AIR HANDLING UNIT AND INSTALLATION METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

Air handling unit (1), AHU, comprises a plurality of modules (100), each of which includes a sensor (101), configured to detect values of a physical property and generate a control signal (101), an actuator (102), configured to perform air handling operations and a peripheral controller (103), connected to the sensor (101), to receive the control signal (101), and to the actuator (102), to control it through a command signal (102). The modules (100) of the plurality of modules are operatively interconnected according to a predetermined layout. The air handling unit (1), AHU includes a central control unit (200), connected to each peripheral controller (103), to exchange signals with each peripheral controller (103). Each peripheral controller (103) of the modules (100) of the plurality of modules is programmable, with the possibility of varying a control logic, in response to a location of the respective module (100) within the predetermined layout and/or depending on the sensor and the actuator connected to the correspondent peripheral controller.

Claims

1.-19. (canceled)

20. Air handling unit, AHU, comprising: a plurality of modules, each of which includes: a sensor, configured to detect values of a physical property and generate a control signal, and/or an actuator, configured to perform air handling operations; a peripheral controller, connected to the sensor, to receive the control signal, and to the actuator, to control it through a command signal, the modules of the plurality of modules are operatively interconnected according to a predetermined layout; and a central control unit, in communication with each peripheral controller, to exchange signals with each peripheral controller, wherein each peripheral controller of the modules of the plurality of modules is programmable, with the possibility of varying a control logic, in response to the sensor and/or the actuator which is connected to the corresponding peripheral controller, according to the predetermined layout.

21. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein each module of the plurality of modules includes a proximity receiver, configured to receive control data representative of the control logic, to program the peripheral controller by means of a near-field communication, NFC, technology.

22. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein each module of said plurality comprises a control container, including an external casing, delimiting an internal volume, and wherein each peripheral controller is housed in the internal volume.

23. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 22, wherein each control container comprises a respective cover, configured to divide the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume, and a respective plurality of connectors, for connecting the peripheral controller to the respective sensor and/or the respective actuator, and wherein the first volume houses the peripheral controller and the second volume houses the plurality of connectors.

24. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 22, wherein each peripheral controller comprises an indicator light, representative of an operating status of the corresponding module, and wherein the indicator light of the respective peripheral controller is visible from the outside.

25. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 22, wherein each peripheral controller comprises a proximity receiver, configured to receive data by means of a near-field communication, NFC, technology, and wherein the proximity receiver is arranged on an external surface of the respective control container.

26. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 22, wherein the control container includes an inspection opening, the inspection opening being open to the internal volume of the control container.

27. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein the central control unit is connected to at least one peripheral controller by means of a power cable, to electrically feed the corresponding module, and through a signal cable, the signal cable defining a ModBus connection.

28. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein the physical property detected by the sensor comprises one or more of the following physical parameters: temperature; pressure; degree of humidity, and wherein the actuator of the modules of said plurality of modules is configured to perform one or more of the following operations: forced air circulation from the outside to the inside of the operating space; forced air circulation from inside and expelled outside the operating space; heat exchange for cooling or heating air.

29. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein the control signals are, at least in part, digital signals and/or analogic signals.

30. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein each peripheral controller is configured so that it can be placed in any position of the predetermined layout and is configured to be programmed depending on the predetermined layout position in which it is installed.

31. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein all the peripheral controllers include the same number of connections.

32. The air handling unit, AHU, according to claim 20, wherein the peripheral controller controls the respective sensors and actuators according to the control logic, the control logic being installed in the peripherical controller and being updateable based on the sensor and/or on the actuator which are connected to the correspondent peripheral controller, responsive to a location of the respective module within the predetermined layout.

