“The SonNet range is cost effective and easy to install and the new additions broaden the range of applications it can be used for,” said Sandy Damm, managing director at Sontay. “In buildings where wired solutions are not an option, SonNet can be used to bring the same level of monitoring to a BMS, significantly reducing energy wastage and costs. It also gives building managers the option of updating or changing the location of sensors easily. With non-wired solutions such as SonNet becoming readily available for use with HVAC, it is possible that wireless sensing will become just as prevalent in corporate and public spaces as Wi-Fi internet is today.”
A major addition to the SonNet family is the RF-IOM-4A-4U Input/ Output Module. Working in conjunction with SonNet sensors and routers, this device acts as a local I/O with connectivity to typical HVAC equipment, such as fan coil units or variable air volume boxes. The module can take any 0-10Vdc, 4-20mA, resistive or VFC signal from wired devices in the field and transmit them to a SonNet RF-RXS receiver. This in turn can be read by a JACE controller through a Niagara framework. The strategy within the controller uses this information to calculate control values, which are then passed back through the I/O module to alter damper positions and other output connections in the field.
A new RF-CO2 sensor has also been launched with the option for temperature and RH measurement. CO2 is typically found as a wired device in many systems. However, Sontay has developed a CO2 sensor that can operate comfortably as a battery powered device. Sontay has also released a new RF-RR-MPR 230Vac router, giving any installer the ability to connect directly to a mains supply.
Since the first phase of SonNet was released in 2010, the way people view wireless sensing has changed. Being able to prove signal strength and form a network with the site survey kit before installation has eliminated any hesitation when choosing a wireless system over a traditional wired one.
Sontay products and control solutions are designed to help improve building management system performance, reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase occupant comfort levels.
