Controls and Monitors
Precise interaction with mechanical equipment through intelligent user interface
Local Controls
Local control is a strategy, often deemed the simplest in terms of use and installation, where a control interface is located within easy access of the user, for a single piece of equipment serving the immediate area or room. Local controllers range from a wall switch or a handheld remote, through to gtouchscreen, designer style wall-mounted modules with additional Bluetooth app interface. Their simple user access and interface allows easy use of air conditioning or ventilation systems in a dedicated space with little fuss. They are particularly favoured in guest suites for example, where the homeowner wishes access to whole-house control to be carefully managed around temporary accomodation in the home. Similarly in maid’s accomodation and back-of-house facilities, where automatic control may be intended to be restricted.
Home Automation
Residential climate control applications typically include integration with a Home Automation System and may be controlled via intuitive touchscreens and connected by Wi-Fi to a smartphone app. A home automation system may also control lighting, entertainment systems, appliances, and home security such as access control and alarm systems through a central smart home hub or gateway. Through this integration, climate control systems may be managed remotely via voice assistants, or automatically through interaction with other devices.
Central Control Systems
The management and precision control of climate control systems is provided through complex software giving the occupant complete freedom to configure the heating, cooling, humidity and ventilation within the building. In addition to equipment monitoring, it is able to provide local status signals and alarm outputs. When a Building Management System (BMS) is present the climate control system may be connected to provide overall control. This is particularly useful in ensuring that separate systems such as underfloor heating are prevented from running at the same time as comfort cooling causing system conflict.
Air Quality Monitors
Indoor air quality monitors use sensors to measure and track air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and pressure, and levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pathogens & particulates known as particulate matter (PM). If indoor air quality is a concern the measurement and display of these values as a minimum will be useful in raising awareness. Monitoring may also be used to control an on-demand climate control or ventilation system. This may work by altering the supply and exhaust fan speeds to remove gases, VOCs and PM, activating humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain a healthy relative humidity, and altering the system’s heating and cooling capacities to change the temperature. These sensors may also monitor system failure and provide alerts and diagnostic assistance.
Technology
Case Studies
Chelsea I
Discreet air conditioning for this terraced 4-bed mews house in a small courtyard just off Fulham Road
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