Real time connectivity from IoT monitoring of HVAC systems

Connectivity is essential for productivity and uptime

Sometimes, issues arise with a HVAC system when the experts are not on site. In an older system, which may not be accessible from the internet, the first sign of trouble can create havoc for a building manager. The manager may panic trying to find the right personnel to fix the problem.

In today’s world where staffing is cut to reduce cost, that means the right person may not be available. Having an engineer or qualified person be able to remotely dial into the system to assess, diagnose, and make changes is critical to the longevity of HVAC systems

IoT makes HVAC system visibility simple

One of the key features of IoT is that it connects devices to the internet. This allows data to be shared between the devices, utilized by applications, and even accessed remotely.

This includes devices such as the easyE4, which even has a built-in web server tool to make this functionality even easier.

Through a web browser, a user can interact with the device as if they had a PLC directly in front of them.

The easyE4's web server contains interactive pages allowing a person to click buttons on the screen to perform the same functions as pushing the buttons on the device itself.

Likewise, there are also screens to view and set operands while the device is running, which is helpful when trying to trouble-shoot system errors. Another useful troubleshooting tool is the diagnostics tab on the webpage to display any faults that the device recognizes.

Figure 1: Home screen of the easyE4 nano programmable logic controller (PLC) webpage

Monitor programs online

In addition to being able to interact with the webpage through the internet, the easyE4 also allows the user to monitor programs and change values online. These two features are very useful when identifying and correcting bugs in a program.

For example, when creating a program to automate an application, there are typically mistakes made by the programmer. By being able to monitor the program remotely, the programmer does not necessarily have to be at the physical location to be able to correct any quirks.

Instead, the person can remotely identify where issues are within the program, make the necessary changes to values within the program over the internet.

Figure 2: Illustration of going online with easySoft 7 software

Explore the IoT capabilities of the easyE4 Nano PLC

Download the easyE4 manual

Visit the easyE4 website

IoT connectivity control for HVAC control applications

IoT connectivity control can be used to address a variety of control applications. These include:

IoT options

Still have questions? Contact us.

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