UK – CIAT UK has unveiled its new flagship air conditioning control and monitoring platform, M2M, which is designed to give end users and engineers unprecedented remote access to equipment from any PC, tablet or smartphone.  CIAT have disclosed that the M2M links to a cloud-based remote monitoring system that gives access to all control parameters, performance data and real-time events in progress. The company further claim that the M2M platform can be used with CIAT chillers, heat pumps, rooftop systems and air handling units, and is suitable for retrofit on existing plant.

Other features of the platform are that it carries out trend analyses, showing equipment performance over extended periods, which can be used as part of an energy efficiency program, while, in the event of an alarm, the platform automatically sends an email or text alert to the building administrator and responsible contractor.  The platform also has a clear graphical presentation which gives an immediate visual overview of plant, including the current status of all main components, including information on temperatures, pressures, flows and current operating modes.  CIAT also claim that, in the event of a system fault, the M2M will record the full conditions at the time, giving engineers a complete picture leading up to an alarm, which should help rapid evaluation of the cause and enable remedial action to be quickly taken.

In addition to providing access to plant control parameters, the platform can also be used to provide access to records of relevant details covering the installation, including equipment model and specification, technical support details and even contract terms.
CIAT claim that the combined control and monitoring capabilities of M2M should enable engineers to:
• adjust equipment operation to provide an optimum working environment for building occupants;
• remotely diagnose problems, and assess the need for a site visit;
• reduce equipment downtime and cut maintenance costs;
• access detailed information in real-time on the use and performance of equipment;
• reduce the carbon footprint of equipment over time, as part of an ongoing energy management program.

Each M2M controller is capable of monitoring up to three items of equipment, which should significantly reduce the number of kits required to cover an extended system on the building.
At the present time, the M2M platform is available for the following CIAT chillers and heat pumps ranges: Aquaciat Power, Aquaciat Power HEE, Aquaciat free-cooling, Powerciat LX, Aquaciat 2, Aquaciat Grand Inverter and Aquaciat Caleo.