nVent Adds BMS Connectivity to Next Generation nVent RAYCHEM Elexant 450c Heat Tracing Controller
May 28, 2021
nVent Electric plc , a global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions, recently announced the addition of a Modbus communication protocol to its advanced, energy-efficient commercial heat-tracing controller, the nVent RAYCHEM Elexant 450c. Launched in late 2019, the Elexant 450c is an indoor-housed heat-tracing controller designed to provide specifiers, installers and building owners with the latest in smart, energy-saving anti-freeze protection. The addition of a new firmware device equipped with Modbus connectivity allows the Elexant 450c to integrate with virtually any building management system (BMS). This new feature offers building managers complete temperature maintenance process visibility from one central location, along with the potential for continuous optimization through data-driven insights.
“At nVent, we’re constantly striving to create smarter, more effective solutions that use new and existing technologies to their fullest potential,” comments Knut Bittner, global product manager at nVent. “The initial launch of the Elexant 450c, and this latest Modbus feature update, represent our commitment to continuously innovating and improving systems for our customers.”
Smart, flexible and connected control
Part of the Elexant family of smart heat-tracing controllers, the nVent RAYCHEM Elexant 450c offers advanced and reliable temperature control that can be tailored to the specific needs of individual commercial building projects.
With dual zone tracing capabilities, the controller can simultaneously maintain two separate heating circuits at different temperature settings, all from one intuitive touch-screen user interface. This streamlined functionality is made possible thanks to the inclusion of two types of heat tracing control technology built-in as standard; flexible Proportional Ambient Sensing Control (PASC) and highly-accurate line-sensing control.
The combination of these complementary control methods enables businesses to maximize performance and energy efficiency in each heating zone and offers an extra level of flexibility in the design of heat tracing applications. For example, the controller can maintain a greasy waste pipe circuit at 40°C in one area using line-sensing control, while simultaneously running a pipe freeze protection (PFP) circuit, set to activate when the ambient temperature falls below freezing, in another.
The Elexant 450c’s DIN Rail mountable design, easy wiring and intuitive set-up also allow tracing specialists to integrate the controller with existing hardware to meet their specific requirements. Now with the addition of Modbus connectivity, the Elexant 450c can seamlessly integrate with other HVAC systems, as well as a central BMS, for more advanced, convenient, and centralized control of vital freeze-protection circuits.
A complete, ready-to-install freeze protection solution
Bringing the benefits of smart BMS connectivity to outdoor frost protection panels, the updated Elexant 450c controller is also a standard component of the new nVent RAYCHEM SBS Pre-built Frost Protection panel line-up. This range of standard pre-fabricated and fully customizable panels is designed to provide everything building managers need to help protect properties from frost damage, all in one easy-to-install package. Featuring fully pre-wired components safeguarded by the latest C-type circuit breakers, the new SBS panels allow users to safely control up to 12 heating circuits with just a simple connection to the mains power supply.
