VDH Products
Next generation fruit controller offers wide range of features
"The biggest difference between the MC3 Fruit and the previous generation of controllers, is that the user now has more freedom. The previous controller could monitor a single cold room, the MC3 Fruit can control up to five cells," explains Jacco. The MC3-Fruit is divided into a DIN rail module and a control panel. The controller can be fully operated using the control panel. Up to five terminals can be connected to one MC3-Fruit controller, so that a control panel is available for each cell. It is also possible to regulate five cells with a single control panel. "Another big advantage is that the regulators are themselves easily and quickly connected with an Ethernet cable. Also, five evaporators can be regulated per cell and defrosting can be carried out by making use of the hot gas from the other evaporators in the cell. In the context of energy-saving, cooling and defrosting sequences are allocated freely."
Software for PC / app
As to the premise of VDH: "VDH develops its products with superior performance in mind," says Jacco. "The product does exactly what it’s supposed to do, combined with durability and ease of use. VDH stands for quality without frills. It may sound a bit pretentious, but it's what we stand for. Our equipment is famous for the simple settings and control, as for its high quality.”
The user has several options for operating the fruit controller; an LCD / touch-screen near the cell, or software that can be installed on a PC. "We often find that users want to be in constant contact with their product, making regular checkups. To accommodate these users, we have developed an app. The app can be installed on smartphone or tablet. Imagine you’re on the road and some malfunction occurs in one of your cells. Of course you want to know about it immediately. Through the VDH app, you receive a notification on your smartphone, so action can be taken straightaway."
One controller for multiple cells
Of course, there is always the possibility that a controller fails. Think of a lightning strike, which can have major consequences. "It just depends on how much risk you want to take. You can have one controller per cell, but you can also choose to be slightly cheaper and control multiple cells with a single regulator."
Incidentally, Jacco doesn’t consider the PC software the most important feature. "The controller itself is what matters; you can build a software program around it, but our starting point is that the controller continues to work if the PC fails. It should, because if that fails, it has direct consequences for the products. In addition, we have clients who hardly ever use the PC software. This is different from the Proba control, in which the use of PC software is a requirement. Simply because there are too many settings to operate the system."
Hardware-based products
The hardware has already been in use for six months, and has been extensively tested and found more than adequate. The controller meets the stringent requirements of the TÜV (short for German: Technischer Überwachungs-Verein, English: Technical Inspection Association). The hardware is the basis for the next generation of controllers VDH will bring to the market in the coming years. "The software is updated, but the hardware remains the same. We operate in a niche market and are relatively small, so if we develop a new product it has to be really good. Where other companies take one step forward, we take several."
What products will follow? "Currently we are finalizing a completely new compressor / condenser controller, the MC3-SC. Like the MC3-Fruit, it’s built on the same hardware platform, only the software is different. During the development of this controller, there has again been ample contact with users, specialists and manufacturers. When we bring a new product to the market, we want it to be a product with added value, especially compared to competitors. With the MC3-SC step controller, the latest Grasso and Bitzer compressors can be operated. In fact, I’d say the way the controller is operated and tuned, we are raising the bar dramatically."
More information:
VDH Products
Jacco Smid
Produktieweg 1-NL
9301 ZS Roden
T: +31(0)50 3028900
F: +31(0)50 3028980
E: j.smid@vdhproducts.nl
W: www.vdhproducts.eu