With “Fonterra Smart Control” from Viega, a single room control system is now available, which automatically adjusts the individual heating circuits of surface heating and cooling systems. The new control system not only measures the supply temperature to the distributor and the current room temperatures, it also measures the return temperature of each individual heating circuit. This ensures automatic hydraulic balance: Only as much energy is ever used as is necessary. The new individual room control takes into account all building variables, such as installation spacings and floor coverings, making it ideal for renovations. The jury of this year’s “Design Plus powered by ISH” competition deemed “Fonterra Smart Control” worthy of merit due to both its technical intelligence and design.
Like all heat distributors, radiant heating and cooling systems are designed in accordance with the maximum thermal load of a building and then balanced hydraulically in an ideal way. But the calculated heat requirement only exists on a few days during the winter period. On the other hand, “Fonterra Smart Control” guarantees 100% hydraulic balance at all times in accordance with the actual prevailing room and usage conditions. This makes energy savings of up to 20 percent possible, without dispensing with comfort and warmth.
Simply installed through plug-and-play
While the usual static hydraulic balance requires exact parameters from planners and lots of effort from technicians, the “Fonterra Smart Control” is very quick and easy to install. This system consists of a room thermostat, a base unit and a temperature measuring point with so-called actuator modules. These constantly measure the temperature in the return cycles. Data is exchanged between the actuator modules and the base unit in the distribution cabinet using a broadband cable. All connections are ready to plug in for plug-and-play installation. After assembly, the individual control valves are adjusted to full flow rate and the ongoing hydraulic balance then occurs automatically during operation.
Dynamic heating circuit balance through installed intelligence
The functional principle of “Fonterra Smart Control” is as simple as it is intelligent. The room thermostat monitors the temperature development in the room and provides a regular radio signal to the basic unit. In addition, the difference between the supply and return flow temperatures is taken into consideration for each heating circuit, i.e. the volume of actual heat transfer to the room. The result are “intelligent” heating circuits, which adjust the volume flow to the changing thermal loads, caused by window ventilation, sunlight or the operation of a fireplace, for example.
In the same way, the dynamic balance with the “Fonterra Smart Control” compensates for changes that occur during the building construction. Examples of this are different screed coverings or installation spacings, which no longer conform to the plans. And if there is no more information about heating circuit lengths, installation spacings and the course of the heating circuit in the room due to it being a renovation, the new single room control system also creates complete hydraulic balance here. The retrofitting of the “Fonterra Smart Control” is possible for all heating circuit distributions with valve insert M30 x 1.5 and Eurocone.
Easy operation with analysis function
“Fonterra Smart Control” does not need programming. Only the room thermostat and actuator modules need to be allocated to the heating circuit on-site. Then operation is browser-based via WLAN, using PC, tablet or smartphone. This allows the heating profile to be individually changed as well. In addition, the system evaluates whether the supply temperature matches the actual heat consumption. Under certain circumstances, the output of the heat generator can be restricted to save more energy.
