Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most about the Fidar smart powerhouse controller and the FIDAQUIRE data logger — installation, energy savings, remote control, input cards, alarms and data export.
The questions below come from calls to our sales and support desks. If yours is not answered here, contact the after-sales service unit.
Frequently asked questions
How does a smart powerhouse control system reduce my building's consumption?
Boiler temperature is set from live parameters — outdoor temperature and actual demand inside the building — instead of being held at a fixed value. Measured savings on completed projects run between 20 and 45 percent, and equipment wear drops as well.
Does installing a smart powerhouse controller require changes to the pipework?
No. The controller acts purely as an enable/disable switch for your existing powerhouse equipment; the pipework is untouched.
How can I control the building's powerhouse remotely?
You need a controller and a modem. Once connected you can set operating hours and switch the powerhouse on or off during specific periods.
If a sensor fails, will the powerhouse shut down?
No. The controller carries several fallback scenarios for boiler control, and when it is connected to a network it reports the fault by SMS.
Can I monitor a group of powerhouses as one system?
Yes. The fidarcloud platform is built to control and monitor multiple powerhouses together.
How much will consumption drop?
Between 20 and 45 percent, with reduced wear on the equipment as a further gain.
Does installation need special technical knowledge?
It is possible if you are familiar with simple control circuits in an electrical panel, but we recommend going through an authorised dealer.
Does the device stay in circuit during summer?
Yes. It has separate winter and summer modes.
Is there a risk of freezing in winter?
No. When ambient temperature falls below 4 degrees Celsius the device switches to anti-freeze mode.
How does it behave in a powerhouse with more than one pump or boiler?
It uses a duty-rotation scenario so the workload is shared across the pumps and boilers.
Can I use the internal network for monitoring?
Yes. Use a controller model with a direct network connection.
Does the GSM modem need a SIM card?
No. The device connects automatically to whichever of the two active operator networks is available.
What is the FIDAQUIRE data logger used for?
It records parameters such as temperature, humidity, current and voltage in server rooms, greenhouses, poultry farms and cold storage.
Do the logger's input cards have to be ordered separately?
Yes. Each input type needs its own data acquisition card.
Is a separate hard disk needed to record data?
No. Data is stored on the device itself.
Is a network connection required to export data?
No. Data can be exported over the USB socket using the on-device menu.
How are alarms raised?
The device carries a general-purpose relay and lets you define Alarm and Pre-Alarm thresholds; notification goes out by relay, SMS and email.
If I need more than two input cards, do I have to buy a second device?
No. The expansion module takes you up to five input cards.
Can an HMI be connected?
Yes. Various HMIs can be attached over the device's Ethernet port or RS-485 interface.
Can data be sent wirelessly?
Yes. A wireless card allows data to be collected over the air.
What IP address does the logger get on a network?
The logger takes its address from the DHCP server on the network.
Do the current and voltage card inputs need to be isolated?
If you ordered the isolated card variant, the inputs can be used without an external isolator.