerboiler.com) exhibited Remote View, a remote terminal and Web server that allows the remote viewing and control of Modbus-equipped Parker boilers and auxiliary equipment. The 7-inch touchscreen can be located up to 1,000 feet from the boiler and connected with a single pair wire. In addition, the device can be connected to the local network for viewing from any connected computer with a standard Web browser. The Remote View, which is self-contained and requires no additional hardware or software, has many screens that show operational parameters of the boiler and allow control of the set point temperature (including outside air reset).

Petra Engineering Industries Co. (www.petra-eng.com) showed its air-handling unit control solution. All system configurations and plant applications are performed via a user-friendly Web interface. It has a full range of system components, from master controller and frequency converter to temperature and pressure sensors. Software upgrades can be made via a SD memory card.

Pro Refrigeration Inc. (www.prochiller.com) displayed its Total Cold Control (TCC), an advanced microprocessor-driven refrigeration controller. It is designed to provide optimum system efficiency, superior compressor and system protection, advanced monitoring, and control capabilities. The heart of the TCC is its real-time system analysis coupled with the ability to respond to dynamic changes in load and ambient conditions. The TCC also features remote monitoring and control capabilities that allow a user to access and control the pro chiller from anywhere using an embedded Web interface.

Quality Attributes Software (www.qualityattributes.com) introduced Intelliface™, an energy and resource management system that provides a facility or campus with a comprehensive look at energy efficiency, water conservation, carbon emissions, and waste management. It is designed to interface with any type of existing system or platform in any format or language. The cloud application collects, analyzes, and then displays data in multiple presentation formats, enabling more meaningful analysis of energy and facility data, and saving up to 20-30 percent in energy costs, according to the company. The gateway interface can integrate with a single building or a multiple-location enterprise. The analysis of energy and resource performance helps in identifying trends as well as issues needing to be addressed.

Quest Controls Inc. (www.questcontrols.com) debuted its Talisman Master Controller (TMC) building management system that acts as the link between the site and the OspreyFMS facility management system (or other third-party, central-server software), allowing remote access to the building control network. The TMC provides control and monitoring of all applications, including HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, energy use, humidity, CO2 levels, and generator operation. The TMC coordinates communication and operation of all control modules at a remote site by using BACnet, Modbus, and SNMP to create a cohesive monitoring and control solution.

Rawal Devices Inc. (www.rawal.com) displayed the APR-E control that provides variable capacity to any air conditioning or refrigeration system. It is said to continuously match capacity to changing load conditions, while keeping the system in dehumidifying mode.

Refrigeration Technology Inc. (www.gen2sc.com) introduced the Gen II Super Control, which is a multifunction controller that is equipped with a 4-inch color LCD, touchpad control, and integrated Wi-Fi communication. It has five inputs and can control up to five different functions simultaneously, including wind tanks; CO2 sensors; pump-overs; or a barrel room with temperature, humidity, night air, and CO2 control.

Regen Energy Inc. (www.regenenergy.com) showed its new Swarm Energy Management™ platform. It provides a wireless load-control solution using intelligent, self-managing swarm logic. Typical loads controlled include rooftop units, pumps, electric heating, lighting, and other discretionary loads. The wireless controller is said to be as easy to install as a thermostat. Each Swarm controller has a built-in self-configuring radio. The installed controllers establish a wireless network amongst themselves, intelligently communicating and managing the duty cycles of the loads being controlled. A secure Web portal allows property managers to readily access multiple sites from an Internet connection to monitor building performance and reconfigure controllers for demand response or load scheduling.

Reliable Controls Corp. (www.reliablecontrols.com) displayed its MACH-ProAir (MPA) BACnet controller. This variable air volume (VAV) controller has a small footprint and is flexible and economical. Engineered to exceed specifications for a wide variety of VAV applications, the MPA is a fully programmable BACnet building controller (B-BC) with numerous downloadable standard codes and flexible I/O options, all priced to meet a modest budget. The flow- and motor-control algorithms are embedded in the MPA firmware, and its end-of-line (EOL) network terminator is a slide switch, making termination easy (an amber status LED shows the controller is terminated).

Schneider Electric (www.schneider-electric.com/buildings) unveiled SmartStruxure™, a solution that integrates customized hardware, software, engineering, installation, and services to ensure that customers’ facilities are energy efficient and effectively managed, helping to maximize building efficiency and reduce operating costs. The solution breaks down traditional information silos, and delivers integrated building information and real-time data via Web access, graphics, trend visualizations, rich reports, and mobile applications to ensure that buildings are running at maximum efficiency. The company also highlighted its Condenser Fan Pak solution, which incorporates floating high-pressure control and variable-speed fan operation in order to reduce energy consumption of air-cooled chillers and condensers.

