Orion System Systems Design - Manual (Page 13)

Systems Design Technical Guide
Networked Multiple Loop System
13
System Overview
Overview
The Networked Multiple Loop system is used when you have more
than 59 HVAC Unit Controllers and/or are using multiple HVAC
Unit Controllers that are connected to VAV/Zone Controllers. These
groups of controllers are broken up into multiple “Local Loops”
which connect to each other via the “Network Loop”. Each indi-
vidual MiniLink PD handles its specifi c local loop’s communications
requirements. The CommLink 5 communications interface handles
all the communications between the individual MiniLink PDs to form
the network loop. Up to 60 local loops can be connected together
with this confi guration. This provides the capability for over 3500
controllers to be networked together. For detailed wiring and con-
nection diagrams, see pages 26-29.
HVAC Unit Controllers
If you have more than 59 HVAC Unit Controllers, you must split
them into separate local loops with no more than 59 controllers on a
loop. Wiring on each local loop from the HVAC Unit Controller to the
MiniLink PD is accomplished by using WattMaster communications
wire or 18 gauge 2 conductor twisted pair with shield wire (Belden
#82760 or equivalent). The fi rst MiniLink PD on the network loop
also connects to the CommLink using 18 gauge 2 conductor twisted
pair with shield wire. Each MiniLink PD connects to the next using
the same type 18 gauge, 2 conductor wire or by using prefabricated
cables. These prefabricated cables have modular plug-in connec-
tors on both ends to connect the MiniLink PDs together. With this
system, the MiniLink PD and CommLink communication interfaces
provide the ability for the controllers to share information with each
other. The MiniLink PD handles its local loop communications and
the CommLink handles network (local loop to local loop) commu-
nications. See the “Communication Device Options” section that
follows for more information on the MiniLink PD and CommLink.
Programming and status monitoring are accomplished by selecting
and installing an operator interface. Any one or more of the operator
interfaces can be used for system programming and monitoring. See
the section titled “Operator Interface Options” for a list and block
connection diagrams of the operator interface options available along
with their capabilities and limitations.
HVAC Unit Controller with Modular VAV/Zone
Controllers
With this system, each HVAC Unit Controller that is using Modular
VAV/Zone Controllers is connected to its own MiniLink PD. Wiring
on each local loop from the HVAC Unit Controller to the MiniLink
PD is accomplished by using WattMaster communications wire or
18 gauge 2 conductor twisted pair with shield wire (Belden #82760
or equivalent). The fi rst MiniLink PD on the network loop also con-
nects to the CommLink using 18 gauge 2 conductor twisted pair with
shield wire. Each MiniLink PD connects to the next using the same
type 18 gauge, 2 conductor wire or by using prefabricated cables. All
communications and power wiring between the Power/Comm boards
and the Modular VAV/Zone Controllers is accomplished by using
these prefabricated cables which have modular plug-in connectors on
both ends. With this system, the MiniLink PD and CommLink com-
munication interfaces provide the ability for the controllers to share
information with each other. The MiniLink handles local loop com-
munications and the Comm-Link handles network (local loop to local
loop) communications. See the “Communication Device Options”
section that follows for more information on the MiniLink PD and
CommLink. Programming and status monitoring are accomplished
by selecting and installing an operator interface. Any one or more
of the operator interfaces can be used for system programming and
monitoring. See the section titled “Operator Interface Options” that
follows for a list and block connection diagrams of the operator in-
terface options available along with their capabilities and limitations.
HVAC Unit Controller with Non Modular VAV/
Zone Controllers
With this system, each HVAC Unit Controller that is using Non-
Modular VAV/Zone Controllers is connected to its own MiniLink
PD. Wiring on each local loop from the HVAC Unit Controller to the
MiniLink PD is accomplished by using WattMaster communications
wire or 18 gauge 2 conductor twisted pair with shield wire (Belden
#82760 or equivalent). The fi rst MiniLink PD on the network loop
also connects to the CommLink using 18 gauge 2 conductor twisted
pair with shield wire. Each MiniLink PD connects to the next using
the same type 18 gauge, 2 conductor wire or by using prefabricated
cables. All communications and power wiring between the MiniLink
PDs and VAV/Zone Controllers is accomplished by using the same
type 18 gauge, 2 conductor wire or by using these prefabricated
cables. With this system, the MiniLink PD and CommLink com-
munication interfaces provide the ability for the controllers to share
information with each other. The MiniLink handles local loop com-
munications and the Comm-Link handles network (local loop to local
loop) communications. See the “Communication Device Options”
section that follows for more information on the MiniLink PD and
CommLink. Programming and status monitoring are accomplished
by selecting and installing an operator interface. Any one or more
of the operator interfaces can be used for system programming and
monitoring. See the section titled “Operator Interface Options” that
follows for a list and block connection diagrams of the operator in-
terface options available along with their capabilities and limitations.