33. A method for installing an air handling unit, AHU, in an operating space, comprising the following steps: providing a plurality of modules, each including a sensor, an actuator and a peripheral controller, to control the sensor and the actuator; providing a central control unit; positioning each module in a corresponding operating zone of the operating space; connecting of the central control unit to each peripheral controller of said modules of the plurality of modules, to exchange signals with the respective peripheral controller of each module, wherein it comprises a step of programming, in which each peripheral controller of said modules of the plurality of modules is programmed by installing a corresponding control logic, based on the sensor and/or the actuator of the correspondent module.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the programming step is performed through a proximity data transmission step, bringing a programming device near to a proximity receiver of each peripheral controller of said modules of the plurality of modules, to allow a transmission of data by a near-field communication technology.

35. The method according to claim 33, comprising a wiring phase, in which the sensor and the actuator are connected to the peripheral controller via a plurality of connectors, spaced apart from the respective peripheral controller.

36. The method according to claim 33, wherein, in the programming step, the central control unit receive a corresponding control logic, representative of the sensor and of the actuator that each module is provided with.

37. A method for programming control logics on a plurality of modules of an air handling unit, AHU, through a programming device including a processor, the method including the following steps, performed by the processor: receiving layout data, representative of a predetermined layout, according to which the modules of the plurality of modules are operationally interconnected; receiving control data, representative of a plurality of control logics, each of which is associated with a corresponding module of said plurality of modules, based on an arrangement of the module in the predetermined layout; receiving an identification input, representative of a selection of a module to be programmed by an operator; and transferring of selected control data, representative of a control logic associated with the selected module to be programmed, from the programming device to a corresponding peripheral controller of the module to be programmed.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, in the transferring step, the programming device transfers the selected control data transferred to the peripheral controllers to a central control unit of the AHU, which controls each peripheral controller.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein the step of transferring the selected control data is carried out by means of a near-field communication, NFC, technology.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0127] This and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0128] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic layout of an air handling unit, AHU;

[0129] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic section of a control container;

[0130] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method for programming control logics on a plurality of modules of an air handling unit, AHU;

[0131] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a transmitting step of the method according to FIG. 3.

[0132] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a first and a second schematic view of a control container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0133] With reference to the attached figures, an air handling unit, AHU is indicated with reference number 1. The AHU 1 is installable in an operative space OS to be thermodynamically conditioned. In particular, the AHU comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of modules 100. Each module 100 of the plurality of module is disposed in a correspondent operative zone Z (in a correspondent position of the predetermined layout). Please observe that the AHU is configured to thermally conditioning or ventilate or perform other physical transformation on the air contained into a conditioning space, which is the space which has to be conditioned. Sometimes, the operative space, where the AHU is placed and the conditioning space, which has to be conditioned, is the same, however, this is just an example. In most of the cases, the conditioning space is different (considerably larger than) from the operative space OS.

[0134] The AHU 1 comprises a central control unit 200, that is configured to control the AHU 1. In particular, the central control unit 200 is connected to (in terms of capability of receiving data from) each of the module 100 of the plurality of module.

[0135] This information connection could be performed in two different way. According to a first embodiment, which is particularly advantageous for a limited number of modules, the central control unit 200 is directly connected, by a respective cable, to each module 100. According to a second embodiment, which is particularly advantageous for a large number of modules, the central control unit 200 is connected to one module or, maximum, two modules. In this embodiment, the others module are serially connected, and the information regarding the modules pass through the other modules 100.

[0136] In one embodiment, the AHU comprises a plurality of sensors 300, which are configured to detect values of a physical property within the operative space. Said plurality of sensors 300 is connected, directly or indirectly, to the central control unit 200. In one embodiment, at least one sensor 301 is directly connected to the central control unit 200. Said at least one sensor 301 is connected to the central control unit 200 to send it control signals, preferably analogue control signals.

[0137] According to an aspect of the present description, said one or more sensors comprises one or more of the following sensors: [0138] temperature sensors; [0139] pressure sensors; [0140] humidity sensors.

