Custom-made electronic control platform for heat pumps

A leading manufacturer of sustainable indoor climate solutions (both for the new build and renovation market) approached us to develop and produce a new controller platform for their heat pumps.

The aim was to develop a new control platform that could be used for both their air/water heat pumps and their water/water heat pumps.

In close cooperation with this customer, E.D.&A. developed a single control board that can be used on their various devices based on controller variants. The controller board is based on a modern microprocessor platform and is equipped with analogue and digital inputs and outputs.

It is the central unit that reads in and controls all functions of the heat pump (including compressor, fan, valves, thermostat, pumps, temperature sensors, etc). An Opentherm slave port was used to connect the thermostat. Combined with the user interface (developed by the customer), their devices can be set locally or via an App.

Features

• Power supply: on board SMPS 230V
• OpenTherm master and slave
• RS485 Modbus
• LIN
• Relay outputs
• NTC temperature inputs
• PWM outputs

Custom-made controller for electric heating systems

For a manufacturer of electric heaters, E.D.&A. developed a thermostat with intuitive touch-control operation that can also be controlled via an App.

The user interface is built around a graphic display combined with four touch buttons below the display. The electronic control unit has a powerful, modern processor and also features radio interfaces for Wifi and Bluetooth.

This electronic controller allows you to programme the thermostat of the electric heater in different ways with various programmes. Moreover, there is a smart heating function, open window detection, etc.

Through the App, all electric heaters in the house can be linked in the way. Thus, complete heating programmes can be provided for the entire house and the heating can be switched on or off remotely -from the car, for example.

OTA (Over The Air) updates allow the manufacturer to automatically remotely update the software with updated or additional features.

Features

• Graphical user interface
• Various programmes:
  • holiday
  • frost protection
  • etc.
• Smart control
• Wifi, Bluetooth, IoT-connection
• Expansion slots for other connectivity modules
• Current measurement for consumption calculations
• App controlled
• OTA software update

This renowned manufacturer of centrifugal pumps and pressure booster systems for drinking and process water applications was looking for a modern and innovative new electronic controller.

Availability for at least 10 years was a specific requirement given the industrial application. The user interface is therefore composed, among other things, of a customized segment display with fixed icons that can light up with colour. Operation and changing settings are done by an intuitive rotary-push button as often used in infotainment systems in modern cars.

The controller is equipped with a variety of digital and analogue inputs and outputs and can control up to 6 on/off or frequency-controlled pumps simultaneously. The controller ensures that the water pressure in an apartment building is the same everywhere. Via a smartphone App (via Bluetooth) settings and data can be read in and out on site.

The operation panel and the electronic controller (inputs and outputs) are combined in one compact unit. E.D.&A. is a "one-stop-shop" partner and delivers a finished product, built into a custom-made plastic housing.

Features:

• Control via rotary push button
• Configuration and data collection via an App (smartphone)
• Custom made plastic housing
• One-stop shopping
• Custom industrial display
• Serial communication:
  • Bluetooth
  • RS485
  • USB

E.D.&A. has developed and produced an electronic controller that measures and regulates temperature, flow and presuure of the ventilators.

IoT (Internet of Things)

Setting is done via an external remote HMI. The control is via an optional module, to be set up with a WiFi or Ethernet connection. Linking with a building management system is also possible via an optional module.

Features:

• Integrated LCD display + keys and external remote HMI
• 4 digital inputs and 5 relay outputs
• RS485 / Modbus RTU
• PWM control of the fans
• Temperature and pressure measurements
• Flow and pressure calculation
• Wifi, Ethernet, KNX expansion module (Modbus gateway)

In addition to fine-tuning their proof of concept, E.D.&A. was also asked to take on the further optimisation, expansion, production and testing of the electronics.

For this innovative application, two monitors are controlled on which the flame images are shown. The led boads create a glow under the ceramic trunks and the subwoofer is responsible for the crackling sounds. All these technological solutions create a unique fire experience that is indistinguishable from real fire. In this way, this high-tech electric, holographique fireplace without flue (video) can be used anywhere (zero emission).

The flame colours, sound and intensity of the flames can be adjusted as desired. Through the internet connection remote software updates etc. can be sent.

Features:

• 2x UHD (4K) HDMI outputs
• LED Boards: fully controllable
• WIFI/BT connection
• Audio Output
• Linux OS