Carrier 50FC Electronic Regulation: Network Communications
This annex provides a comprehensive overview of all local and BMS communication options available for the Carrier 50FC electronic regulation units.
General Description
The 50FC electronic regulation system offers various communication options for local and BMS integration. These include:
- FieldBus2 / BMS: Supports Modbus RTU and BACnet MSTP (requires additional license). Integrates with Carrier BOSS mini (up to 50 units) and BOSS (up to 300 units) for local supervision, and ABOUND HVAC Performance for remote supervision.
- Display port1 / BMS: Enables connection to a local pLAN network (up to 15 graphical terminals).
- Ethernet: Supports Modbus TCP/IP and BACnet IP (requires additional license). Integrates with Carrier BOSS mini and BOSS for local supervision, and supports the SHRD shared network (up to 15 units).
- BMS card: Allows communication via BACnet Ethernet (license included), BACnet MSTP (license included), and Modbus RTU.
A diagram illustrates the 50FC unit and its various communication ports and potential network connections.
Connection to a Shared Network "SHRD"
The 50FC can be configured for independent operation or as part of a shared network (SHRD) in 'Lead', 'Lag', or 'Backup' modes. This network allows data exchange and sharing of sensor readings, temperature setpoints, and operating modes among up to 15 units.
Functionalities
- Lead/Lag: Enables sharing of ambient temperature, outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, and CO2 air quality sensors from the 'Lead' unit.
- Lead/Lag Extended: Includes Lead/Lag features and allows the 'Lead' unit to provide ambient temperature setpoints to other units.
- Lead/Lag with same operating mode: Extends Lead/Lag Extended by also sharing the operating status (Cooling, Heating, Ventilation) from the 'Lead' unit.
- Backup by alarm: One unit acts as a reserve, activating in case of failure of the other.
- Backup Extended: Includes Backup by alarm and automatically switches between units weekly to equalize operating hours.
Note: In Backup mode, units must be fully autonomous, and shared sensors are not possible. Return dampers are recommended if units share the same ductwork.
Addressing
Unit network addresses are configured via the µPC3 control board's Ethernet port. The 'Lead' unit must have address 01. 'Lag' units are assigned addresses 02 through 15.
Connection to a Local Network "pLAN"
A pLAN network allows a single shared terminal to monitor multiple units (up to 15). Each unit can have its own private terminal.
Network Characteristics
- Communication standard: RS485
- Transmission speed: 65.2 Kbit/s
- Maximum network length: 500 m
Addressing
Communication occurs via the Display port1/BMS. The network consists of up to 15 control boards (addresses 1-15), with address 1 reserved for the shared terminal. Address 16 is for the shared terminal, and private terminals are addressed 17-31 (private terminal address = board address + 16).
Important: For units also in an SHRD network, use the same addresses to avoid errors. Addresses must be assigned when units are not connected to the network.
Connection to a BMS Supervision Network
The µPC3 control board features two BMS communication ports (Ethernet and RS485) for connection to a centralized technical management system.
- Ethernet IP Port: Supports Modbus TCP/IP and BACnet IP (license required). Integrates with Carrier BOSS mini and BOSS.
- RS485 Port (Fieldbus2/BMS): Supports Modbus RTU and BACnet MSTP (license required). Integrates with Carrier BOSS mini, BOSS, and ABOUND HVAC Performance.
An optional BMS card can be added for BACnet Ethernet, BACnet MSTP, and Modbus RTU protocols.
Enabling Supervision
Supervision is enabled via the G. GENCONFIG menu.
Network Configuration
Network configuration is done through the 12.Config. BMS screens, selecting the supervision protocol (e.g., Modbus RTU) and setting parameters like baud rate, stop bits, and parity for each BMS port.
Configuration details vary based on the installed communication card (BACnet Ethernet, BACnet MSTP RS485, Serial RS485).
Local Supervision Solution "BOSS"
The CARRIER BOSS SUPERVISIÓN system is a solution for managing and supervising large-scale HVAC installations. It can manage up to 300 BOSS units or 50 BOSS mini units.
Key Advantages
- Integrated Wi-Fi Hotspot: Direct access to the supervisor from user devices without additional network infrastructure.
- Mobile Compatibility: Adaptive web design allows access from any mobile device (PC, tablet, smartphone) for programming and daily monitoring.
- Secure Remote Control: Access all system information via a simple browser connection (Internet or 3G/4G) for monitoring and configuration from any location.
The BOSS system offers various features including a plant overview, device management, alarm/event logging, reporting, and configuration options. It supports multiple access levels: Administrator, Installer, Maintenance, and End User.
The web interface provides access to detailed unit information, parameters, variables, alarms, and trend data. Users can create custom graphs and reports.
Remote Supervision Solution "ABOUND"
ABOUND HVAC Performance is a remote monitoring solution for tracking and controlling Carrier units in real-time. It aims to improve energy efficiency and unit availability.
Required Equipment
A transportable box houses the necessary components, including a GPRS/4G modem, SIM card, power supply, electrical protection, and GSM antenna. This box can manage up to 5 units connected in series via Modbus RS485.
ABOUND HVAC Performance Features
Data is sent in real-time to a monitoring website, accessible from any computer, smartphone, or tablet. Incidents can trigger email alerts. The system tracks parameters, provides synoptic diagrams, control dashboards, and temperature curves. It also generates annual and monthly performance balances.
Maintenance Service
Carrier offers maintenance contracts that provide remote visibility of equipment status to both the customer and technicians, enabling expert advice and optimized system performance. Maintenance levels include CORE (monitoring), ENHANCE (remote analysis and optimization), and ELITE (predictive data analysis).
Certifications
The product's manufacturing plant is certified according to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management).