Overview
Energy Zone System Overview
Enertec-BAS Corporation’s Energy Zone (EZ) software runs in Microsoft Windows and offers a fast, intuitive, menu-driven graphical user interface. The system is designed for ease of use, requiring no prior programming experience to configure or operate. All configuration steps are guided through user-prompted, fill-in-the-blank screens, and built-in error checking monitors inputs, alerting users immediately to any out-of-range or invalid values.
EZ software is fully compatible with any Microsoft Windows-based applications and supports true multitasking, allowing it to run concurrently with other programs. Microsoft Windows is included as part of the EZ system package. Additionally, Enertec-BAS Corporation provides several useful Windows applications bundled with EZ to enhance system management.
Core Hardware: The Remote System Controller (RSC)
The centerpiece of the EZ system is the Remote System Controller (RSC), a 16-bit microcontroller with full stand-alone capability. RSCs are networked via an RS-485 communication trunk line connecting back to an IBM PC-AT-compatible host computer. This PC hosts the control algorithms for every RSC on the network:
Each RSC manages up to 28 control points and supports control of up to 4 HVAC zones, enabling precise zonal management.
A single PC host can control up to 256 RSCs, providing capacity for 7,168 points across 1,024 zones.
With an optional RS-485 communication chip, system capacity expands to 1,024 RSCs, 57,344 control points, and 8,192 zones.
For even larger installations, you can network multiple PCs, allowing nearly unlimited scalability.
Each control zone includes full system capabilities, including its own PID control loop, alarm and control functions, trend logging, and intelligent default control.
Flexible Equipment Scheduling and Customization
During system setup, each RSC is assigned an Equipment Schedule tailored to the specific HVAC or auxiliary equipment it controls. The system supports 128 different “Equipment Schedules,” each containing the appropriate control algorithms for different HVAC equipment types.
When an Equipment Schedule is selected, EZ software prompts the user to enter necessary parameters to customize equipment control. These configuration files can be updated anytime to reflect changes in equipment or operations. On the RSC hardware, Equipment Schedule control algorithms reside in an EPROM chip or optional battery-backed SRAM. Dip switches on the RSC select which Equipment Schedule is used for default control.
Autonomous Operation and Real-Time Data Processing
If communication between the PC and an RSC is lost—such as during a network interruption—the RSC automatically assumes control based on its preprogrammed heating and cooling setpoints, ensuring uninterrupted equipment operation. Custom EPROM versions are available to support specialized applications.
When connected, the PC polls all RSC inputs and applies the configured control algorithms to determine the correct output states every eight seconds. This frequent monitoring ensures precise, up-to-date control of the entire system.
Multi-Language Support for Global Use
The EZ system software is designed for international environments and is available in languages beyond English. Users can toggle instantly between any two user-defined languages on the fly, enhancing accessibility for diverse operator teams.
