Danfoss Upgrades Programmable Climate Controllers to Utilize Modbus/TCP Protocols and Security Features
Danfoss upgrades its programmable climate controllers to make controlling building climate easier and safer than ever.
With advancing technology, controlling the climate within buildings has become easier and safer to do. Danfoss’s upgraded programmable climate controllers come with some new features that aim to increase security. Increased connectivity and a more secure network means that the conditions of buildings can be monitored safely from a remote location.
The MCX15B controller. Image courtesy of Danfoss.
This means that a building less likely for climate control failure is more likely to better host its occupants or items with increased confidence in system reliability. Danfoss’s new programmable controllers are a new iteration of their previous MCX15B and MCX20B programmable controllers.
Practical Building Management
Danfoss is able to make these controllers connective through ethernet cable connections to allow the operator to manage a building through web-server interfaces. The controllers utilize Modbus/TCP protocol to transfer data through the system and to the operator.
If more than one controller were to be used to manage a building’s ventilation system, these controllers utilize CAN bus to connect and control multiple controllers together without a separate computer in between them. The controllers also have Modbus Rs485 optical isolated serial interfaces to protect against any electrical interference that might jeopardize the controller of a building’s HVAC system.
The controller module also features USB connections for software uploading and data collection.
The MCX15B2 and MCX20B2 programmable controllers are a first choice item to manage compressors for VZH scroll compressors. These controllers turn any HVAC system into a smart building management solution that can regulate gas temperature control and single oil management.
VZH scroll compressors. Image courtesy of Danfoss.
These controllers are also capable of generating alarms and automatic adjustments to not only the climate of the building but also the logistics behind the building’s climate control. The controllers are also capable of alerting the operator when maintenance is required.
Advanced Safeguards
The programmable controllers use many levels of safety protocols to protect against cyber-attacks and system hacking. According to Danfoss, the controller utilizes Cipher suites, protected keys and certificates, strict access authorization, strong safeguard policies, and frequent updates.
These measures protect the building’s system from any security threats and can be tracked and dealt with in a quick and orderly manner. Security threats should no longer overtake a building's HVAC management system that would potentially put its occupants at risk.
Integration Via Modbus and Other Protocols
These programmable controllers are capable of integrating into any existing building management systems via MODBUS and other protocols like LONWORKS and BACnet. These controllers have a wide range of modularity and customization.
You can increase the module to have extra I/O’s and connect with anything from boilers to chillers. These programmable system controllers feature up to 1 Megabit of data that is able to be transferred through 30 m of cable and operate 127 networks with up to 100 nodes each.
The MCX15B2 features 10 analog inputs, 18 digital inputs, 6 analog outputs, and 15 digital outputs. The MCX20B2 module features 16 analog inputs, 22 digital inputs, 6 analog outputs, and 20 digital outputs.
