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Hardware

Hardware Components of the Energy Zone System

Enertec-BAS Corporation’s Energy Zone (EZ) system hardware is thoughtfully designed to provide flexible, reliable control and communication across diverse building automation applications. Our components include:  

The Command Center is a Microsoft Windows-compatible PC running the latest version of the Windows operating system. It supports a wide range of hardware configurations, allowing customization to meet the specific needs or preferences of the facility management team. 

The EZ system uses the RS-485 protocol for all network communications between devices. An external RS-232/RS-485 converter interfaces with the Command Center’s serial ports, available in both standard and opto-isolated versions to ensure robust and noise-free communication.

At the heart of the EZ system is the Remote System Controller (RSC), built around the NEC 78C10 microcomputer. Key features include:

  • I/O Capacity: 
    • 8 Digital Outputs 
    • 8 Digital Inputs 
    • 8 Analog Inputs 
    • 4 Analog Outputs 
    • 2 Remote Display Modules 
  • Power Supply: 
    The RSC requires a 24 Vac power supply, with all additional voltages generated by an onboard power supply supporting both the RSC and connected auxiliary devices. 
  • Physical Characteristics: 
    The RSC measures 5.5″ x 7″, is housed in a metal enclosure, and is typically mounted near the controlled equipment within a dry location. It uses compression-type screw terminals for all field wiring. The RSC is UL listed under UL916 as Enclosed Energy Management Equipment. 
  • Control Capabilities: 
    One RSC can manage up to four individual pieces of HVAC equipment. Control algorithms (Equipment Schedules) are programmed into an EPROM on the RSC, with dip switches used to select the active schedule and assign the RSC’s network address. Two sets of dip switches exist for Equipment Schedule selection and RSC addressing/troubleshooting. 

Communication Options at the RSC

  • RS-485 Communication: 
    Used for communication between the RSC and the PC. Each RS-485 trunk line supports up to 32 RSCs, or up to 128 RSCs with an optional communication chip. The system supports up to eight trunk lines, utilizing a standard 2-conductor, 18 AWG, twisted shielded pair (TSP) cable, wired in parallel. 
  • RS-232 Communication: 
    Available at each RSC via an RS-232 connector, this port is primarily for interfacing with a hand-held portable tester (HTD). 
  • Status Indicators: 
    The RSC features a heartbeat LED to indicate operational status, and two additional LEDs that show incoming and outgoing communications on the RS-485 trunk line. 

Digital inputs are created by routing 18 VDC from the RSC power supply through the field device, which must have a set of dry contacts to complete the circuit.

Digital outputs switch a triac capable of directly controlling loads up to 1 A at 24 Vac. Each digital output is equipped with an LED that indicates its current state.

All analog inputs are jumper-selectable to accept either 0-5 VDC or 4-20 mA signals. They are supplied with power from an 18 VDC source.

AO cards provide the system’s analog output signals. Each card supports 4 analog outputs, which you can jumper-configure for either 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC output. These cards connect to the RSC via a 16-pin ribbon cable and connector.

The standard analog input sensor mounts on the wall and uses an LM-34 solid-state temperature sensor calibrated to output 0-5 VDC. It includes onboard amplification, filtering, and calibration adjustment. The sensor connects to the RSC via a 3-conductor cable and features a push button on the cover for setback override. Optionally, a setpoint adjustment potentiometer can provide occupant control within a +/-10°F range.

These temperature sensors come in all configurations necessary for HVAC applications and are factory-calibrated to a 0-5 VDC output.

The HTD is a menu-driven RS-232 terminal that provides instant access to all data on the RSC. It connects through a standard RJ-11 connector and is powered directly by the RSC. Communication occurs at 9600 baud. An optional cable allows the HTD to interface with any standard RS-232 terminal via a 25-pin connector, enabling flexible diagnostic and troubleshooting options in the field.