Siemens launches networkable air volume controllers

Zug, Switzerland - The Siemens Building Technologies Division is introducing two new OpenAir air volume controllers capable of communicating using the KNX standard and the plug & play bus protocol PL-Link. This communication capability allows the devices to support state-of-the-art energy-efficiency functions. In addition, two non-networkable compact controllers and a modular air volume controller without actuator are being added to the OpenAir line.

The networkable VAV compact controllers (air volume controllers) GDB181.1E/KN (5 Nm) and GLB181.1E/KN (10 Nm) are the two latest additions to the Siemens Building Technologies Division’s OpenAir line. Both devices support Siemens’ proprietary plug & play bus protocol PL-Link and the KNX standard, both in S mode and in LTE mode. PL-Link and KNX LTE mode greatly facilitate configuration and commissioning, while KNX S mode allows for custom device programming as well as integration into third-party systems. In addition, the expanded communication options in conjunction with matching networkable room thermostats and controllers from Siemens’ Desigo and Synco 700 product families support state-of-the-art energy-efficiency functions such as demand-based control for the central air handling unit. Using a new and highly precise differential pressure sensor with excellent long-term stability, the devices achieve even better control performance than their predecessors.

The existing non-networkable VAV compact controllers GDB181.1E/3 (5 Nm) and GLB181.1E/3 (10 Nm) with DC 0/2...10 V or 3-position control and DC 0/2…10 V feedback signal were redesigned from the ground up. They, too, are equipped with the new differential pressure sensor and in addition to precise mechanics and their proven robust housing offer advanced electronics and a human-machine interface (HMI) with a status LED.

The modular VAV controller ASV181.1E/3 is a controller without an integrated motor for connection of external damper actuators via a 3-position control signal if higher torques than 10 Nm are demanded. This device includes the same differential pressure sensor, advanced electronics, and status LED.

Building operators benefit from simplified configuration and commissioning and hence lower costs, especially when using the new networkable OpenAir devices. All new air volume controllers can be calibrated easily and reliably for the VAV box geometry since typically only three OEM-specific device parameters need to be entered. The newly available adaptive mode for rotation angles other than 0°…90° increases flexibility during use. All devices can easily be integrated into the system environments developed by the Siemens Building Technologies Division (Synco 700, Desigo Total Room Automation). The OpenAir air volume controllers are IP54-tested and offer superior long-term stability without aging or temperature drift as well as precise, location-independent acquisition of measured values.

The new air volume controllers and the OpenAir line of products are part of Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about €28 billion, making Siemens the world’s largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi, and Singapore.

For more information about the OpenAir line of products, please visit www.siemens.com/openair ​

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technological excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. The company is the world’s largest provider of environmental technologies. More than one-third of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. In fiscal 2010, which ended on September 30, 2010, revenue from continuing operations (excluding Osram and Siemens IT Solutions and Services) totaled €69 billion and net income from continuing operations €4.3 billion. At the end of September 2010, Siemens had around 336,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation and building technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. In fiscal 2010, which ended on September 30, 2010, revenue from continuing operations of the Industry Sector (excluding Osram) totaled around €30.2 billion. At the end of September 2010, Siemens Industry Sector had around 164,000 employees worldwide without consideration of Osram. Further information is available on the Internet at: http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Building Technologies Division (Zug, Switzerland) is the world’s leading provider of safe, secure and energy efficient solutions for buildings („Green Buildings“) and building infrastructure. As a service provider, system integrator and product supplier Building Technologies offers building automation, HVAC, fire safety, security, low voltage power distribution and electrical installation technology. With around 42,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Building Technologies achieved a turnover of €6.9 billion in fiscal year 2010. www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies

Reference Number: IBT201109022e