Alerton Modular VAV Controller
Overview
The modular VAV controllers are freely programmable controllers designed for pressure-independent control of any single duct and dual duct Variable Air Volume (VAV), Constant Air Volume (CAV) and Supply/Exhaust terminal units. These controllers are ideally suited for critical environment applications such as Laboratory Airflow Tracking, Critical Patient Rooms, Operating Rooms, and other applications requiring precise control of airflows.
A rectangular electronic device with multiple ports and connectors, including RS485, COM, MS/TP, POWER, and numbered input/output ports.
Similar to the single duct version, potentially with more input/output ports, designed for dual duct applications.
The modular VAV controllers are supported by the VisualLogic® programming tool and are compatible with Compass 2.3 supervisor version and above. These controllers are designed for flexibility, featuring no integrated actuator, a field-replaceable air sensor, universal inputs/outputs (UIO), solid-state relay outputs, and a Microset bus. They support modern communication standards including either BACnet® IP CAT5/6, BACnet® IP T1L, or BACnet® MS/TP, along with DHCP, SLAAC, and Link Local addressing modes.
The integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enables easy pairing with mobile apps such as the Honeywell Connect Mobile App for Balancing and the BMS Startup App for Device Pairing and Checkout.
Features and Benefits
Communication
- Supports BACnet® IP CAT5/6, BACnet® IP T1L, or BACnet® MS/TP, enabling faster downloads, significantly reducing commissioning time, and increasing data bandwidth for data sharing.
- Built-in 2-port Ethernet switch supports 10/100 Mpbs.
- IP models support full duplex IPv4, IPv6 addressing, DHCP, SLAAC, and Link Local addressing modes.
- Supports Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Network Time Protocol (NTPv4).
- Supports fail-safe daisy chains (IP T1L) over a distance of up to 3,281 feet (1000 meters) at a standard speed of 10 Mbps, which is significantly higher than standard CAT5/6 distances.
- Features a non-isolated RS-485 interface for Modbus communication.
Characteristics
- Color-coded, removable terminal blocks to simplify wiring and replacement.
- Real-time clock with a super capacitor circuit providing up to 24 hours of date/time retention.
- 24 VAC/VDC at 300 mA auxiliary supply for field devices.
- Single Duct models have 6 Universal Inputs/Outputs and 5 Solid State Relays, while Dual Duct models have 8 Universal Inputs/Outputs and 6 Solid State Relays. UIOs are configurable as analog voltage/current output or as analog/binary input.
- Field-replaceable differential pressure sensor (± 500 Pa; accuracy +/- 3% of full range).
- The airflow sensor is factory calibrated at multiple velocity points. Minimum, maximum, and reheat airflows can be entered using the Connect Mobile app (Airflow calibration/Balancing), a Microset wall unit, or compatible operator workstation software.
- Solid State Relays support 24 VAC/VDC voltage with 1.5 A continuous and 3.5 A inrush for 100 milliseconds per output.
Supports
- 50 trendlogs at 60 seconds interval minimum (includes 10 COV trendlogs).
- 3 Schedules and 1 Zone (Optimum Start for internal point only).
- 25 Alarms (Event Enrollment Objects).
- 5 Notification Class Objects.
- 1 Calendar object.
- Supports Honeywell Connect Mobile for balancing, BMS Startup - Device Pairing mobile app for device pairing, device numbering, and easy deployment using BACnet® "Who Am I" and "You are" messages.
Freely Programmable
- Supports Alerton's BD9 DDC file format using Alerton's VisualLogic®.
- An extensive library of VAV applications is available, including ASHRAE Guideline 36.
- All control logic is programmed using Alerton's easy-to-learn graphical programming language, VisualLogic®.
- Using BD9 DDC, the modular VAV controller can execute more complex calculations to meet the needs of increasingly demanding sequences of operations for building systems.
