EXcon (Control system for VEX4000)

EXcon Control System

All VEX4000 units are available with integral EXcon control systems for optimum control of the indoor climate in practically every application area. The EXcon control system also offers special solutions for application areas which require specific control facilities, e.g. shop solutions which ensure the correct indoor climate, including areas with humidification, special cooling control and precise temperature control.

EXcon control systems can be used for controlling airflows, heating, cooling, etc. The operating program is configured for how and when the control system will switch between the integral functions. If necessary, the program can be overridden with temporary positive instructions, after which it will return to the active operating program.

The EXcon control system in brief

User-friendly

• Integral user-friendly web server with information level adaptable to user

Reliable

• With modular BUS system for safe operation
• Security from unauthorised access
• Effective troubleshooting and monitoring

Optimum costs

• Simple implementation, training and maintenance
• Many adjustment options
• Uniquely user-friendly
• Energy savings through optimum operation

Flexible

• A platform which can be customised
• Upgrading possible

Future-proof

• Software updating via SD card
• Integration into many different BMS systems is possible

Integral functions in the control system

• Night-time reduced duty
• Alarm log and data log
• Control using a day, week or year plan
• Extended operation
• External forced operation with run-on time
• Alarm e-mail
• Summer night cooling
• Outdoor air temperature compensation
• Automatic summer/winter time changeover
• Static and dynamic pressure monitoring of filter
• Zone control for four zones (requires zone modules)
• Portal solution – Total monitoring of five systems with EXcon/EXact2
• Via BMS – More than 800 registers or objects available (modbus/bacnet)
• Digital inputs for:
  - external resetting of alarms
  - external low, medium and high speed
  - external start/stop
• Digital outputs to:
  - A alarm
  - B alarm (configurable for low/high speed or summer night cooling)
  - Operating installation
  - Fire alarm
  - Alarm reset

Setting and control is executed using the web server from a PC, smartphone or tablet - read more under Web Server further down the page.

Network communication:

Network communication supports BACNet via TCP/IP and modbus via RS485 or TCP/IP. 

Operation of the control system

The EXcon control system can be operated from the control panel, BMS or a web server via a network or WAP (Wireless Access Point).

Control panel

The VEX 4000 is supplied with a touch control panel and 2 m of cable. The control panel can be placed near the air handling unit itself or in a nearby control room.
The control panel is simple and convenient for all types of user, thanks to its visual control system.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

WAP is a small WIFI router mounted inside the control system in the unit. It allows the web server to be accessed wirelessly via PC, smartphone or tablet,
so the unit can be configured quickly and easily via mobile platforms.

Web solution as standard

VEX4000 is supplied with an integral intelligent web server with user-adapted menus and information.

Smartphone/tablet via WAP or VLAN

Control of every part via the Internet

Simple and intuitive web control is standard on all modular units. With this solution, airflows can be displayed and controlled in simple images in the web server, as well as the status and control of components.

Weekly program

A clearly structured weekly program ensures that the unit can function without supervision or intervention. If a need for forced operation should arise, this is also possible.

Operating status

The current unit status is shown on a flow diagram. By clicking the various components in the diagram, the setpoints and current values can be seen.

Alarms

All alarms are logged and can be set up to provide error status e-mail notifications.

The alarm menu contains several screen images, including alarm log menu and prospective alarm menu, on which coming alarms can be viewed.

Control and regulation:

Setting the operating parameters

Factory setting of standard operating parameters and setpoints is performed according to the standards for comfort ventilation. Further adjustment to the final operating situation is performed during testing and start-up of the unit.

Control and regulation:

Control methods

• Constant pressure
• Constant airflow
• Extract air slave
• Supply air slave
• Constant VOC/CO₂
• Fan optimiser
• Fan optimiser slave
• GreenZone
• GreenZone slave
• Constant motor speed
• Adaptive pressure control (patented solution for energy optimisation of VAV systems)
• 0-10V extract air slave
• 0-10V supply air slave
• Zone control of up to four zones - read more under zone module

Temperature regulation

• Constant supply air temperature
• Constant extract air temperature
• Constant room temperature
• Constant difference between extract air and supply air
• Summer and winter compensation
• Recirculated air heating (option)
• Summer night cooling

Patented adaptive pressure regulation (aDCV)

The patented adaptive pressure regulation aDCV developed by Aldes optimises energy and regulation-related weaknesses occurring in constant pressure regulation in ventilation systems with variable airflows. Using patented adaptive pressure regulation can give up to 43%* savings on energy costs. 

