Fenwal Controls introduced the ConnectedControls IoT platform, a wireless control system for use with gas ignition controls within freestanding commercial and industrial heaters. The Wi-Fi-enabled module is compatible with many Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) heaters and introduces remote monitoring and control.
Fenwal Controls, a supplier of gas ignition and temperature control components, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
Wireless connectivity
Freestanding heaters are used in a variety of applications, including warehouses, airplane hangars, outdoor dining venues, recreational facilities, barns, and other animal storage facilities.
Lengthy failures can result in loss of comfort, productivity, and damage or loss of product
Without wireless connectivity, building managers only become aware of a failure if they are in proximity to the heater, meaning failures can go undetected for hours or even days. Lengthy failures can result in loss of comfort, productivity, and damage or loss of product.
Quick access, Eliminate losses
“Wireless connectivity has become an expectation of devices in virtually all walks of life, but until now, most freestanding heaters functioned individually and without visibility into or control over their operation,” said Marc Silverstein, Product Manager, Fenwal Controls.
“The ConnectedControls platform makes it possible to connect wirelessly to heaters from most OEMs and confidently monitor their performance and quickly access issues, helping to eliminate costly losses associated with heater failures.”
UL, FCC approved
The module can determine if conditions are suitable for a safe restart and allow a site owner to reset remotely
As part of the ConnectedControls platform, a connectivity hardware module can be hardwired to the gas ignition control within the heater. It regularly uploads status reports to the cloud and quickly sends an alert in the event of a failure.
When a failure occurs, the module evaluates the cause, recommends troubleshooting steps, and provides an option to request a service call through a mobile or desktop application. The module also can determine if conditions are suitable for a safe restart and allow a site owner or service provider to perform a control reset remotely. The module is UL and FCC approved.
Monitoring via web interfaces
In addition to collecting and analyzing data from the gas ignition control, the module monitors other non-ignition proving inputs from the heater and shares statistical analysis and trends through the mobile and web interfaces.
The module is designed to eventually collect and share other performance data from the heater as requested by OEMs. Those capabilities are expected to be activated in late 2022. The ConnectedControls IoT platform is currently available in North America.
