Air compressor controlls and controller systems for air compressors
In an industry that is becoming more and more demanding smart monitoring systems
can provide the solutions to get the best out of their compressed air system
and control their costs.
"Energy consumption represents the main part of
the life cycle cost of the air compressor, so it is sensible for the
air user to monitor the compressed air system."
In this article we aim to introduce the benefits and functionalities
of the Air Control 4 (MCC)
and the Multilogic Box.
Note the Air Control 4 can only be used with Airpower's Alup range and
cannot be integrated into existing systems. To control and monitor existing
equipment or mixed manufacturer installations a Multi logic box is likely
to be the ideal solution.
For further information please contact our technical
department
Air Control 4 MCC
 |
• A simple sequence controller integrated inside
the air control 4 module.
• Capable of controlling 4 x Air Control 4 machines, 1 of which can be
a variable speed compressor.
• The functionality has to be activated on 1 machine using a hardware key
(dongle)
• As standard, the pressure is measured by the master machine.
• If the master machine fails, each machine returns to local control. |
Multi Logic Box
 |
• The Multilogic box is a stand alone central control system
• Accurate and efficient management of a “mixed installation”.
•
Capable of controlling 6 x Air Compressors, 1 of which can be a variable
speed compressor.
•
The Multilogic Box regulates the net pressure within programmable
limits
•
Air compressor functions such as; starting, loading, unloading
and stopping the connected compressors
are carried out according to a programme sequence. |
Further Details
Air Control 4 (MCC)
• The MCC function is built into the ALUP Air Control 4 software, but can
be only activated with the
(permanent) input of an MCC dongle.
• In addition to the dongle, operating the MCC requires the building of
a local CANBUS network
between all the Air Control 4’s of the compressor system.
• This can be done by using a connector on each connected Air Control 4
and CANBUS cable. This
cable is especially selected for communication in an industrial environment.
Operation:
The Air Control 4 set as the “master” controls the pressure
of the MCC system, through its own pressure
sensor information. It gives priority to an Allegro (if present, the
Allegro does not equalise its running hours
with the fixed speed compressors; the Allegro can be either used as master
or slave).
Algorithm:
•
The MCC starts in priority the compressor with the fewest running hours.
•
The MCC loads in priority a running motor (with priority to the compressor
with the fewest running
hours).
•
The MCC unloads in priority the compressor with the highest running hours.
In case of a very stable system, the MCC forces the rotation setpoint
of the changeover sequence, the
changeover time is set up on the master controller at commissioning.
Special functions:
•
*Remote Start/Stop of the MCC system.
This allows to activate one of the free inputs or to reassign one of
the inputs to be used for the
remote Start/Stop of the complete MCC system
•
*Remote pressure sensor placed on the air net.
The MCC can use for pressure control any pressure sensor connected to
the master Air Control 4.
Therefore, we can use an added sensor remotely placed on the air network,
for instance on the air
receiver of the network.
Multi Logic Box
Product Highlights:
•
The MultiLogic Box is able to control 6 machines simultaneously
•
Any fixed speed machine and integration of 1 “group” variable
speed compressor
•
No extra expansion modules are necessary
•
All 6 machines can be connected via the CAN network
•
Alternatively, up to 5 machines can be connected via digital I/O
•
The digital inputs are included as standard
•
Maximize the energy savings
•
No cascading thanks to an optimized pressure band
•
No energy consumption during non working hours thanks to a timer schedule
feature
•
Sequence selection timer controller for improved match to the expected
air demand
•
Optimize the use of the machines - stand by machine activation for temporary
period
•
Use of the variable speed machine for flow fluctuation
•
Ideal solution for mixed installation
•
Maximize reliability with accurate pressure control that increases system
stability
•
Reduce maintenance costs
•
Equalization of the number of running hours between the machines to have
only one intervention
Use Of the variable speed machine to Match Flow Fluctuations (when installed)
•
The MultiLogic Box ensures that if a variable speed machine is installed,
it’s always used to meet the
changing demands of the net. Standard machines are therefore only used
as base load machines in this
situation.
•
By ensuring standard machines are 100% loaded, and that the variable
speed machine is never 100%
loaded, the operating efficiency of the installation is increased
For further information please contact our technical department
