Pneumatic VAV to DDC Retrofit

[oncloud9]

Starting a new project in our office. We're doing a demo and as part of it, I'm planning to convert some old-ish VAV boxes with KMC CSC-2003 pneumatic controllers to wireless DDC controllers. Seems simple right?

I am planning to:
-pull off the KMC controller and pop the new controller actuator onto the shaft of the existing damper.
- I think I can reuse the pressure ports and hook the tubes to the pressure inlet of the new controller. Not exactly sure what type of flow measurement is in the existing box.
- Run 24V power to the new controller
- Not going to be using the hot water coils (VRF retrofit) so the hot water valve will just be abandoned in place.
- I might add a SA temp sensor downstream of the box.




Am I missing anything Any advice from folks who have done this before?

[unonut]

Starting a new project in our office. We're doing a demo and as part of it, I'm planning to convert some old-ish VAV boxes with KMC CSC-2003 pneumatic controllers to wireless DDC controllers. Seems simple right?

I am planning to:
-pull off the KMC controller and pop the new controller actuator onto the shaft of the existing damper.
- I think I can reuse the pressure ports and hook the tubes to the pressure inlet of the new controller. Not exactly sure what type of flow measurement is in the existing box.
- Run 24V power to the new controller
- Not going to be using the hot water coils (VRF retrofit) so the hot water valve will just be abandoned in place.
- I might add a SA temp sensor downstream of the box.




Am I missing anything Any advice from folks who have done this before?

If you are reusing the inlet cross flow I would recommend blowing air into the tubes during the retrofit. This will help clean out any debris that has collected in the holes over the years and give you a better flow reading after retrofit. You can use an air compressor but I found cans of computer cleaning to be easiest. Just a quick shot in the low and high side and done.


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[kontrolphreak]

If your running power to the new controllers why not also run communications? Wireless is cool but adds a level of complexity and potential issues in the future.

kontrol out

[mfia321]

Agree with kontrol and MP. Wireless is only a last resort. If you are pulling power, pull the comm wire. Cable cost is nothing compared to the headache during commission and continuing service.

[oncloud9]

thanks for the tip unonut!

Re: wireless-- part of the point of the project is to demonstrate/test some wireless controllers so we can convince ourselves how reliable (or not!) they are and whether we could save on cable install and recommend them for future projects.

[xarralu]

thanks for the tip unonut!

Re: wireless-- part of the point of the project is to demonstrate/test some wireless controllers so we can convince ourselves how reliable (or not!) they are and whether we could save on cable install and recommend them for future projects.

What wireless mfg. are you going with?

[oncloud9]

Planning to start with the Schneider MPM-VA and the MPM-UN.

[kontrolphreak]

I installed approx 100 Schnieder/Andover heatpump split systems and rooftop units. Requires 4 wireless routers to pick up all the controllers due to at the time each one only supported 32 controllers. Worked, but the additional cost of the extra routers and wireless transceivers washed the cost savings on install. As it was a retro on an occupied building the client wanted minimal disturbance so the wireless was the best option. The building was right opposite one of the busiest airports in the country and we were initially concerned with interference from the radar and all the radio transmissions but never noticed any.

kontrol out

[MaxBurn]

Planning to start with the Schneider MPM-VA and the MPM-UN.

Via Zigbee?

My understanding on the limitation with MPM and going wireless Zigbee between them is you won't be able to change programming or update firmware for controllers that are not connected to Ethernet. Also not sure but I think config backups of those won't work either. Ask your vendor some pointed questions on this, I might not have the right info here.

Edit, I'll also note that firmware updates on these are SLOW. So in addition to going around and plugging into one you have to wait ~15 minutes for it to complete, each controller.