Controller Part Description
The part numbering scheme indicates key features:
- Variable Air Volume: VAV
- Pressure Sensor: SD - Single Duct (1 x Pressure Sensor), DD - Dual Duct (2 x Pressure Sensors)
- Universal I/O: 6 for Single Duct (SD), 8 for Dual Duct (DD)
- Wireless Capabilities: BLE - Bluetooth
- Backbone Communication: IP - BACnet® IP CAT5/6, T1L - BACnet® IP T1L, BLANK - BACnet® MS/TP
- Binary Outputs: 5 for Solid State Relays (SD), 8 for Solid State Relays (DD)
| PART NUMBER | PRESSURE SENSOR (SD/DD) | UNIVERSAL IO | SOLID STATE RELAY (SSR) | COMMUNICATION | MSET BUS | BLUETOOTH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAV-SD6u5-IP | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® IP CAT5/6 | Yes | No |
| VAV-SD6u5-IP-BLE | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® IP CAT5/6 | Yes | Yes |
| VAV-SD6u5 | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® MS/TP | Yes | No |
| VAV-SD6u5-BLE | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® MS/TP | Yes | Yes |
| VAV-SD6u5-T1L | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® IP T1L | Yes | No |
| VAV-SD6u5-T1L-BLE | Single Duct | 6 | 5 | BACnet® IP T1L | Yes | Yes |
| VAV-DD8u8-IP | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® IP CAT5/6 | Yes | No |
| VAV-DD8u8-IP-BLE | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® IP CAT5/6 | Yes | Yes |
| VAV-DD8u8 | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® MS/TP | Yes | No |
| VAV-DD8u8-BLE | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® MS/TP | Yes | Yes |
| VAV-DD8u8-T1L | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® IP T1L | Yes | No |
| VAV-DD8u8-T1L-BLE | Dual Duct | 8 | 8 | BACnet® IP T1L | Yes | Yes |
Accessories and Replacement Parts
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| SDPPF500PA | Replacement air flow sensor for use if the original sensor is damaged, or becomes inoperable. (Sold in pack of 2) |
| CW-COV-S-UNITARY | Terminal cover for the modular VAV controllers (sold in pack of 10) |
| SCRW-TB-UNI-L | Set of removable terminal blocks covering all models of Unitary & VAV Controllers |
| 10BASE-T1L-ADAPT-0 | BACnet® IP T1L single pair media adapter that allows converting 10BASE-T traffic to 10BASE-T1L (without power supply) |
Weights and Dimensions
The Alerton Modular VAV Controllers have consistent dimensions across all models: 7.1 inches (180 mm) in length, 4.79 inches (121.6 mm) in height, and 2.4 inches (60.85 mm) in depth. The weight is 1.256 lbs. (570 g). Mounting options include fuse boxes (DIN43880), DIN rails, or surface mounting with optional protection covers.
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| DIMENSION (L X W X H) | 7.1 x 4.79 x 2.4 inches (180 x 121.6 x 60.85 mm) |
| WEIGHT | 1.256 lbs. (570 g) |
| MOUNTING | Mounting in fuse boxes (DIN43880), on DIN rails or surface mounted with optional protection covers. |
Hardware Overview
The hardware interfaces vary by model type:
- BACnet IP CAT5/6 Model: Features two RJ45 Ethernet ports (PORT1, PORT2) for 10/100 Mbps communication, an RS485 port (COM), power input terminals (24VDC), Universal Input/Output (UIO) terminals (6 for Single Duct, 8 for Dual Duct), and Solid State Relay (SSR) outputs. It also supports auxiliary power for field devices (24 VAC/VDC) and a Microset connection.
- BACnet MS/TP Model: Includes an RS485 port (COM), DIP switches for MS/TP address configuration, power input terminals (24VDC), UIO terminals, and SSR outputs. It also supports auxiliary power for field devices and a Microset connection.
- BACnet IP T1L Model: Features two T1L ports (AT1L 1, AT1L 2) for communication, an RS485 port (COM), power input terminals (24VDC), UIO terminals, and SSR outputs. It also supports auxiliary power for field devices and a Microset connection.
System Overview
The system architecture shows Compass Supervisor 2.3 connecting via an Ethernet Switch to an ACM Controller. The ACM Controller communicates with different Alerton Modular VAV Controllers: BACnet MS/TP Modular VAV Controller via Modbus RTU, BACnet IP CAT5/6 Modular VAV Controller via BACnet IP CAT5/6, and BACnet IP T1L Modular VAV Controller via BACnet IP T1L. A T1L Media Adapter connects to the T1L VAV controller. Various HVAC devices, such as IAQ Sensors, Energy Meters, VFDs, Wall Modules (for CO2 sensors, Occupancy), and Microset 4 units, connect to the VAV controllers through their respective communication interfaces.
