BUFFALO, N.Y.—Collaboration between technology partners Zeno Controls LLC and ILLUMRA has resulted in the development and release of a new hotel network solution called InnPoint. The new software/hardware configuration is designed to remotely facilitate the control of room lighting, heating and cooling for improved energy savings.
Zeno Controls provides wireless gateways and integrated solutions for small-to-medium size buildings that require control of lighting and HVAC. ILLUMRA manufactures wired and wireless HVAC and lighting control devices for commercial buildings.
ILLUMRA has developed an upgraded firmware that has enabled the use of the ZENO Gateway, built on the Can2Go Platform from Schneider Electric, to distribute both EnOcean and ZigBee wireless signals throughout a building to communicate with EnOcean wireless devices.
“ZENO is pleased to partner with ILLUMRA to introduce firmware that enhances the operation between lighting controls, HVAC controls and Schneider Electric’s Can2Go platform,” said Zeno Controls general manager Joshua Alper. “This collaborative technology delivers faster, simpler commissioning and installation of energy saving technologies and extends the functionality of VERVE devices (such as self-powered wireless sensors, switches, lighting controllers and HVAC controllers) by making it possible for a hotel’s front desk to remotely control functions of guestroom equipment.
Potential for Energy, Cost Savings
“Based on occupancy, front desk staff can put a stop to energy waste by turning on or off room lighting and HVAC when guests are not in their rooms,” he said. “This not only reduces energy costs, but it is respectful of the guest experience. In addition, because these controls are managed in the cloud, it is possible to monitor energy consumption online from anywhere in the world.”
VERVE-branded wireless devices traditionally operate in point-to-point or stand-alone operation; however, with InnPoint firmware for the EnOcean devices, Zeno and ILLUMRA have improved the product performance.
This technology partnership opens the door for VERVE and ILLUMRA devices to be integrated seamlessly on large projects using industry data communication standards, such as the BACnet infrastructure for full integration with other building systems, such as Schneider, Honeywell, Siemens, and others. InnPoint uses a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that collects data points from anywhere in the building and displays them in a programmable graphic user interface designed to optimize the ZENO/Can2Go Gateway.
Convergence of Luminaries, Controls
“The industry is seeing a convergence between luminaries and controls, and together, ZENO and ILLUMRA believe that we are uniquely suited to provide the products that will help organizations take advantage of these exciting times,” Alper said.
Jan Finlinson, ILLUMRA chief technology officer, concurred.
“The enhanced integration with the EnOcean technology and ZENO/Can2Go controllers provides tremendous value for building owners and end-users,” Finlinson said. “Not only does this solution offer advanced energy saving, but it can be installed with minimal interruption to building operations and at a low cost. The hotel product and the work done on the VERVE devices is just the beginning of an effort that will bring the same benefits to various vertical markets.”
