Electric heating element controllers
The regulation of heating elements is commonly achieved through the use of infinitely variable heat control potentiometers, commonly referred to as infinite switches. These manage the temperature of the heating element by intermittently disrupting the current supplied to it. The frequency of these interruptions is directly proportional to the setting of the infinite switch, allowing for precise control over the heating element's temperature.
How do the electric heater controllers work?
These products are intended for electric heaters. Normally, a sensor is connected to the controller and using the built-in potentiometers, we set the desired temperature. Then, according to the measured temperature, the controller will turn on the power to the heater at certain intervals, the lower the temperature is, the more frequent the intervals will be and the longer the electric heater will be turned on. The closer the setpoint temperature is to the ambient temperature, the shorter the intervals will be, and when the set temperature is reached, the controller stops the interval cycle. The controller algorithm minimizes temperature fluctuations.
These products are intended for electric heaters. Normally, a sensor is connected to the controller and using the built-in potentiometers, we set the desired temperature. Then, according to the measured temperature, the controller will turn on the power to the heater at certain intervals, the lower the temperature is, the more frequent the intervals will be and the longer the electric heater will be turned on. The closer the setpoint temperature is to the ambient temperature, the shorter the intervals will be, and when the set temperature is reached, the controller stops the interval cycle. The controller algorithm minimizes temperature fluctuations.
TRIAC technology
TRIAC control stands out for its superior control accuracy, offering precise management of heating elements. This heightened accuracy not only ensures optimal temperature regulation but also contributes significantly to reducing energy costs, making it an energy-efficient solution. The benefits extend beyond efficiency, with users experiencing increased comfort due to the maintenance of a consistent and even temperature.
One notable advantage of TRIAC control lies in its reliance on a semiconductor, the TRIAC, to switch the current. Unlike systems with moving parts, the use of a semiconductor eliminates components that may wear out over time. This not only enhances the durability of the control system but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
Furthermore, the current switching process in TRIAC control occurs at zero crossing. This strategic timing minimizes network disturbance, ensuring a smooth and interference-free operation. By synchronizing the current switch with zero crossing, potential disruptions to the electrical network are mitigated, enhancing the overall reliability and performance of the heating control system.
So, TRIAC control is considerably more accurate than on/off control, meaning increased heating comfort and lowered energy costs.
Sentera’s heater controller range
We offer single-phase and three-phase controllers for electric heaters. The electric heating controllers included in this group are intended for control of radiators or electric heating coils. They can be mounted in a technical room or a cabinet thanks to their robust industrial enclosure. The electric heating controllers utilise time-proportional TRIAC control and operate on an external 0 - 10 V input signal.
Single-phase heater regulators: The AH2 series regulates the heating elements of single-phase 230 VAC or two-phase 400 VAC electric heaters. It switches the power to the heating elements proportionally on and off to meet the heating needs. The current is controlled by TRIACS, thereby increasing control accuracy, which reduces energy consumption.
The single-phase electric heater control series has protection against possible overheating, terminals for connecting a PT500 temperature sensor, and terminals for an external potentiometer. It also has one more digital input for remote switching on and off, and a digital input for switching between day and night modes. Our single-phase electric heater controllers feature Modbus RTU, so they can easily be connected to any system with a Modbus RTU network. After connecting them to Modbus, it is possible to change the controller settings and monitor its operation.
This series comprises master and slave devices. While the master types of devices (AH2C1-6 and AH2C1-6 -500) can be used as slaves and feature built in potentiometers for day and night temperature switches, the slave only device (AH2A1-6) can only be used as an expansion unit and does not have manual controls. So, we have three product versions - with a built-in temperature sensor (AH2C1-6 -500), controllers without sensors (AH2C1-6), for which sensors are ordered separately, and power expansion controllers (AH2A1-6) that are used if the power of your heater exceeds the power of one controller. By connecting them to the master controller, you will double the controllable power. The controller can control single-phase electric heaters up to 3,2 kW, and two-phase electric heaters up to 6 kW.
The series allow to be used as standalone devices thanks to the fact that they can be adjusted using the dip switches, but they can also be controlled using Modbus RTU communication.
The single-phase electric heater control series has protection against possible overheating, terminals for connecting a PT500 temperature sensor, and terminals for an external potentiometer. It also has one more digital input for remote switching on and off, and a digital input for switching between day and night modes. Our single-phase electric heater controllers feature Modbus RTU, so they can easily be connected to any system with a Modbus RTU network. After connecting them to Modbus, it is possible to change the controller settings and monitor its operation.
This series comprises master and slave devices. While the master types of devices (AH2C1-6 and AH2C1-6 -500) can be used as slaves and feature built in potentiometers for day and night temperature switches, the slave only device (AH2A1-6) can only be used as an expansion unit and does not have manual controls. So, we have three product versions - with a built-in temperature sensor (AH2C1-6 -500), controllers without sensors (AH2C1-6), for which sensors are ordered separately, and power expansion controllers (AH2A1-6) that are used if the power of your heater exceeds the power of one controller. By connecting them to the master controller, you will double the controllable power. The controller can control single-phase electric heaters up to 3,2 kW, and two-phase electric heaters up to 6 kW.
The series allow to be used as standalone devices thanks to the fact that they can be adjusted using the dip switches, but they can also be controlled using Modbus RTU communication.
Three-phase regulator for electric heaters: The three-phase electric heater controller - EH3C4-15 - regulates the heating elements of three-phase 380 - 440 VAC electric heaters. It turns the heating elements on and off proportionally to meet the heating needs. The current is controlled by two TRIACS, thus increasing control accuracy, which reduces energy consumption. The three-phase electric heater controller has protection against possible overheating, terminals for connecting the temperature sensor PT500 and terminals for external potentiometer.
The EH3C4-15 controllers are adjusted manually using the dip switches and the standard day and night temperature setting switches. The controller is capable of controlling both delta and star connected loads.
The EH3C4-15 controllers are adjusted manually using the dip switches and the standard day and night temperature setting switches. The controller is capable of controlling both delta and star connected loads.
By combining ventilation with electric heaters, it is possible to create a comfortable and effective indoor environment. It is important to note that this should be done carefully and using appropriate safety standards to ensure an optimal balance between air quality and comfort.