Functional Devices, Inc. Introduces World’s First Completely Self-Powered Wireless Current Sensor with EnOcean Energy Harvesting Technology

Self-powered wireless current sensor simplifies common HVAC retrofitting

[December 15, 2009 – Russiaville, IN] Functional Devices announces the release of the world’s first completely EnOcean-based self-powered wireless current sensor. Current sensors monitor the status of electrical current flowing through a power line. Functional Devices’ solution wirelessly transmits this status and enables remote monitoring or linking the operation of one machine with another. The Functional Devices current sensor is unique because it generates its own power for both sensing and wireless communication. Eliminating wires simplifies installation, especially retrofitting existing buildings; while self-powering eliminates maintenance throughout the product’s life. Functional Devices engineer Rob Pinto explains, “Many customers want to interlock an exhaust fan with a dryer; however, the equipment is often some distance apart. With our self-powered wireless current sensor, integrators simply clip the wireless current sensor to the dryer’s power line and connect a wireless relay to the fan. This saves time, cost and the headache or hardwiring to remote locations.”

The Functional Devices wireless current sensor (RIBXKJF-EN) detects load currents ranging from 3 - 150 Amps and transmits radio signals via the interoperable EnOcean wireless standard. The radio signal is sent to a wireless relay/repeater that uses load current data to switch electrical loads up to 20 Amps. When combined with the relay, the wireless current sensor provides a turn-key “interlocking load” solution for existing buildings.

The new wireless current sensor overcomes major retrofitting barriers now that the job can be done wirelessly and battery-free. Integrators can clamp the current sensor to the cable; then the sensor is able to power itself, detect load currents and transmit radio signals using only the power residing around the cable. After the power to any number of dryers is sensed, a radio transmission is generated which activates the wireless relay to turn on the exhaust fan, giving extra power to the vent system of the building. The repeater function of the relay receiver can extend the range of the exhaust vent by initiating another fan wirelessly. This wireless interlocking solution is designed to save time and cost of hardwiring. Providing cost effective resource saving and innovative solutions is integral to Functional Devices’ effort to provide “green” solutions to building managers.

About Functional Devices, Inc.
Functional Devices, Inc. has been manufacturing quality electronic devices in the United States of America since 1969. Our goal is to provide high quality products, the most reliable and economical solutions to the needs of our customers, and world-class support from our sales and engineering experts. Current product offerings include RIB relays, current sensors, power control devices, enclosures, power supplies, transformers, wireless devices and accessories. Functional Devices has established itself as a leader in the HVAC, Building Controls, and Energy Management industries.

For more information visit www.functionaldevices.com

About the EnOcean Alliance
Leading companies worldwide from the building sector collected to form the EnOcean Alliance, with the aim of promoting and establishing innovative automation solutions for sustainable buildings – and so to make buildings more energy-efficient, more flexible and lower in cost. The core technology of the Alliance is self-powered wireless technology from EnOcean for flexibly positioned and service-free sensor solutions. The EnOcean Alliance aims to standardize and internationalize EnOcean wireless technology, and is dedicated to creating interoperability between the products of OEM partners. More than 120 companies currently belong to the EnOcean Alliance. The headquarters of the non-profit organization is located in San Ramon, California.

For more information visit www.enocean-alliance.org 
 

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