04/04/2007 • Analytics • Focus on Products at Analytica • Laboratory installation / Services • LIMS / Laboratory IT

Labcontrol TCU-II

Areas of application:
The main area of application of the TCU-II digital controller is in laboratories and hospitals. In laboratories it may be used as a fume cupboard controller with monitoring function and as a room balance controller. Pressure control is often required in hospitals to control septic and aseptic areas – this can be implemented without problem.

Types of Operation:

The TCU-II controller is combined with a volume flow control unit, consisting of an actuator and damper, for use as a fume cupboard controller or room balance controller.

A distinction is made between the following types of operation:
  • Control of a fume cupboard with variable volume flow
  • Control of a variable supply volume flow
  • Control of a variable exhaust volume flow
  • Control of a room balance and pressure or temperature control in a cascade
The fume cupboard controllers are equipped as standard with user terminals for the alarms and activate special operation modes.
Extended operator terminals for additional functions are available as an option.

Communication system: Analogue 0-10V DC signal transmission
The information is exchanged between the individual components in a TCU-II system room solution using conventional technologies as analogue 0-10V DC signals.

Advantages of the analogue communication system:
  • Simple linking of the control components without knowledge of LON and the need of system integrators
  • Adaptation of controller settings/type of operation via PC software
The use of analogue technology is particularly recommended for smaller projects.

Scope of fume cupboard control functions:

The fume cupboards with variable volume flows are regulated in accordance with all the requirements of EN 14175 and the ASHRAE Standard. The extract volume flow required is adapted automatically to the opening of the sash window thanks to the contact less and wear-free determination of the face velocity. It does not matter whether the sash window is only slightly raised, or a horizontal sliding sash is used.

Control is very precise, extraordinarily quick and hence in addition to its high level of safety offers very economic operation. Monitoring of the face velocity of the volume flow is also built in with acoustic and visual alarms. In addition to the operational reliability, the strengths of the system is based on the ease of installation of the associated components and many options for adapting the system to customer’s wishes.

Some of the options and extensions are listed below:
  • switch contact for sash opening >500mm in accordance with EN1475
  • Monitoring mode: volume flow or face velocity
  • Configurable visual and acoustic alarm triggering:                                          Type and duration of alarm                                                                         Suppression of the alarm in reduced mode                                                         Alarm forwarding to the building management system (BMS)
  • Changeover of the volume flow set point values Full shut-off, reduced mode, normal operation, emergency operation
  • Integration of a motion sensor
  • Integration of the fume cupboard controller into the supply and exhaust air volume flow control for the laboratory, taking diversity factors into consideration
Scope of room control functions:
The TCU-II controller can be used in conjunction with variable volume flow control units to control variable supply or exhaust air flow in the room. The control rate is corresponding to the fume cupboards, thus enabling a stable room balance. The actual volume flow values from seven fume cupboards, room control units or other extractor sources can be connected as standard directly as analogue signals. The addition function that is always provided on the TCU-II fume cupboard control units may be used for a greater number of signals to be balanced. Any number of volume flows can be integrated by cascading the signals.

Volume flows that are not measured, such as the constant extraction from chemicals cupboards may be configured in the software and then included in the room balance. The room control loop is influenced by all the actual volume flow rates in such a way that the transfer flow required in accordance with DIN 1946 Part 7 is always ensured.

Volume flow control operates independently of the pressure in the duct, i.e. pressure fluctuations do not result in lasting changes to the volume flow. Temperature and room pressure may also be incorporated via the analogue inputs.

Scope of room pressure control functions:
An association of room balance and room pressure control is possible as a variant on room balance regulation. This is done by determining the exhaust air volume flows connected to the room control unit and using them to balance the room extract and supply air flows required. In addition, the room pressure signal is connected and has an influence on the volume flow set point value, in cascading regulation, to control the room pressure. Compared to a pure room pressure regulation, this process takes account of the volume flow balance in the room so that this system also operates stable when the opening of the door is changing. The desired transfer flow is retained in this case. It is possible to configure a change between over pressure and underpressure.

Configuration:
The controllers are configured at the factory with project-specific basic setting data. Commissioning by specialist personnel is required for correct operation, as the control unit can only be configured to the specific circumstances in the room once on site.

System solution for controlling laboratory fume cupboards and rooms as well as balancing with LON bus communications system

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