DDC Control Module for an Air Handling Unit – This is a direct digital controls control module for an air handler that serves some VAV boxes in office spaces for a Data Center. This DDC control module includes analog and digital inputs and analog and digital outputs to handle all the control functions necessary to control the devices and components on a large commercial air handler. (more…)
Portable Load Bank for UPS Testing | Commissioning - This is a portable load bank used for testing small UPS (Universal Power Supply) systems and for other electrical loads. New UPS systems are tested to ensure they operate properly and can hold the designed load whenever a power failure occurs.
It is a way to test the UPS system without hooking up an actual load to the system with the actual load being the computer systems the UPS will power in the event of a power failure.
This testing ensures the UPS equipment will functionally operate after the intended load is hooked up to the UPS system. Included in the test is a time factor on how long the batteries will power the load without utility or a backup generator. On specific construction projects, whether it is new construction or retrofit projects, data centers and telecom facilities go through the commissioning process.
The commissioning process tests all electrical and mechanical devices under normal operation and under full load conditions. Other scenarios are tested such as equipment failure, infrastructure failures such as piping or utility loss, and plans implemented for operational procedures in case these scenarios occur. (more…)
Stationary Load Bank for Testing Electrical Equipment - Large data centers often need load banks for testing or exercising electrical equipment from time to time especially after maintenance procedures have taken place and the maintenance staff wants to test the system to make 100% certain the equipment will operate when the time comes for it to operate. (more…)
Data Center Tridium HVAC Control Panel - As data centers go and HVAC controls function are typically done controlled with either direct digital controls or a very complex SCADA system with direct digital controls being the preference in most situations.
Tridium is a developer of direct digital controls software and hardware and Tridium specializes in controls integration through the Tridium software they develop that allows different devices and different communication protocols to communicate to one another. (more…)
Old McQuay Chiller Control Panel - This panel is part of the controls for an older McQuay chiller. New chillers whether they be McQuay, Trane, York, or Carrier chillers still require these types of controls in them to make them work.
This part of this electro-mechanical control panel consists of contactors and switches (both manual and automatic) for electro-mechanical control of this chiller. To the right is the main power which feeds the unit with three-phase main power. (more…)
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - SCADA Gear in a large data center provides supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to maintain electrical and mechanical equipment. SCADA System is used in many different industries for controls and security including DDC HVAC Controls. SCADA systems are an integration of PLC controls and offer an interface for technicians to monitor and control the equipment. SCADA can also be integrated with a DDC system and can offer remote monitoring over a network or internet. (more…)
Direct Digital Controls DDC or DDC Systems offer a high level of control for building mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, the modern state-of-the-art direct digital controls have the ability to offers trends of data points of HVAC/Electrical equipment. Trending can be used to increase efficiency and troubleshoot problems with mechanical equipment. DDC integration can occur with any type of mechanical or electrical system in the building.
Additionally, the system can communicate via the internet for remote monitoring and control. Alternative names are building automation systems, building management systems, and energy management systems. (more…)
HVAC and Electrical Fundamentals - Electricity is usually produced by a generator at a power station and delivered to sub-stations for distribution to homes and businesses. Electricity can also be produced using chemicals like the chemical processes produced in batteries. There is also static electricity which is generally produced from friction and is oftentimes uncontrollable like lightning. (more…)
York Variable Frequency Drives VFDs | HVAC Control - Variable Frequency Drives or VFDs have added a whole new dimension to energy efficiency and control. These drives, or VFDs, are hooked up to two different York VAV air handlers that have two three-phase motors a piece. (more…)
