Pelican Wireless

I've been hearing about Pelican Wireless for a few years and as I often concentrate my efforts on big building integration I hadn't found a good fit for trying out the new to me cloud based wireless communication system. Pelican has most of the small building cases covered.

Their offerings are:
TS200 Internet Programmable Thermostat (wired but communicates wireless)
TS200H Internet Programmable Thermostat with Humidity
TCM1 Thermostat Control Module paired with an RT1-AC or RT1-DC for remote control of systems
PM5 Power Control Module for ON/OFF control of system Boilers, Chillers, Pumps, Lighting
Z8 and Z24 Zone Controllers for rooftop package units.

Setup is easy:
First we setup an online interface on the Pelican Wireless site.
Next we connect a GW200 or GW400 (extended range) Wireless Gateway to the internet and then connect it to the Cloud system by entering the information on the Gateway.
There is a Site Configuration page that asks for some basic data for setup.
Once this is completed we are ready to start adding devices.
For Static IP configuration contact Pelican.

The phone interface works great and is a nice way to configure devices as they come online. All you need to do is wire your device, power it up and wait 30 seconds or so for the device to connect through the gateway to the Pelican cloud servers. There is a easy interface for configuration with options to cover most of your needs. Each device has a serial number so you know what device you are configuring and you can then name the device in the online interface.

Each device in the system connects to all the other devices within its range and through what's known as a Mesh network the devices pass data to each other and then finally back to the Gateway and the Cloud. This means that not all the devices need to be in range of the Gateway to communicate as was the case on my installation. I installed 25 TS200 thermostats on water-source heat-pumps throughout a 4-story building. I also used one PM5 Power Control Module to control the rooftop cooling tower and pumps. Additionally Pelican enabled Plant Control for my system. With Plant Control enabled any call for heat or cool at any time will enable the cooling tower and pumps. Although I have the PM5 on a schedule for redundancy this will insure units have water flow when needed. The system is working well with a happy customer!

The interface includes a Pelican Site Manager for quick navigation

A device graphic for real-time data

An Admin Page for User, Site and Device configuration

A Usage Graphic for an overview of run-time and energy use

And History charts when you need past temperature data

ICM Motor Protection

    I started using the ICM 450 years ago when I found that power problems were taking out motors in Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco. Every summer when outside air temperatures peak there are brown-outs and phase losses that can damage unprotected motors and motor controls. This is an easy installation with the three phase units having three wires for monitoring the three phases line side (190-630vac), three wires for monitoring the three phases load side (190-630vac)(optional), two wires for powering the unit (18-240vac) and two control wires to a switch for shutting down the system in the event of a power problem. These units are fully programmable with a small LCD display and 25-fault memory. They protect against voltage unbalance, high/low voltage, phase loss, phase reversal, faulty power, incorrect sequencing and rapid short cycling. The only complaint I ever had against the original ICM 450 was the lack of an on-board time-clock with a time-stamp to tell me when the fault occurred.

    The ICM 455 resolves this problem and expands on the original idea nicely with a 100 fault memory that time-stamps each fault and a 0-10 vdc output for remote monitoring with an energy management system. These units are cheap insurance when you're protecting anything from power problems. The programming is easy, the protection is automatic and once installed there is no maintenance required. A side benefit is that it's fun to scroll through the faults and see how many times this device has saved thousands in repair costs and emergency service calls. I often set up these systems on the supply side of things where I can take down an entire rooftop of equipment with once device.

    ICM has always been an innovator and has remained a leader in HVAC controls for more than 25 years. 

Testo® 550 Digital Gauge Manifold

    I was a wee lad when my dad first showed me how to use a refrigeration gauge manifold. Of course he explained the instrument and the inner workings of the refrigeration system in detail many times, I had no idea what he was talking about. Working mainly during the hot summers in Southern California gauges and a good meter became the go-to for every no-cooling service call and in time I learned the science, and art, of refrigeration systems. The problem with gauges has always been the same, they're delicate testing instruments that are thrown in that back of a service truck, expected to last years, and be accurate. I tried to hang them from something, installed protective covers around them, adjusted them frequently and in the back of my mind often wondered if their reading was accurate. I didn't realize how limited this experience was until I ordered our first Testo® 550 Digital Gauge Manifold.

    Before I even set eyes on the gauge manifold I was impressed by the substantial plastic case the system is housed in. I always say every good instrument needs a case, and the case needs to be big enough to include all the parts and pieces, and a few things you didn't think of, Testo® seems to agree. Opening the case reveals the Testo 550 3 port- 2 valve digital manifold with integrated hanger-hook, two clamp-on temperature probes for pipes from 1/4" to 2-3/8" and batteries. I purchased a new set of refrigerant hoses to complete the setup.

