HVAC thermostat

Situation

This short manual sets out how, in the Niko Home Control programming software, you can programme an HVAC thermostat in order to facilitate communication between the Niko Home Control installation (HVAC interface) and the VRV, VRF or multi-split air conditioning system (HVAC system).

Step 1: Add an HVAC thermostat as input

• Click on Creation at the top of the screen.

•  Click on add an input.

• Click on HVAC thermostat in the list of options on the right of the screen. The input appears on the plan. 

An HVAC thermostat automatically appears in list view (as input and output) and the list of unused items.

• Drag the HVAC thermostat to the correct location and give it a recognisable name.
• Choose an existing location from the list of options or click on add a location if you have not previously defined the location.

De HVAC-thermostaat verschijnt automatisch op het touchscreen van de Niko Home Control installatie en/of een gekoppelde smartphone. Houd hier rekening mee wanneer je de HVAC-thermostaat een naam en locatie geeft.

• Click on modify basic settings. 
• Enter the correct Addresses of internal units.

For each HVAC thermostat, you can add the addresses of up to eight different internal units. You can obtain these addresses from the HVAC installer. One address comprises three characters. The address identifies the internal unit that is connected to the HVAC bus. You create a zone by programming multiple addresses per HVAC thermostat. In a zone, the settings for the HVAC thermostat are valid for all internal units. The same desired temperature and ventilation speed are thus assigned to all units. The first indoor unit is indicated with a star. This is the master in the zone and is used to communicate with the other units. The HVAC thermostat shows the temperature that is measured by the master.

• Click on save, the pop-up closes.
• Click on save to return to the Creation start screen.

The HVAC thermostat does not need an action as input or output.

If, in the step Cabinet set-up, you add an HVAC thermostat to the Niko Home Control installation, an IP interface will automatically be added. The HVAC thermostat communicates via the IP interface with the Niko Home Control gateway that is linked to the HVAC interface. The gateway and HVAC interface are not included in the programming software.

Step 2: Add an HVAC thermostat as an output in an action: settings

In this case, you switch (among other things) the status PROTECT or ECO-SAVE on or off with a control.

If you have added the HVAC thermostat as an output in an action, you can choose from:

• three statuses:

• POWER (on/off): The internal unit is switched on or off.

• ECO-SAVE: For brief absences. The HVAC thermostat increases the set desired temperature or the programme for cooling by 3°C or reduces the programme for heating by 3°C. You cannot modify this control of 3°C as the value is already set.

• PROTECT: For long-term absences. Protect the home against temperatures lower than 7°C or higher than 30°C. In the event of a temperature lower than 7°C, the zone will be heated to a maximum of 18°C. If the measured temperature is between 11°C and 25°C, this status is disengaged. If the HVAC-thermostat detects a temperature higher than 30°C, the zone is cooled to a minimum of 30°C. You cannot modify these PROTECT values because they are set in advance. This status is prioritised above the status ECO-SAVE and all other programmes

• three adjustable temperature levels: DAY, NIGHT, CUSTOM

• two week programmes: PROG1, PROG2

• ventilation speed: low, normal, high

Step 3: Add an HVAC thermostat as an output in an action: programming example

Link an input to the HVAC thermostat in order to control the ECO-SAVE status with an action.

• Click on add an action. The action will appear as a text balloon on the plan.

• Drag the action to a logical and appropriate place, e.g. to the relevant input.
• Give the action a name.
• Choose an existing location from the list of options or click on add a location if you have not previously defined the location.

The action automatically appears on the touchscreen for the Niko Home Control installation and/or a linked smartphone. Bear this in mind when you give the action a name and location.

• Click on continue to go to the players tab.
• Click on the HVAC thermostat (output) and the control (input) to link them to the action.

• Click on continue to go to the basic behaviour tab.

For an HVAC thermostat, you are given the option in the list to determine the behaviour of the HVAC thermostat and the linked internal unit(s) in the zone.
Usually, the start behaviour is set to eco-save on and the stop behaviour to eco-save off.

• Click on continue to go to the conditions tab.
• Click on continue to go to the time automation tab.
• Click on save to return to the Creation start screen.

Result

Now continue with Cabinet set-up and Realisation.