BEP Marine CZone Network control and monitoring system.
CZone is an innovative digital network control and monitoring system designed for marine, RV and specialty vehicles. Installation is radically simplified through the replacement of cumbersome wiring to switch and fuse panels. Automated control and monitoring provide sophisticated solutions to end-users.
CZone features built-in timers, dimmers (including support for halogen lighting), alarms, voltage reducers and load shedding for 9V to 32V systems. CZone features a manual bypass. The No-Single-Failure-Point technology ensures a plug-and-play system that is designed to handle mishaps. If a module is damaged, the system will automatically program the replacement module when it is plugged in. This means that any module can be replaced without using high cost and high tech service people. The security features allow custom configurations to be locked.
The cost of installing CZone more than pays for itself with hugely reduced cable costs (typically only 60% of normal cable requirements) and reduced labour costs (typically 50% to 75% of labour time required). The system, because of its modularity, also lends it self to partial rewiring jobs in the aftermarket.
CZone is modularised.
First, the Display Interface
This is the interface between the CZone network and the user. It offers full control of circuits as well as the ability to view important on-board systems information such as tank levels and power levels (for both AC and DC supplies), it also provides sound alarms and visual alarms with systems diagnostics. The DI is extremely intuitive to use with simple controls and a menu structure that is easy to follow.The “modes of operation” feature allows the control of multiple circuits with a single push of a button. For instance, “night running” mode can be set to turn pre-selected lights on to dim levels. These modes are all user configurable. The DI can be used to set CZone parameters for initial installation and future system maintenance.
Then the Switch Control Interface
This provides an interface between the CZone network and traditional mechanical switches that manufacturers and users are familiar with. This interface converts the signal from those switches into the Control Area Network (CAN) signal needed across a digital network.
No need to change existing designs.
Diagnostics are important. Fault codes are provided to quickly identify issues with the network or switches. Information is provided on the Switch Control Interface as well as sent to the CZone Display Interface. The SCI simplifies your wiring, supports your existing choice of switches, protects against failures and allows for expanding installation options.
Next, the Signal Interface.
The Signal Interface (SI) connects CZone to your external sensors, alarms and switching devices. The SI allows intelligent, automated operation of circuits depending on the state of the input. For example, the SI can be easily programmed to allow a fluid transfer pump and an alarm to turn on simultaneously when the SI detects that a low tank level has been reached.
Connect standard switches to the SI to allow control of CZone outputs.
The module provides LED status indications for each input. This allows fast diagnostics while providing information back to CZone’s Display Interface.
Then the Meter Interface, the Output Interface and the Motor Output Interface.
The Meter Interface accepts inputs from external AC and DC power metering sensors. It then processes and converts the analog signals into digital strings that can then be presented by the display as one of several, easy-to-understand formats such as:
- AC and DC voltage and amps
- AC Kilowatts
- DC battery capacity in amp hours and % remaining
All with user-definable high and low alarms.
The Meter Interface can calculate the battery capacity as ampere hours and/or percentage of charge remaining. Since CZone provides both monitoring and control for DC systems, it can be configured to turn off non-essential circuits in the event that the battery charge becomes low. This helps to ensure that there is enough charge left in the battery to power critical circuits.
The Output Interface provides an intelligent replacement for traditional circuit breaker and fuse panels. It has 6 high power robust output channels which provide the power supply, control and fusing for a circuit as well as integrating many other built in features such as timers and dimmers.
The OI is the key to the CZone concept of decentralising power distribution as opposed to traditional electrical layouts which are typically based around a large, centralised circuit breaker or fuse panel. The OI allows the installer to move the circuit control and protection closer to the loads which significantly shortens cable runs and reduces the number and size of the conductors. This means there is a significant reduction in the cost and weight of the electrical wiring harness, ie. less copper, and a reduction in the complexity and cost of the installation work and subsequent maintenance and re-wiring.
Connection to the unit is simple: a large 6-way plug allows connections to cables of up to 16mm2 (6AWG) in size, or multiple smaller conductors. There is no need for specialised crimp terminals and expensive crimp tools for terminations to CZone, just a blade screwdriver. A protective flexible boot offers protection to the connections from harsh environment conditions.
The Motor Output Interface has an output pair for controlling DC motors which require a reversal of polarity to change the direction of their mechanical operation. For example, a DC motor for an electric window mechanism will move the window up or down depending on the polarity of the feed to the motor.
Without Czone, the wiring and control circuitry for such installations is complicated and requires a number of individual components. Controls for these devices are often mounted remotely to the motor so wiring runs can be long. The MOI replaces all of these devices and all the expensve and lengthy cabling with one simple interface that can be mounted close to the motor. The MOI can be configured to deliver a “soft start” so that motor driven devices don’t start with a sudden and abrupt motion.
For a full and detailed list of BEP Marine CZone products available from Storm Force Marine in Hong Kong, please see the BEP Marine CZone website