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Advanced Energy Saving Control Through Simpler Interfaces
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Mitsubishi Electric has launched two new air conditioning controllers to strengthen their market leading controls product range and provide advanced control options via newly designed and simplified high resolution user interfaces. The new controllers allow more users to benefit from the latest developments in easy-to-use controls for energy saving features as well as for the more standard controller operations.
The AT50 is Mitsubishi Electric’s new MNET centralised controller which offers the ability to control and monitor 50 indoor units via a compact user-friendly touch screen interface. The AT50 controller adds to the company’s existing AG150 centralised controller offering and provides many of the same features.
“We have designed and positioned the new AT50 controller to answer the market demand for increased functions at a very cost-effective price, delivering a unique new solution for both installers and operators,” explains Martin Fahey, Mitsubishi Electric’s Product Marketing Manager.
The compact and well-designed new AT50 is only 18cm wide by 3cm deep and can be mounted directly onto the wall, making it easy to install without the need for an indent or back box. This also gives installers the option of retro-fitting the new controller to bring advanced functionality and ease of use to existing installed systems.
Installation becomes even easier and more cost-effective if the unit is used to control just one City Multi VRF air conditioning system, as the AT50 can be installed onto the indoor unit MNET line and takes its power from here. With more than one City Multi system, a separate additional power pack is required by the controller.
M Series and Mr Slim air conditioning systems are also connectable via the relevant MNET adapters.
In addition, Mitsubishi Electric has designed the controller to allow Lossnay heat recovery ventilation units to interlock with the AT50 meaning that energy can be saved when Lossnay heat recovery ventilation is in operation.
For operators, the AT50 comes with physical buttons to make the operation of basic functions quick and effective. The collective ON/OFF button will turn off all indoor units connected to the controller and the two dedicated function buttons can be assigned to a pre-programmed operation to allow control from a single touch.
These can be programmed to offer a selection of tasks to perform a collective operation of all indoor units, such as setting the mode, prohibiting the remote controllers or setting all units to night setback mode.
“Within the controller menus there are also several levels of user access, including a home screen, menu and service screens, so we provide the operator with the ability to monitor and control the air conditioning or third party equipment in a simple, easy-to-read layout whilst enforcing relevant password security where required,” adds Fahey.
The controller has several energy saving functions which can be used to centrally control and reduce energy usage across the whole system. The AT50 has set point limit function which can be used to restrict users from selecting very high or very low heating or cooling set points.
The unit also has two weekly schedules, allowing the controller to be set up for both a summer and winter operating pattern providing the ability for annual scheduling. Night set back control is also possible on the AT50 which can be used to dramatically reduce energy consumption during low demand periods.
Also new to the market is Mitsubishi Electric’s PAR-30MAA local controller, which provides all standard control functions but also offers advanced functions that are ideal for installers or contractors commissioning a system, performing maintenance checks or looking for errors.
The PAR-30MAA is the latest in the range of re-designed controls and provides a new clearer higher resolution LCD backlit screen. The user interface has been completely overhauled from the previous generation, simplifying the operation, setup and navigation through the menus and options.
The PAR-30MAA controller now only has four main buttons with four dynamically changing function buttons directly underneath the impressive new screen.
A completely new option for the PAR-30MAA is the ability to configure the controller in either a simplified mode (mode, set point and fan speed control only) or in advanced mode providing full access to all of the controller functionality.
Accessed via the maintenance password on the PAR-30MAA is a new ‘smooth maintenance’ function which is available when the controller is connected to any Mr Slim outdoor unit. When initiated, this function can be targeted to any connected outdoor unit to obtain detailed service and operational data.
“This provides maintenance engineers with a quick and simple way to monitor the system and gather all the essential running data necessary to make inspection, maintenance and diagnostics much easier,” explains Fahey.
Again, the new PAR-30MAA local controller comes with a range of built in energy saving functions, such as set point limitation, auto set point return and weekly scheduling.
Also provided by the controller is the option to set up a Duty Standby system controlling two Mr Slim systems, enabling them to work together as one to provide continuous operation in critical applications such as server rooms.
“These two new controllers extend the comprehensive range available to our customers and bring advanced functionality to make the installation, operation and maintenance of our equipment even easier and more efficient,” adds Fahey.
“At Mitsubishi Electric we are determined to develop products that help customers reduce their energy consumption, and by introducing these simple to use controllers with added, advanced energy saving functions, operators will be able to lower their carbon footprint,” he ends.
Further details on the new controllers and the complete range of advanced air conditioning solutions can be found at www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/aircon.