[0141] In one embodiment, the AHU comprises a plurality of actuators 400, which are configured to perform operations to thermodynamically condition the operative zone Z (the operative position) in which they are positioned. Said plurality of actuators 400 is connected, directly or indirectly, to the central control unit 200. In one embodiment, at least one actuator is directly connected to the central control unit 200. Said at least one actuator is connected to the central control unit 200 to receive from the central control unit 200 command signals, preferably analogue command signals.

[0142] According to an aspect of the present description, said one or more actuators comprises one or more of the following actuators: [0143] a fan, to perform a forced-air circulation from the outside of the operative space to the inside of the operative space and/or to perform forced-air circulation from the inside of the operative space to the outside of the operative space; [0144] a heat exchanger, to perform a heat exchange between the air in the operative space and a thermal conditioning fluid, which can be a heater or a refrigerant fluid; [0145] a dehumidifier, to dehumidify the air in the operative space; [0146] a heat recovery system, to recover the heat from a discharge section of the AHU.

[0147] In one embodiment, each module comprises one or more sensors 101 of said plurality of sensors 300. In one embodiment, each module comprises one or more actuators 102 of said plurality of actuators 400.

[0148] Each module 100 of the plurality of modules comprises a peripheral controller 103. The peripheral controller 103 is configured to exchange signals with (receive from, send to) the central control unit 200. The signal that each peripheral controller 103 exchange with the central control unit are preferably digital signals. However, the peripheral controller 103 may also exchange analogue signals.

[0149] Each peripheral controller 103 is connected to the central control unit by means of a power cable PC, which is configured to feed electrical energy to each peripheral controller 103. Moreover, each peripheral controller 103 is connected to the central control unit by means of a signal cable SC, which is configured to transfer digital signals, from and to each peripheral controller 103.

[0150] In one embodiment, the power cable PC and the signal cable SC are both housed in a main cable, that is connected to each peripheral controller 103.

[0151] Each peripheral controller 103 of the modules of the plurality of modules 100 is connected to the respective one or more sensors 101. Said one or more sensors 101 are configured to send to the respective peripheral controller 103 control signals 101, which are representative of the value detected by the sensors. Each peripheral controller 103 of the modules of the plurality of modules 100 is connected to the respective one or more actuators 102. In one embodiment, each peripheral controller 103 is configured electrically feed the respective one or more actuators 102. In one embodiment, each peripheral controller 103 is configured to send command signals 102 to the respective one or more actuators 102 to command their operations.

[0152] In one embodiment, the signal cable SC is a ModBus. In one embodiment, each peripheral controller 103 comprises a respective ModBus node, connected with the Modbus.

[0153] Each module 100 of the plurality of modules comprises a control container 400. The control container 400 may be a box made of plastic or other suitable material. The control container 400 comprises a plurality of walls 401, delimiting an internal volume V. The plurality of walls 401 defines an external surface ES of the control container 400 and an internal surface IS of the control container 400.

[0154] The control container 400 include a septum 402. For example, the septum 402 is a wall that is connected with the plurality of walls 401. The septum may be manufactured in such a way to integrally connected with the plurality of walls 401. For example, the control container 400 may be made by a molding process. The septum 402 include a connection opening 402. The septum 402 divides the internal volume V in a first volume V1 and in a second volume V2. The first volume V1 and the second volume V2 are in communication trough the connection opening 402.

[0155] In one embodiment, the control container 400 comprises a plurality of connectors 403. The plurality of connectors 403 are configured to allow the connection of the peripheral controller 103 with said one or more sensors and/or with said one or more actuators of the respective module 100. The plurality of connectors 403 is electrically connected with the respective peripheral controller 103.

[0156] Each module 100 comprises a plurality of connecting cables 404, to connect the peripheral controller 103 with said one or more sensors and/or with said one or more actuators of the respective module 100.

[0157] The control container 400 includes a plurality of external openings 405, each one configured to allow the access to the internal volume V to a corresponding connecting cables 404 of the plurality of connecting cables. In one embodiment, the first volume V1 houses the respective peripheral controller 103, which is for example fixed to one wall of the plurality of walls 401. In one embodiment, the second volume V2 houses the plurality of connectors 403.

