Operating instructions

EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers
D A T A S H E E T
EC3-3_35041_EN_R13.docx 3 / 8 23.02.2012
Defrost
EC3-33x Series controllers allow local defrost management
through the built-in defrost timer but also permit remote defrost
scheduling through the networking connection. For remote
defrost details please consult the operating instructions.
Two basic defrost modes are possible:
Electrical / hot gas defrost
All timing parameters can be selected to cover specific defrost
modes, see the diagrams below for the function of defrost
output and fan output at defrost:
Fan
Defrost
Defrost can be activated after power up (d4 flag) and the delay
(d5). Delay (d6) allows for pump down. The defrost will end
either when the defrost termination temperature (dt) has been
exceeded or after the maximum defrost duration (dP). Other
delays take care for synchronization of multiple evaporators in
the same system (dU), for drain (d7) and for injection (d8). The
next defrost will occur after the specified defrost interval (dI).
Fans can be switched off at defrost (F3 flag) and switched on
after defrost and drip time delay (Fd).
End of defrost is detected by the dedicated defrost temperature
sensor ECN-F60.
Natural Defrost
Though natural defrost is possible with the EC3-33x Series, it is
unlikely that such a defrost method is used in a coldroom. Since
the EC3-33x Series is also applicable for other refrigeration
applications, natural defrost may well be applicable there.
Sensors
Low cost NTC sensors are available with different cable lengths
to meet specific customer's requirements for optimal positioning
of the sensors. All sensors are hermetically sealed for high
reliability and long life. Air sensors have a plastic housing, pipe
and fin sensors have metal housings for optimal thermal
conductivity and the fin sensor has an additional mounting clip.
Operation and Commissioning
Operating and commissioning of an EC3-33x Controller may be
performed by using one of the following options:
- Locally or remote with a PC connected to the TCP/IP Ethernet
port of the EC3-332.
- Remotely via the AMS Server connected to the LON
®
port of
an EC3-331.
- Locally through the 4-button keypad of an optional ECD-001.
For initial commissioning of a new installation depending on the
networking technology of the EC3-33x the first two options are
the most appropriate. Commissioning is done via dedicated
menus with meaningful default values, which make
commissioning an EC3-33x a plug-and-play type of job.
Anybody who is familiar with Microsoft Windows
®
based
programs and WebBrowsers should find it very intuitive without
the need for special training.
Optional ECD-001 Display Unit
The ECD-001 may be attached to the EC3 Series Controller to
provide a local display of system parameters, most commonly
temperatures. With the 2½ digit display temperatures within
±199°C can be shown with a resolution of 1°C. The resolution
improves to 0.1°C within a range of ±19.9°C. The display unit
can be switched from °C to °F. When displaying °F the same
resolution as above applies.
Indicator LEDs show the status of compressor, fan, defrost and
alarm. A blinking LED indicates that the EC3 Controller is trying
to fulfill a task but is prevented from doing so by another
restraint in the system. An example of this would be the
minimum compressor run time.
WebServer function of the EC3-332 with TCP/IP Ethernet
networking capabilities
Though the actual status of the controllers can be viewed on
the optional ECD-001 Display Unit, it is much more convenient
to do the viewing on a PC. All relevant parameters and modes
are visible on a single WebPage simultaneously. For even more
details and for setup and maintenance a click on one of the
screen tabs calls up a WebPage dedicated to specific task. All
of this can be done with a standard WebBrowser like the
Internet Explorer
®
, the Mozilla Firefox or others. The picture on
page 4 shows the homepage of an EC3-332 with the monitoring
WebPage of the controller.
Echelon LON
®
Networking Capabilities of the EC3-331
The remote access, viewing and monitoring features of the
LON
®
version EC3 Series Controllers match and exceed the
capabilities of their TCP/IP counterparts. Though remote access
requires the use of the EMS Monitoring Server or special third
party LON
®
compliant hardware and software, many more
additional functions and features are available.
The EC3-331 Controllers are equipped with LON-FTT10 (free
topology) transceiver types. This offers the installer greatest
flexibility in the way the controllers are connected to the LON®
network in addition to offering higher communication
transmission rates.
When connected to the LON
®
network, the individual EC3
Series controllers may be bound together through peer-to-peer
communication to form self-contained control loops for
applications such as synchronised defrosting.
Retrieval and download of setups and data is very comfortable
and easily achievable in LON
®
systems.
Refer to the "Alco Networking Application" sheets for further
details.
Where to apply TCP/IP Ethernet vs. LON
®
Controllers
In general TCP/IP Ethernet controllers are more applicable for
smaller refrigeration systems with only a few pieces of
refrigeration equipment. No special hardware or special
software is needed and whoever can set up a small PC network
has all the necessary know-how to set up and operate EC2 and
EC3 TCP/IP Ethernet controllers.
In larger installations LON
®
has its merits. Network wiring is
easier and less costly. Peer-to-peer communication is another
benefit of LON
®
and data retrieval and storage are very easily
achievable. These advantages come at a price however: a
monitoring and server device like the EMERSON EMS is
needed along with some special know-how in LON
®
technology. The associated cost therefore makes LON
®
technology primarily applicable in large refrigeration plants with
many pieces of refrigeration equipment like Supermarkets or
large cold storage facilities.