| Building automation at its best
The demand for building technology in modern buildings is now very much on the increase. This applies to all types of control units, from lighting control and sunblind control to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology and to monitoring, detection and control devices. In catering for the growing demand, high-performance bus systems - like the LON system - are now being employed.
The multi-purpose building control systems in operation also give rise to cross-unit synergy effects. The room functions of various individual units can now be integrated in a single device. Whereas previously separate light switches, ther-mostats and solar shading controls were employed, all of these in different sizes, designs and colours, it is now possible to make use of a single display and control device by means of which all of the room functions mentioned can be controlled.
The new room control panel, with its LON interface, unites the performance capability of the LON with a timeless design, which is both discreet and well-planned. Tidy, clearly-arranged keys, lettering areas and a menu-guided LC display allow the user to comfortably control the lighting, sunblinds, heating, ventilation and other devices located in the room.
Four different devices are available, depending on the requirements. There are the Room Control Panels RCP-141 and RCP-241, with a display and 8 or 18 function keys respectively, and there are the RCP-80 with 8 keys without display and the RCP-81 with 8 keys and a display to assign the room temperature and operation state.
The versions with a display also have an integrated temperature sensor for measuring the current room temperature and a menu to adjust the setpoint and operation modes.
Both multiple-function scenarios and single functions can be assigned to the function keys. Such individual functions and complex scenarios can then be directly selected. All other room functions can be dialled and controlled via the display and using six menu keys (only with RCP-141 and RCP-241).
The user can prepare scenarios directly with the device, without any need for additional software. Scenarios combine a variety of distinct functions which can be simultaneously selected using a single key.
The text shown in the display is freely programmable. In addition, measured values such as room temperature, status reports and fault signals, date and time can all be shown on the display. The lighting used for the display can also be switched off as required.
Thanks to its flat construction, the control panel can be surface mounted or it can be installed flush with the surface of the wall using an accessory flush-mounted, fitted casing.
The prominent British architectural designer Nicolas Grimshaw was commissioned by the firm of Merten with the job of designing the panel. To match his noble conception, Grimshaw chose the materials glass and aluminium.
On the occassion of the trade fair "light+building 2000" held in Frankfurt, Germany, the panel was awarded the "Innovationspreis Architektur und Technik" (Prize for Innovations in Architecture and Technology) for the field of building technology. The jury commended in particular the combination of key operation and visual presentation of text information. For all its complexity, the menu-driven display appears logical and understandable. |