[0158] In this embodiment, the connection between the plurality of connectors 403 and the respective peripheral controller crosses the septum through the connection opening 402.

[0159] In one embodiment, each peripheral controller 103 includes an indicator light 406. The indicator light 406 is configured to provide information, according the type of light emitted, regarding an operating status of the respective module 100.

[0160] For example, if the module 100 has some operative problems the indicator light 406 emits a red light while, when the module 100 works fine, the indicator light 406 emits a green light.

[0161] In one embodiment, the control container 400 includes an inspection opening 407. The inspection opening 407 is open to the internal volume V of the control container 400, to allow the operator to see the indicator light 406 from the outside. In other embodiments, the indicator light 406 can be placed on the external surface ES of the control container 400 and connected to the respective peripheral controller 103 by means of a dedicated wire.

[0162] In one embodiment, each module 100 includes a proximity receiver 408. The proximity receiver 408 is configured to receive data from an external device and to send the data to the peripheral controller 103 to which it is connected, through a near-field communication, NFC, technology. In particular, according to one embodiment, the proximity receiver 408 is configured to receive control data 103, representative of a control logic to be installed in the respective peripheral controller 103. In some embodiments, each module 100 includes a proximity transmitter. The proximity transmitter is configured to send data from the peripheral controller 103 to an external device, through a near-field communication, NFC, technology. The proximity transmitter may be useful in order to download data from a memory of the respective peripheral control 103, for example in case of control failure or other diagnosis need.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present description, only as an example of embodiment, the plurality of modules comprises: [0164] a first filtration module M1, which includes: [0165] a shutter, to close and open an aperture for receiving the external air; [0166] a temperature sensor, configured to detect the external temperature; [0167] a filtration system, to filter the external air; [0168] a heat recovering module M2, which includes a recovering heater, to recover heat from the air flowing out and transmit it to the air flowing in, and a temperature sensor; [0169] a thermal conditioning module M3, including: [0170] a cooler; [0171] a heater; [0172] one or more valve to regulate the flow; [0173] one or more temperature sensors; [0174] a second filtration module M4, including: [0175] a filtration system, to filter the air flowing in from the outside; [0176] a temperature sensor; [0177] a pressure sensor; [0178] a third filter module M5, to filter the air flowing out from the operative space.

[0179] According to an aspect of the present description, the present disclosure provides a further embodiment of the control container, which is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0180] In this embodiment, the control container 400 includes a cover 401, which is configured to protect the peripheral controller 103. The cover 401 is preferably transparent. The cover 401 is open on one side to receive cable to connect on the peripheral controller 103.

[0181] The peripheral controller 103 preferably includes a plurality of plugs 402 (preferably ten plugs), configured to receive an input signal or to send an output signal. This plugs 402 are configured to be connected with the sensors 101 and the actuators 102 of the respective module 100.

[0182] Each plug 402 is characterized by a colour, which identified the sensor and/or the actuator which has to connected therein. Each plug 402 may includes multiple pin connections.

[0183] The proximity receiver 408 of the peripheral controller 103 is preferably spaced from a base of the peripheral controller. This ensure that it can be detect and/or induct from the outside.

[0184] The peripheral controller 103 includes a first plug 403 and a second plug 404. The first plug 403, which defines a ModBus communication, is configured to receive signals from the central control unit 200 or from another peripheral controller 103. The second plug 404, which defines a ModBus communication, is configured to send signals to the central control unit 200 or to another peripheral controller 103.

[0185] Each of this first and second plug 403 and 404 includes, preferably, six pins: two signals pin, one reference pin, two feeding pin and one pin which is connected to a mesh that wraps the two signal cables.

[0186] The control container 400 comprises an external housing 405. The external housing 405 includes a first shell 4051 and a second shell 4052, which are connectable to each other in order to inhibit access to the internal volume V of the control container 400.