Legend:
- BACnet IP CAT5/6
- BACnet MS/TP
- Modbus RTU
- BACnet IP T1L
- Microset Bus
Product Specifications
Hardware
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| CPU | Crossover processor NXP i.MRT, Cortex M7 |
| MEMORY CAPACITY | 64 MB QSPI Flash, 16 MB SDRAM |
| IP CAT5/6 | 2 x RJ-45 ports, 10/100 Mbps with a protection that allows loop topology to continue the communication with other controllers even if one node fails, when used with an RSTP manage device. |
| IP T1L | 2 x T1L with fail-safe, supporting up to 10 Mbps, and featuring a protection mechanism that ensures communication continues with other controllers even if one node fails. |
| MS/TP | MS/TP operates over twisted pair cabling in a bus topology, facilitating communication with the controllers at speeds ranging from 9.6 kbps to 115.2 kbps through a master-slave configuration. |
| REAL TIME CLOCK | 24 hours backup after power failure. After 24 hours, the time will reset to factory default time until the user performs time sync via BACnet® or Network Time Protocol (NTP). |
| SMALL LED | Transmission or reception of IP T1L, MS/TP, Modbus and Bluetooth signal (green) and service pin status. |
| LARGE LED | Controller status (green, yellow and red). |
Electrical
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| RATED INPUT VOLTAGE | 20 - 30 VAC / 24 - 30 VDC |
| NOMINAL POWER CONSUMPTION | • BACnet® IP CAT5/6: 10 VA • BACnet® MS/TP: 7 VA • BACnet® IP T1L: 9 VA |
| FULL LOAD POWER CONSUMPTION | • BACnet® IP CAT5/6: 36 VA • BACnet® MS/TP: 33 VA • BACnet® IP T1L: 36 VA |
| FREQUENCY RANGE | 50 - 60 Hz |
| AUXILIARY POWER OUTPUT | 1 x 24 VAC/VDC at 300 mA 1 x 24 VDC at 75 mA |
| IMPULSE VOLTAGE | 330 VAC |
| TYPE OF LOADS | Resistive or inductive loads |
| MATERIAL GROUP | IIIb |
| CLASSES OF CONTROL FUNCTION | Class A control |
| TYPE OF OUTPUT WAVEFORM | Sine wave or DC voltage |
Operational Environment
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| STORAGE TEMPERATURE | -40 °F to 150 °F (-40 °C to 66 °C) |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE | -40 °F to 149 °F (-40 °C to 65 °C) |
| HUMIDITY | 5% to 95% RH., non-condensing |
| PROTECTION | IP20, NEMA 1 |
| POLLUTION LEVEL | 2 |
Solid State Relay
Solid State Relays (SSRs) switch supply voltage and work with both AC and DC. For DC applications, synchronous motor support is not provided. Each SSR output supports 1.5 A constant current across all 5 (SD) or 8 (DD) outputs, with a 3.5 A inrush for 0.1 seconds per output. A factory-installed jumper connects the 24 VAC or 24 VDC supply to the SSR input, shared by all SSRs. A 5 A fuse (e.g., 0AGC005.V, OAGW005.VP, BK/AGW-5) and fuse holder (e.g., 150603, BK/HRK-R) are recommended.
Supported Devices
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| MICROSET WALL MODULES | Microset 4: MS4-TH, MS4-TH-NL, MS4-THC Microset II: MS-2000-BT, MS-2000-BT-NL, MS-2000H-BT |
| MICROTOUCH WALL MODULES | TS-1050-BT, TS-1050-BT-NL |
| MODBUS DEVICES | Modbus RTU devices from any manufacturer, including Alerton Modbus devices (e.g., TR100, TR50, TC300, DALI64MODPSUF/S). |
Wire Gauge
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| POWER INPUT | 12-14 AWG |
| SSR OUTPUT AND SRIN | 22-18 AWG |
| IP T1L | 18-23 AWG, Twisted Pair, Shielded Al-Foil and Cubraid tinned |
Communication
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| PROTOCOL SUPPORTED | • BACnet®/Ethernet, BACnet®/IPv4, BACnet®/IPv6. • BACnet®/ MS/TP (Master); EIA-485 (RS485) over twisted shield-pair (TSP); auto-baud switching (9.6, 19.2, 38.4, 76.8, or 115.2 Kbps). • Modbus RTU (Master) • Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) • Network Time Protocol (NTPv4) • Bluetooth (Optional) |
| IP ADDRESSING MODES | • Dynamic: DHCP (IPv4), SLAAC (IPv6), Link-Local • Static: Assigned |
NOTE: Auto Baud rate detection is provided only for the BACnet™ MS/TP controllers.
Universal IO
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| AI | • 16-bit universal inputs accept 10 k thermistor (type II and III), 3k thermistor, dry contact, 1k platinum RTD, 0-20 mA, 0-10 V, or dry-contact pulse. Pulse input maximum frequency of 100 Hz. Pulse input minimum duty cycle 5 ms ON / 5 ms OFF. • Sensors: 10K Ohm NTC Type II, 10K Ohm NTC Type III, PT1000, 100 Ohm to 100K Ohm resistive (custom characteristic). NOTE: Some 4-20 mA input sensors may need an external resistor to function properly. Please refer to the sensor's documentation. |
| BI | • Dry contact binary input. • Pulse input with maximum frequency 100 Hz, minimum pulse width 5 ms. |
| AO | • Voltage output with 0-10 VDC with -3 mA ...+20 mA. • Current output with 0-20 mA direct/reverse. • 16-bit analog output. |
| DO | 0...10 VDC at 20 mA binary output with direct/reverse. |
IP T1L Communication
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| 10BASE-T1L STANDARD | 802.3cg-2019 |
| CONNECTION | Screw terminal, auto MDI-X |
| CABLE TYPE | 18-23 AWG, Twisted Pair, Shielded Al-Foil and Cubraid tinned |
| DISTANCE | Maximum distance between controllers support upto 3281 ft. (1000 m) based on cables characteristics. For more details about cable type and characteristics refer to the IP T1L Network Specification Guide. |
| TRANSMISSION RATE | 10 Mbps |
Standards and Approvals
- CE mark
- UL 916
- UL/ULC 60730-1
- FCC/IC Product Class B
- Plenum Tested (according to UL 2043)
- ROHS
- IP CAT5/6, IP T1L and MS/TP modular VAV models as BACnet® Advanced Application Controller (B-AAC); (BTL certification is pending)