SCL Elements Inc. (www.can2go.com) exhibited its TE2 wireless terminal equipment controllers, which are designed to manage and integrate fan coils, heat pumps, dehumidification units, and similar equipment. They have local memory to store failsafe programs, a feature that provides redundancy for wireless devices. As part of the CAN2GO building automation system line of products, they can also be integrated to third-party BACnet systems using CAN2GO controllers (GW2, UN2, and VA2). TE2 controllers offer the control of a wired unit but reduce installation costs and invasiveness by using wireless communication. TE2 units can be managed via a Web interface and require no software or server install.

Siemens Industry Inc. (www.usa.siemens.com/desigocc) introduced Desigo CC, a control center that is designed to help improve building performance by integrating a wide range of systems, including building automation, fire and life safety, lighting, IP cameras, power, and energy. The control center features tools and capabilities that streamline and simplify many tasks and processes that are central to running a safe, secure, comfortable, and efficient facility. Desigo CC features templates and tools that can help end users set initial parameters for a building, then adapt these based on changing needs and conditions.

Spartan Peripheral Devices (www.spartan-pd.com) exhibited the Thermopyla ME8400 thermodynamic control-valve actuator, which is a self-powered (energy harvesting from heat transfer) wireless actuator controlled from a wireless gateway. It can be installed in retrofit installations, as it requires no batteries or wires. It comes complete with communication and fuzzy logic software, so it can be fully controlled through any bidirectional gateway.

Tek-Air Systems Inc. (www.tek-air.com) showcased its TRAK-PAIR system, which combines VorTek airflow-measurement control valves with Belimo’s SL (shared logic) electric actuator. The control logic is in the actuator itself, eliminating the need for a separate room controller. Also displayed was the new APEX Premier™ high-performance fume hood monitor and the APEX basic high-performance velocity alarm. The APEX Premier™ provides the highest level of performance, while the APEX Basic provides the critical environments industry with a cost-effective, accurate, and reliable velocity alarm to help ensure a safe operating environment for laboratory personnel.

Trane (www.trane.com), a brand of Ingersoll Rand, displayed the Trane Wireless Comm Solutions, which offers adherence to ZigBee® building automation systems (BAS). It runs BACnet® protocol on top of ZigBee BAS and is ZigBee® certified.

Valve Teck Inc. (www.valveteck.com) featured its new Electra FS-800 actuator, which provides fail-safe operation when the electrical supply main power is not present. When the supply main power is present, the actuator operates like a standard quarter-turn electric actuator, using the supply main power to open or close under powered operation. Upon loss of supply main power, the actuator automatically senses this voltage drop and switches to the capacitor's stored energy power to open or close the valve to the predetermined fail-safe position.

Viconics Technologies Inc. (www.viconics.com) showcased its VT8000 room temperature controller for the hospitality market. The room controller saves energy by automatically switching over to energy-savings mode once a guest leaves the room and motion is not detected. When motion is once again detected, the controller switches back to occupied mode and returns to its comfort set points. Window switches provide an additional level of energy savings by disabling air conditioning when a window is opened. Wireless monitoring and control devices can also be used with the room controller for maximum configuration and flexibility.

Wago Corp. (www.wago.us) introduced the picoMAX® PCB pluggable connector system, which is available for general HVAC controls, including thermostats and energy monitoring units as well as building automation controls devices including BACnet and LonWorks. The system is widely available in wire-to-wire, board-to-wire, wire-to-board, and panel feed-through variants for HVAC and electronic applications. The male headers and female connectors are a new approach to pluggable PCB connections for HVAC controls and industrial electronics. With no screws, connections are simple and maintenance-free, and picoMAX terminations are simple: directly insert solid or ferruled conductors. Once installed, picoMAX provides vibration resistance up to 20 G, increasing reliability for existing HVAC designs.

WattStopper (www.wattstopper.com) featured a native BACnet-distributed dimming controller for multiple load types, including LEDs, incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent. It is available with one or two independently controlled dimmers, which can be interconnected with each other. The controller also comes with present scene switches, occupancy sensors, and daylight sensors using standard CAT5 cables to configure a network-ready dimming system.

Publication date: 2/18/2013