2008-01-22 - Even in bypass mode, the new ABB E-Clipse Bypass talks continually with Building Automation Systems
NEW BERLIN, Wis., January 22, 2008 . . . ABB today released the next generation of bypass technology in motors drives, which are used throughout the HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) industry. Calling it “a bypass with brains,” the new ABB E-Clipse Bypass is the next paradigm shift in electronic bypass design-- ideal for wall mounting and/or fitting into air-handling units and pumping packages on all types of OEM equipment used in the HVAC industry.
“Bypass technology is used in conjunction with nearly two-thirds of all drive installations for motor control in HVAC applications,” notes Jeff Miller, vice president, commercial sales, ABB Low Voltage Drives. “Bypass technology allows building managers to keep motors in constant-speed operation, if and when drives need to be maintained, or fault for some reason. Such operation can be critical, particularly for ensuring intake- and exhaust-air fans operate during all conditions, including fire,” he said.
Ideal Back-up
The new ABB E-Clipse Bypass is the first design to communicate, like ABB’s drives, directly with Building Automation Systems. “That keeps facility managers in total control of all their HVAC requirements, even in conditions where electrical challenges may trip out the drives. It’s an ideal back-up technology and device that is a brand new development for this market,” Miller said.
This introduction significantly extends ABB’s first E-bypass design, introduced in 1998. Worldwide, there are more than 100,000 E-bypass installations in operation. Further study of this market – its applications and requirements – resulted in the new product line, which is being introduced to the market at the international AHR (Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating) Exposition in New York.
ABB E-Clipse Bypass – Technology to the Next Level
The ABB E-Clipse Bypass takes the full digital microprocessor-based controls pioneered in the first E-bypass “to the next level – a seismic advance,” according to Mike Olson, manager, HVAC applications. “The technology incorporates new capabilities that answer the needs of the changing and evolving customer and market requirements.”
Available in a UL Type 1, UL Type 12 or NEMA 3R enclosure – and integrated with ABB’s ACH DriveIT Low Voltage 550 adjustable-speed AC drives -- the two-contactor bypass features both a service switch that disconnects the drive for service, and a main disconnect switch or circuit breaker. The dual switch eliminates downtime, since the motor/load never needs to go offline; this back-up feature – ensuring uninterrupted operation – continues to make bypass drives the preferred choice among more than half of all commercial applications, according to ABB.
Common Protocols are Standard Feature; Control Through All Conditions!
The ABB E-Clipse Bypass includes the more common HVAC protocols as standard features. Included in every bypass shipped are Modbus RTU, Johnson Controls N2, Siemens FLN, and BACnet communications protocols. Other protocols, such as LonWorks, Profibus-DP, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, DeviceNet and CANopen, are available as plug-in option cards.
This next-gen bypass technology also extends the serial communications for VFDs that ABB pioneered for the HVAC industry in 1994 – and resulted in more than 150,000 units (in the U.S., alone) connected to building automations systems, using these various communications protocols. “And now the ABB E-Clipse Bypass includes serial communications in the bypass mode” noted Olson, “which means that, for the first time, going to bypass does not mean losing control but, rather, keeping control through all conditions!”
“In all previous designs, switching to bypass mode meant the VFD displayed as a failed point on the building automation system network,” noted Olson. However, via the ABB E-Clipse Bypass, serial communications to the bypass controller now ensures there is no loss of communication or control, and no failed point on the BAS network. “The VFD may even be removed (and sent back to the factory for repair, for example) from the system with no loss of communications,” said Olson. And the BAS system still can start and stop the application and monitor amps, volts, and kilowatts hours – in bypass mode
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