    After installing the 4 AA batteries I started up the unit and checked out the interface. The on-board programming includes 34 refrigerant profiles for automatic pressure-temperature calculations and settings for superheat and subcooling using the included temperature probes. You can easily change the display to read suction and discharge pressures along with pressure/temp conversion for a given refrigerant (no temp probe), or measured temperature, or superheat/ subcooling. Optional accessories include a pipe wrap probe (for lines up to 3"), air probe and a waterproof surface probe.
    Using the Testo 550 in the field is a game changer. Once you look at a set of digital gauges your old analog set will seem like a fragile toy. From charging units to pulling a vacuum, the functionality of the Testo® 550 makes refrigeration testing and troubleshooting easier and more important, precise.
 

Honeywell® Redlink® Wireless Zoning

    Residential zoning systems have been around for a number of years. The idea is to have a thermostat in each zone that has the ability to initiate heating or cooling as well as open or close a damper to adjust airflow to the zone. Taking this idea a step further Honeywell® introduced the Redlink Wireless Zoning System®. Thermostats can be located anywhere in the controlled zones and communicate wirelessly back to the TrueZONE® control panel. This can save hours of labor as the thermostats both communicate wirelessly and are powered by batteries which makes them completely wire-free.    
    We started to use Honeywell's Wifi and Redlink® thermostats in stand-alone applications with success so we planned a larger zoned install using the TrueZONE system. Our application used two TrueZONE panels covering 7 zones for two rooftop heatpump units on a small commercial building. The property manager was constantly having temperature complaints and asking for a solution to the problems. We submitted our proposal to the property manager and a few weeks later received approval. Now it had to work! Working on the bleeding edge is always fun!  

    After ordering all the materials for the job I set up the zoning panels in my office to make sure everything worked as designed and the job would go smoothly as we would be installing the systems under a large skylight where temperatures would make late afternoon work impossible. I labeled all the thermostats with individual zone numbers and paired them with their corresponding TrueZONE panel. For AC-3 I used 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 for AC-2 I used 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4. This way when looking at each thermostat we can tell which unit it corresponds to later. I paired a wireless Outside Air Sensor for each panel as well as 2 Redlink Gateways to get the thermostats online for remote access!    
    Once everything was set up we scheduled the install and arrived onsite. We mounted the TrueZONE panels on the face of each units return air duct and installed Honeywell ML6161A2009 actuators on each of the existing 7 dampers. The actuators and an included Discharge Air Temp Sensor on each unit were wired to the TrueZONE panel and the wireless Outside Air Temp Sensor was mounted under the outside air intake hood of each unit. We also installed a CPR14 TrueZone Bypass Damper and Wireless Adapters to talk to the wireless thermostats. The TrueZONE panels were supplied with 24 volts AC and the 7 thermostats were mounted in their corresponding zones. It was much easier to complete the install having already paired the thermostats and other devices offsite as we were both hot and tired at the end of the day.     
    After a full day of work the system was running good, maintaining temperatures in all seven zones and available online though the 2 Redlink Internet Gateways with access from both PCs and Smartphones to Honeywell's Total Connect Comfort® interface. We labeled each zone in the interface, set up users for the tenants and property management and handed over control of their new system. Honeywell TrueZONE® has exceeded expectations and everyone involved is happy with the outcome. For anything from a house to a small commercial building Honeywell has built arguably the best zoning system on the market. 

Tridium Niagara® The Case for Integration

    I've been working as an HVAC Service and Controls contractor in commercial buildings for 17 years. From that point of view I see buildings, beyond the structure and architecture, as systems. There's a fire safety system, a telephone system, an access entry system, a lighting system and an HVAC system. In the past these systems were installed by different contractors using different hardware, different platforms, different end user software and different communications protocols or languages. Often these systems were and are proprietary, meaning only certified companies with trained individuals can implement, maintain and service these systems. From one point of view this is a good thing. The manufacturer can control how its product is represented and assure that the end user is satisfied. From a customer standpoint however the experience can be challenging. The certified contractor can be expensive and getting them to show up on time and perform professionally can be a problem when they might be the only show in town. Personally I've only benefited from this scenario as often these customers are ready to tear out perfectly good systems in order to free themselves from the chains. This is the case for integration. 
    Some years back a company called Tridium®  introduced the Niagara AX Framework® and it changed everything.  Niagara is a software that integrates different systems and devices, from different manufacturers with different communication languages into a standardized platform that can be managed and controlled over the internet using a standard web browser. Tridium® claims that today there are over 230,000 instances of Niagara running worldwide. In the applications I've dealt with we install a JACE® or Java Application Control Engine, and connect the JACE ports to the various existing buses in the building. I've integrated LON®, Bacnet® MSTP, Bacnet® IP, Johnson N2®, ASD®, McQuay OPM®, Modbus® and I've also used Tridium's NDIO® and NRIO® devices. Niagara uses a different driver for each of these buses and depending on the brand of JACE you purchase some drivers are included while others are purchased separately. Once the data is brought into the JACE it is normalized and then easily manipulated into custom control applications and graphics. Tridium should be commended for opening the door to standardization and inter-operability of systems. They are now at the forefront of connecting systems with people through the Internet of Things.
For me this all means freedom. Freedom from proprietary systems and freedom to help customers connect to their beautifully automated and integrated systems from anywhere in the world.