[0187] The first shell 4051 comprises a recess R. The first shell 4051 comprises a wall W, including at least two grooves, to support the Input ModBus and the output ModBus on them.

[0188] In one embodiment, the control container 400 includes a pressure plate 406, configured to be connected to pressure gages. The pressure plate 406 is housed into the recess R. In one embodiment, the pressure plate 4061 includes four pipes, in order to connect the pressure plate 406 to two pressure gauges. In one embodiment, the pressure plate 4062 includes two pipes, in order to connect the pressure plate 406 to one pressure gauge. Finally, in one embodiment, the pressure plate 4063 is flat, in order to close the recess R when the peripheral controller has not to control pressure.

[0189] For each pipe of the pressure plate 406, the control container 400 includes a corresponding plastic tube, which connect the pipe to the peripheral controller 103.

[0190] All the cable which are led to the peripheral controller (ModBus In, ModBus Out, sensor cables, actuator cables) are located between the first shell 4051 and the second shell 4052. For this purpose, the control container 400 comprises a first seal 4071 and a second seal 4072. The first seal 4071 comprises a first part P1 and a second part P2. The first part P1 includes a profile which is complementary to the recess R of the first shell 4051. Therefore, the first part P1 of the first seal 4071 is disposed on a border of the first shell 4051 in which it is provided the recess R. The pressure plate 406 is located in the first seal 4071. The second part P2 of the first seal 4071 is placed above the pressure plate 406 to continue to close, actually, the first seal 4071.

[0191] The first seal 4071 comprises, on the side opposite to the border of the first shell 4051, a first plurality of seats S1, each one configured to receive a correspondent cable.

[0192] The second seal 4072 includes a second plurality of seats S2, which, in combination whit the first plurality of seats S1, surrounds the cables which arrive to the peripheral controller. Hence, the first seal 4071 and the second seal 4072 are interposed between the first shell 4051 and the second shell 4052.

[0193] The control container 400 further includes placeholder plugs 408. The placeholder plugs 408 are plug which can be placed between the first and the second seal 4071, 4072 if there is not the correspondent cable which, in the specific control logic loaded on the peripheral controller, is not provided.

[0194] The cover 401 comprises a plurality of light guides, which are configured to guide the light of the indicator light 406, from the base of the peripheral controller 103 to the housing 405, in order to be detect from the outside.

[0195] In one embodiment, the control container includes a plurality of one direction holders 409. The one direction holders are configured to hold the cables in one direction, in order to avoid a cable to be detached from the control container 400. In one embodiment, each one direction holders 409 includes a first wall and a second wall, which are divergent to each other in an extraction direction of the cables. Hence, when the cable is pulled from the outside, the two walls bend as a consequence of the friction with the cable and they tighten the cable, preventing its extraction.

[0196] In one embodiment, the peripheral controller 103 includes a USB connection, to upload and download data to/from the peripheral controller 103.

[0197] In one embodiment, the control container 400 comprises an extraction tool, which is associated with the external housing 405. The extraction tool helps the worker to extract the cables and/or to insert the cables into the respective plug.

[0198] In one embodiment, the peripheral controller includes six led (light indicator 406). The peripheral controller is programmed to display the colour on the led according to the following legenda. [0199] LED1: colour green, peripheral controller on. [0200] LED2: colour red: peripheral controller error, peripheral controller should be substituted. [0201] LED3: colour yellow: I/O cabling error. [0202] LED4: colour blue, communication is ok. [0203] LED5: colour yellow: communication timeout with the central control unit 200 [0204] LED6: colour red, module in alarm state.

[0205] The description also provides a method for installing an air handling unit AHU. The method includes a step of providing an AHU 1, including a plurality of modules 100. In this step, the AHU is transported into a site wherein the AHU has to be installed.