The patented Adaptive Pressure Control can cut energy costs by up to 43%*.. *up to 43% compared to units with constant pressure regulation (VAV).  Up to 20% compared to demand-controlled units with constant pressure regulation (DCV).

aDCV has several advantages

Use aDCV and achieve energy savings with lower pressure drops and lower sound levels

In constant pressure regulation, a constant pressure through the ventilation unit is available in all airflow areas (Fig. 1 - blue line). 

In variable volume flow systems, on the other hand – e.g. zone regulation via CO₂ or humidity – the ventilation unit requires lower pressure drops in the system in cases where the airflow is lower (Fig. 1 - red line).

SFP value

PAD - the patented adaptive pressure regulation lowers the pressure in the ventilation unit when airflow falls, providing only the necessary airflow.

In this way, the ventilation unit uses significantly less energy than with constant pressure regulation, especially in partial load zones (Fig. 2 - red line) 

Sound levels

Due to the lower pressure requirements in the ventilation system's partial load zones and the fan's resulting lower motor rpm, the ventilation unit runs much more quietly.  
Consequently, any volume flow regulators present do not need to reduce surplus pressure and therefore generate less noise. (Fig. 3 - red line).

Sound reduction will be most noticeable at low loads.
 

After entering the reference values, the EXcon control system in our VEX4000 units calculates an airflow pressure curve for controlling the ventilation. During operation, the control system measures the airflow and pressure and corrects the setpoints in case of deviation. 

EXcon supports the following networks:

• Integrated webserver - TCP/IP
• Modbus - RS485 / TCP/IP
• BACnet - TCP/IP

EXcon is based on BUS technology, with many external communications facilities. All control can be performed from a central unit via the web server.

EXHAUSTO offers special solutions for areas which require specific control facilities, e.g. shops which need precise temperature control, special cooling control and humidified areas.

EXcon, control systems

The following sensors are available as accessories for the EXcon control system:

PTH DUCT

Pressure sensor for constant pressure regulation of both supply air and exhaust air ducts incl. ModBus communication.

CO2 DUCT/CO2 ROOM

CO2sensor for room or duct mounting

VOC sensor

VOC sensor with Modbus The VOC sensor is used to measure air quality in the case of demand control. The sensor measures the content of volatile organic gases emitted by people, fittings, cleaning products and building materials. The VOC concentration is converted to its CO2equivalent. The sensor can thus replace existing CO2sensors.

PIR sensor

Motion sensor, overrides unit when movement is detected in room where it is installed. The detector has a sensor range of 110°. To avoid inadvertent starting and stopping, a delay can be programmed in.

Room sensor 

Room sensor for recording room temperature. The room sensor is designed for wall mounting or installation in a wall box. Polar white

Outside air temperature sensor

For measuring outdoor air temperature and used for shops, etc. for controlling recirculation solution for cooling.

Temperature sensor, return water

Temperature sensor for return water on HW-/HWR heating coils and CW cooling coils. The temperature sensor must be installed on the return water pipe.

Humidity and temperature sensor with Modbus

HTH6200 is a combined humidity and temperature sensor for fitting in the duct. The sensor is available in three versions: HTH6202, HTH6203 and HTH6204. All three sensors have the same mechanical design, the difference is the Modbus addressing.

The following accessories are available for the EXcon control system:

LON module for BMS unit

Via the LON module, the units can be connected to BMS units which use the LON protocol. 

Smoke detector 

Unigard smoke detector has been specially developed for measuring flue gases in ventilation ducts. The detector can be fitted in the unit or retrofitted in the duct.

Fire thermostat

For cutting out AHU in case of fire. Select cut-out at 50 °C or 70 °C

Fire thermostat (adjustable)

The fire thermostat is a temperature-controlled electric switch which can be directly in the air duct. It is fitted with an isolator switch (NC/CO). The fire thermostat is supplied with a thermowell.

The thermostat has a spiral bimetal sensor attached to the far end of the sensor tube. If the air temperature exceeds the thermostat value (adjustable from 40 - 70 °C), the contact set will trip.

The thermostat must be manually reset with the reset button on the thermostat housing, once the temperature has fallen by 15°C.