The Home Automation Revolution

    I've been watching the world of Home Automation for some time now and have owned and implemented various gadgets to solve problems in my own home and to offer budget sensitive building owners solutions they can afford.
    My own experience started with X10® systems that communicated over my home high voltage power system (110v). These systems worked great and I even used one in a building to control a damper where it was not possible, or at least not cost appropriate, to run wire.
The X10 systems are still widely used and available with new features and a loyal following.
    What I've been really excited about lately and want to cover today is the new players in the Home Automation or Smart Home business.
As of May 2014 Microsoft Corporation® has partnered with Insteon® and started selling the Starter Kit as well as Light Switches, Light Bulbs, and Security Cameras.
    In June 2014 not to be outdone Apple® announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco the HomeKit® software platform, to integrate control for light dimming, door locking, and other home automation gadgets and features to iOS devices.
    Amazon, eager to meet the needs of excited tech junkies added a Home Automation page to their site with videos, solutions guides, and everything you didn't know you needed to know about Home Automation. This is like shopping at your favorite store where you always leave with a full cart of things you didn't know you needed.

    The main thing to keep in mind here is to design a system not just for your needs today but something you can grow into. You don't want a separate interface for your music, another for your thermostat and another for your lighting. Find a system that will cover all your needs and a company that is committed to inter-operability and integration of all your systems into one platform and one interface. This interface needs to of course be available anywhere you have internet, on any device you choose and it needs to be easy enough to operate that your ten year old can entertain themselves with control options, if you choose to let your ten year old loose with "Keys to the Castle". The Home Automation Revolution is here and soon enough whether we like it or not most everything in our world will be connected. If you think it's time to get involved start slow, buy a smart light bulb, and watch your obsession with energy conservation grow.

Wifi Thermostats

    When you're looking for a Wifi Thermostat for your home there are now many choices with prices ranging from $100 to $300 dollars. I've been installing the Honeywell Visionpro Wifi® for a few years now and what I like about it is the large display and generally user friendly interface. Honeywell has now introduced with the Wifi Smart Thermostat®  which has advanced features but as far as I can tell doesn't do a whole lot more for the extra money.

    If you want something small and modern looking that will blend into the architecture of your home or office you'll want to take a look at the Nest® Thermostat. These are beautifully designed, on the higher end of the price range at $249 for the 2nd Generation and they are "Learning" thermostats with Activity Sensors, Humidity Sensor, 3 Temperature Sensors and Weather Aware that uses the Wifi connection to keep an eye on weather and adjusts the inside temperature based in part on what's happening outside.

    All the Wifi thermostats I've used connect to the internet through your home or office Wifi system where information is routed to a company server somewhere. Honeywell and Nest both have a free app that can be used to control your system remotely after you set up an account. I wish they both had a web-server built-in but so far this is not happening.

    One important note: All Wifi thermostats need a "C" or Common wire at the thermostat. Nest claims that most of the time their thermostats don't need it but the internet is loaded with complaints claiming they do. Play it safe and plan on using a Common wire. If you have a newer thermostat chances are you have a Common. If you have an older thermostat you may not have a wire connected but may have enough wires run to the thermostat to hook up the Common wire in the furnace then at the thermostat.
    If the directions below sound easy enough to follow go ahead and give it a shot, if even the idea of changing out your thermostat gives you anxiety call a friend or a professional that can handle the job. If you do attempt the installation please don't hold me accountable for the results, this is the internet, I'm here to help, but I can't magically reach through the screen and do it for you.

Wiring up the thermostats is simple:
1. Turn off the power to your system at the circuit breaker or at the equipment itself.
2. Remove your old thermostat from the wall, it usually snaps into place, some have screws that need to be removed.
3. Take a picture of the wiring and labels on your old thermostat.
4. Remove the sub-base of the old thermostat.
5. Take a look at how the new thermostat will fit on the wall and paint/ fill holes as necessary or use the included wall plate (Nest only) to cover the old thermostat location.
6. Mount the new sub-base to the wall. Use a level, Nest has one built in.
7. Connect the wiring using the picture you took in step 3.
8. Install the new thermostat on its sub-base.
9. Turn the power back on to your system.
10. Use the enclosed instructions to configure your system and connect it to your Wifi system.

    It can take a few days to get comfortable with the web interface of your new thermostat but having remote access to your system can be a great tool for shutting things down after you've left for the weekend and forgot to turn the system off or to heat up the ski cabin on your way up the mountain. I have to admit the first time I used one of these thermostats I was giddy and couldn't stop messing with the interface on my smartphone. The giddy-ness wore off but I still find the technology AMAZING!