[0206] In particular, the AHU 1 has to be installed in an operative space OS. After the AHU is transported in the site, the AHU has to be positioned within the operative space OS. In particular, the method comprises a step of positioning, wherein the AHU 1 is positioned in the operative space OS. In particular, in the positioning step, each module 100 of the plurality of module is positioned in a correspondent operative zone Z (operative position in the predetermined layout).

[0207] In the step of positioning, a central control unit 200 of the AHU 1 is positioned within a correspondent location of the operative space OS.

[0208] The method includes a step of connecting. In the step of connecting, one or more of the following connections may be performed.

[0209] Each module 100 is connected with the central control unit 200. In particular, according to an embodiment, wherein each module has a corresponding peripheral controller 103, each peripheral controller 103 is connected with the central control unit 200. In the step of connecting, each peripheral controller 103 is connected with the central control unit 200 by means of a power cable PC, to be feed by the central control unit 200 with electric energy. In the step of connecting, each peripheral controller 103 is connected with the central control unit 200 by means of a signal cable SC, to exchange digital and/or analogue signals with the central control unit 200.

[0210] In the step of connecting, each peripheral controller 103 is connected with the respective one or more sensors 101 of the module 100. In particular, according to an embodiment, the connection between peripheral controller 103 and said one or more sensors 101 is an analogue connection. This connection allows the one or more sensors 101 to send control signals 101 to the respective peripheral controller 103.

[0211] In the step of connecting, each peripheral controller 103 is connected with the respective one or more actuators 102 of the module 100. In particular, according to an embodiment, the connection between peripheral controller 103 and said one or more actuators 102 include a power transmission and/or a signal transmission. This connection allows the one or more actuators 102 to receive command signals 102 to the respective peripheral controller 103.

[0212] In the step of connecting, a plurality of connecting cables 404, connected at one extremity to said one or more sensors 101 and/or to said one or more actuators 102, are inserted into corresponding external openings 405 of a control container 400 of the modulo 100. After the plurality of connecting cables 404 has been inserted into the corresponding external openings 405, they are connected a corresponding plurality of connectors 403, which are, in turn, in connection with the respective peripheral controller. The plurality of connectors 403 is disposed into the control container 400 to be distanced from the respective peripheral controller 103, so as to avoid any damage of the peripherical controller 103 during the connecting step.

[0213] The method includes a step of housing, wherein the peripheral controller 103 is disposed in a first volume V1 of an internal volume V of the control container 400 while the plurality of connectors 403 is disposed in a second volume V2 of the internal volume V, which is divided form the first volume V1 by a septum 402. The step of housing is preferably performed not in site but during the assembly of each module.

[0214] The step of positioning is performed based on a predetermined layout that is provided to the operator. Each module 100 of the plurality of module must be controlled in a certain way depending on its position within the predetermined layout.

[0215] Hence, the method includes a step of programming.

[0216] In one embodiment, the step of programming may be on site, after the peripheral controllers have been positioned. In other embodiment, the step of programming may be on factory, before the AHU is sent to the client.

[0217] The step of programming allows to characterize each module 100. In fact, before the (on-site or on-factory) programming, each module 100 of the plurality is suitable to be positioned in any position of the predetermined layout in which is provided a module 100. With the (on-site or on-factory) programming step, each module is differentiated depending on the position in which it is really and physically disposed (or, depending on the sensors and the actuator to which it is connected). This feature avoids any error by the operator on disposing the wrong module in a certain position of the layout.

[0218] Hence, the step of (on-site or on-factory) programming includes a step of transferring control data 103, representative of a control logic to be installed in the respective module 100, from a programming device PD to the respective module 100. In other words, in the step of (on-site or on-factory) programming, each peripheral controller 103 is programmed according to the position in which the correspondent module 100 is located in the operative space.

[0219] In one embodiment, the step of transferring control data 103 is made through a near-field communication technology NFC.

[0220] When the programming step is performed on site, the programing step is preferably performed after the step of positioning.

