Best way to Control Ceiling Fan ?

[vbhoj74]

Hi,

I'm just starting with KNX, and was wondering what would be the best way to control a ceiling Fan motor ? I would like to control the speed of the fan step wise.

Here is what I think is the best approach, but need expert opinion on the same:

1. Connect the ceiling fan with normal leading/trailing edge dimmer.
2. Program the Sensor/key pad to send step dimming to the actuator.

Another way is just to connect the fan to an on/off actuator, but then controlling fan speed would be an issue. I've also seen Fan actuators (not fan coil) available with 3 steps from ABB, but is it required ?

thanks,
Vineet

[CHOUAIBOU]

Hi vbhoj74,
To control your fan with a KNX actuator, you have to use a dedicated fan actuator as the embedded electronic circuits are designed to dealt with that type of load :
Use the dedicated KNX Fan Coil Actuator MTN645094 with 3 fan stages for example or equivalent. Just make sure that nominal voltage and current of your load is compatible with the output voltage and current of your actuator.

B.R,
Chouaibou.

[vbhoj74]

Hi, but the fan coil is essentially made for HVAC systems right ? Can it be made to control blower ceiling fans ?

I came across this actuator from ABB which is for fans only:

https://goo.gl/FNKnA1

I guess it would be cost effective if it would have worked with a phase dimmer though.

[CHOUAIBOU]

Hi vbhoj74,

1- For your first question, yes you can control blower ceiling fans using only fan outputs from the KNX actuator. This solution is not optimum as you will not use the coil outputs for valves. Once again the rating voltage/current of your load is critical for any actuator !

2 - The ABB actuator from the link is not only for fan, but also for lamp:

Device type FCL/S 1.6.1.1 = 1 fan + 1 power loads (1 lamps @ 230V AC for example)

Device type FCL/S 2.6.1.1 = 2 fan + 2 power loads (2 lamps @ 230V AC for example)

Device type FCL/S 2.6.1.1 = 1 fan + 5 power loads (5 lamps @ 230V AC for example)

Now it is up to you to choose the best solution according to the nominal power of your fan and the price of the actuator.

B.R,
Chouaibou.

[admin]

What kind of fan are you trying to use? ABB controller is basically 3 relays with some control logic inside. It requires a 2/3-speed motor to work.

[vbhoj74]

THis is an example fan: https://goo.gl/9qmFmS
and this is the fan regulator generally used for manual speed control: https://goo.gl/rtH4wv