Page 305 - Advanced Course

KNX ADVANCED COURSE

4.3 Multifunctional actuators
An alternative option to reduce energy consumption, realize additional functions and
switch operations is the integration of switching actuators with extended functionality.
Actuators can be used that can also measure power consumption or energy, next to the
“normal” switch operation.
These actuators are normally not MID (Measuring Instrument Directive) certified or
calibrated but can be a help for the customers to manage their energy consumption or in
order to have a more transparent overview of the performance.
One should particularly pay attention to the measuring tolerance, as this may differ from
one product to another. This alternative is not that expensive, as multichannel actuators
can be used. In this way the price is lower than when using one meter for each load /
electric circuit. This decision depends on the customer’s requirements.
The currently available actuators offer in most cases a comprehensive package of
additional functions. This can be the measurement of the frequency, the mains voltage or
the power,…. Furthermore also operating hours can be collected. With this it is possible
to manage maintenance intervals e.g. when a consumption threshold value is reached, a
telegram can be sent on the bus. This in turn can be shown as a fault message in a
visualisation or the sending of an email can be triggered.

Picture 12: Example parameter operating hours

Apart from the previously indicated values, it may also be possible to count the power
(either per channel and/or the total power) and to send this data to a visualisation. Via this
mechanism the depreciation of a new device can be easily and in a transparent way be
demonstrated.

Home and Building Management Systems KNX Association
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