[0221] More in particular, after the step of positioning, the operator holds the programming device PD, which could be simply a smartphone or a table or a personal computer and approaches each module 100 of said plurality in order to program it. The operator selects, preferably on the screen of the programming device PD, the module which is displayed on the virtual layout in a position that correspond to the real position of the module. The programming device PD, based on the positioned of the module selected on the screen, prepare the control data 103 corresponding to the control logic to be installed in the selected module 100. The programming device PD transmits the prepared control data 103 to the proximity receiver 408 of the respective module 100 to install on the peripherical controller 103 the designed control logic. This step of transmitting is done for each module 100 of the plurality of module.

[0222] In other words, the plurality of modules is selected among a database of modules in a selection software. In particular, the client may customize is AHU and, according to the client selection, the modules are picked from a database of modules. After all the modules are defined, whit all their components, the software is also able to draft an economical offer.

[0223] When the order is performed, the software sends all the information regarding the modules, in particular all the components and the position of the modules in the AHU layout, to an operator, which can install the AHU, trough the software, in the factory or even on site during the assembly of the AHU, according to the received specification.

[0224] More in particular, the present description provides also a method for programming control logics on a plurality of modules of an air handling unit, AHU, through a programming device including a processor.

[0225] The method includes a step of receiving F1 layout data 10, representative of a predetermined layout, according to which the modules of the plurality of modules are operationally interconnected.

[0226] The method includes a step of receiving F2 control data 103, representative of a plurality of control logics. Each control logic is associated with a corresponding module 100 of said plurality of modules.

[0227] Each control logic is associated with a corresponding module 100 of said plurality of modules, based on an arrangement of the module 100 in the predetermined layout.

[0228] The control data 103 and/or the layout data 10 may be received by the processor in one or more of the following ways: [0229] read on a remote server the layout data and/or the control data associated to a specific custom project, the layout data being generated by an operator in another terminal during a designing step; [0230] import, through an importing module of the programming device, the layout data and/or the control data; [0231] receive the layout data and/or the control data by email or by a wireless connection; [0232] receive the layout data through a mobile communication or a Narrow Band.

[0233] In one embodiment, each module may be classified within a set of categories, according to his function and/or his position. In one embodiment, the processor receives from an operator, which is designing the AHU, a category to which each module belongs to.

[0234] In one embodiment, the processor read on a remote server the control data of each module 100, based on the category to which the respective module 100 belongs to.

[0235] The method includes a step of receiving F3 an identification input 11, representative of a selection of a module 100 to be programmed by an operator.

[0236] For example, the identification input 11 may be a selection of a specific module 100 by touching it on a touch screen of the programming device PD, where is displayed a virtual predetermined layout.

[0237] In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of transferring F4 of selected control data 103, representative of a control logic associated with the selected module to be programmed. The selected control data 103 are transferred from the programming device PD to a corresponding peripheral controller 103 of the module 100 to be programmed.

[0238] Preferably, the step of transferring F4 the selected control data 103 is carried out by means of a near-field communication, NFC, technology.

[0239] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to group control data 103 based on the predetermined layout, to define a new group of control data 103 (define new control logic) which is not yet present in the database of control data (control logics). The processor is configured to save the new group of control data 103 (the new control logic) in the database, in order to be implement directly for future projects.

[0240] For example, if the user implements a number of sensors in a module which are greater than the maximum number of sensors manageable by each single group of control data 103 in the database (by the control logics present in the database), the processor may select two group of control data 103 (two existing control logic), which are, in combination, able to manage all the sensors. However, these solutions work with two peripheral controllers, each one programmed with the respective group of control data 103 (with the respective control logic). In other embodiments, the processor, if the peripheral controller is physically able to manage all the sensors, creates a new group of control data 103 (new control logic), which are programmed to control a peripheral controller which implements all the sensors together. Hence, just one peripheral controller may be used for the same number of sensors.

[0241] Moreover, the database of control data 103 is continuously updated with new group of control data 103 which may cover the different needs of the clients.