Summary

This article provides a practical, end-to-end guide to deploying and administering the VRF System Controller and UTY-PEGX. It covers controller architecture, Electricity Charge Apportionment (ECA), kWh-meter integration, remote access, user permissions, commissioning, and troubleshooting. No external links are included.

Applies to

  • Sites using the VRF System Controller with UTY-PEGX

  • Commissioning engineers, service partners, facility managers

1) Architecture at a Glance

  • Networks & Groups: Remote Controller Groups, RB Groups, and Outdoor Unit Groups.

  • Control Scope: Central monitoring/operation of indoor units, schedules, energy apportionment, alarms, and reporting.

  • Energy Model: Outdoor unit energy is measured; indoor unit allocation is calculated per controller logic.

2) Roles & Responsibilities

  • Project/Commissioning Lead: Defines contracts (tenants/areas), sets controller time, and validates energy totals.

  • Controls Technician: Wires pulse inputs, programs meters and constants, sets ports and security.

  • Site Owner/FM: Reviews reports, bills, and long-term trends.

3) Electricity Charge Apportionment (ECA)

Objective: Allocate energy fairly to tenants or zones.
Inputs:

  • Contract definitions and mapped equipment groups

  • Pulse counts from kWh meters (converted to kWh with a meter constant)

  • Controller rules for distributing standby and handling communication exceptions

Golden rules:

  1. Do not split a Remote Controller Group across different meters.

  2. Do not split an Outdoor Unit Group across different meters.

  3. RB Groups may be divided if required.

  4. Each meter must align to one contract only.

4) kWh Meter Integration (Pulse)

Hardware: kWh meter with pulse output, CTs (and VT/PT if required), shielded pulse cable, System Controller external input harness.
Pulse options: Dry-contact or transistor/photo-coupler outputs with defined pulse width and frequency.
Settings to program:

  • Pulse unit (e.g., 1/10/100 kWh per pulse) or pulse constant (pulses per kWh)

  • CT/VT ratios inside the meter (if applicable)

  • Polarity and shielding on the pulse pair

Best practice:

  • One meter per contract boundary

  • Keep pulse runs short, segregated from mains, and properly terminated

  • Run a timed-load test and compare meter register vs. counted pulses

5) Outdoor Unit & Controller Parameters

Outdoor Unit (electricity meter settings):

  • Assign Meter No. and select pulse type (unit or constant).

  • If using pulse unit, match the controller’s pulse-to-kWh value.

  • If using pulse constant, enter the integer value at the outdoor unit and the full decimal value at the controller if supported.

System Controller / UTY-PEGX:

  • Initial settings: Date/time, language, communication scan, detection of electricity meters.

  • Zone settings: Map electricity meter zones to the correct outdoor groups.

  • ECA settings: Create contracts, assign groups, enter pulse constants/units, configure allocation of standby power.

  • Reporting: Verify daily/period totals and generate a one-page bill or equivalent site summary.

6) Remote Access & Security

  • Port numbers: Configure distinct ports for multi-controller sites.

  • User roles: Create named user IDs with least-privilege access (monitor, operator, admin).

  • Change control: Record configuration baselines and capture a post-commissioning backup.

  • IT coordination: Ensure firewall rules match port assignments; disable unused services.

7) Commissioning Checklist

Before power-up

  • Verify wiring: CT polarity, VT ratio (if used), pulse polarity, shield continuity, earthing.

  • Confirm controller addressing and physical group mapping.

Controller setup

  • Set system time and time zone.

  • Scan devices; confirm all indoor/outdoor units and meters are online.

  • Enter meter parameters (pulse unit or constant) and assign to contracts.

Validation

  • Perform a timed-load test; compare: meter register kWh vs. controller counted kWh.

  • Confirm contract totals and preview a trial bill.

  • Check alarm/communication pages for errors; resolve before handover.

Handover

  • Provide operator training on schedules, overrides, and reports.

  • Save and archive the configuration backup and commissioning report.

8) Troubleshooting Guide

  • No pulses counted: Check pulse wiring, polarity, and output type; confirm meter is enabled; verify controller input mapping.

  • Totals too high/low: Re-enter pulse constants; confirm CT/VT ratios; check for split groups or cross-contract wiring.

  • Intermittent data gaps: Inspect RS-485 and indoor/outdoor communications; verify controller time sync and power stability.

  • Standby allocation concerns: Review standby distribution setting and ensure outdoor group alignment with contracts.

  • Remote access failures: Validate port configuration, firewall rules, and user permissions.

9) Operator Tips

  • Keep a site map showing contract boundaries, meter numbers, and controller input labels.

  • Schedule a monthly review of ECA totals against tenant expectations.

  • After any equipment change, re-validate pulse constants and group mapping.

10) Summary

  • Align meters with groups and contracts.

  • Program pulse data consistently in both the outdoor unit and the controller.

  • Validate with a timed-load test and lock the configuration with proper user permissions.

  • Maintain a configuration backup and a simple operator handbook for the site.