February 1, 2011 — Schneider Electric announced the Modicon M168 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users improve performance, optimize costs and speed time-to-market for HVAC/R machines. Using flexible architectures, customized design and SoHVAC software, which allows single programming and commissioning, the new controller offers solutions for small/medium chillers, roof top units, refrigeration racks, and air handling units.The Modicon M168 PLC and SoHVAC software are part of Schneider Electric’s MachineStruxure architecture an automation solution that uses a single software suite and new equipment platforms to help OEMs design machines that are optimized for cost, energy efficiency and performance.
Leveraging the benefits of SoMachine software, a single software suite to program all machines, MachineStruxure architecture incorporates flexible and scalable hardware platforms with application function block libraries and Schneider Electric tested, validated and documented architectures (TVDAs).SoHVAC software is designed to help curb industrial machine engineering times – key to simplifying OEM user experience. The single software can program and commission HVAC/R automation systems, including Modicon M168 PLCs & remote displays, function blocks, machine programs, I/O, variable speed drives, and communication networks.
Designed specifically for OEM HVAC/R machines, this easy-to-use software tool allows customers to modify, reuse or create their own architectures and choose hardware configuration tools. The web-enabled capabilities of the Modicon M168 PLC allow machine OEMs and end users to monitor energy consumption, machine shutdowns, and other problems remotely. The controller can also be easily integrated into Building Management System platforms through communications protocols such as BACnet, allowing for energy savings up to 30 percent.
These innovative products are powerful enough to control all building functions: mechanical and electrical equipment for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, shutters/blinds, power distribution, as well as such security functions as access control and CCTV.Other energy savings features on the Modicon M168 PLC include:
- Energy efficient application function blocks, such as floating high pressure with variable speed drives, AHU/water temperature and plant mode control
- Variable speed drives allowing for a 50 percent savings in energy consumption compared to conventional motor starter and flow regulation installations
- Advanced control application function blocks on key functions such as superheat/high pressure control of Air Cooled Chillers and Packaged Roof Top Units
MachineStruxure is a building block of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure solution architecture which enables intelligent energy management solutions for customers seeking to optimize energy efficiencies across multiple domains of their business. First announced in November 2009, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture connects five domains of business expertise – Power, Datacenters, Process and Machines, Building Control and Physical Security – within an open and flexible technology architecture that delivers up to 30 percent savings in energy efficiency.