KMC Controls

Last updated
KMC Controls, Inc.
Type Privately held company
Industry Building automation, HVAC
Founded1969
Headquarters New Paris, Indiana, USA
Products HVAC control system, Thermostats, Sensors, Actuators, Valves
Website www.kmccontrols.com
Trademarked identity for KMC Controls Inc. BuildingGeniusesLogo2017 4Color.png
Trademarked identity for KMC Controls Inc.

KMC Controls (formerly Kreuter Manufacturing Company) has designed and manufactured HVAC control system products and building automation systems since 1969. [1] KMC was one of the early privately held controls manufacturer with a full line of digital, electronic, and pneumatic products in the United States. [2] The latest products include BACnet digital controllers and thermostats. [3]

Contents

KMC is a member of the United States Green Building Council. Building automation products, such as those manufactured by KMC controls, provide tools for achieving prerequisites and credits for LEED certification in the categories of Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy and Atmosphere, Sustainable Sites, and Water efficiency for green buildings. [4] [5] [6] [7]

The company's intellectual property includes patents for (pneumatic, electronic, and digital) controllers, thermostats, actuators, and valves. [8]

KMC maintains regional sales offices throughout the U.S. and distributes its products through system integrators (or authorized installing contractors), system distributors, wholesalers, [9] [10] and OEMs [11] [12] [13] throughout North America as well as authorized distributors worldwide. [14] [15] [16]

History

In 1969, Ken Kreuter established Kreuter Manufacturing Company to manufacture pneumatic HVAC controls. [17] In 1970, the company moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba because of business incentives. In 1974, the company moved to Minnesota, and, in 1978, the company moved manufacturing operations to its present location in New Paris, Indiana. In 1989, the research and development side of the business (then known as Kreuter Engineering) made the transition from Minnesota to Indiana as well in order to consolidate all company operations. In 1995, Kreuter Manufacturing Company, Inc. began doing business as KMC Controls, Inc., a name change that better reflected its business. Over the decades, analog electronic and then DDC (Direct Digital Control) products were added to the original pneumatic line. [18] [19]

Products

KMC Controls Product Family Samples KMC Controls BAS Product Family Samples 2010 Large.jpg
KMC Controls Product Family Samples

KMC Controls started with manufacturing pneumatic HVAC control products, including controllers, [20] actuators, valves, and other related devices. A pneumatic HVAC control circuit operates on air pressure (typically between 3 and 13 psi) and uses mechanical means (actuators) to perform control functions. [21] Pneumatic control systems are still used in many buildings, especially in metropolitan areas, because of their large base of installation throughout the 1960s and 1970s. [22]

Throughout the 1980s, analog electronic control devices became increasingly popular. [23] They provided faster response and higher precision than pneumatics. KMC manufactures electronic sensors, variable air volume controllers, thermostats, actuators, valves, and other devices that operate from low voltage DC analog signals. [24]

In the 1990s, the standard became microprocessor-based direct digital controls that process a variety of analog and binary inputs and outputs. KMC Controls offers controllers and software in its KMDigital line using a proprietary protocol as well as a BACnet line with an open systems protocol. [25] The BACnet communication protocol, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), became an industry standard in the 2000s because of the desire for "open" communication systems. [26] [27]

The 2010s brought IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud-based services to the building automation industry and KMC products. [28] [29]

KMC Controls products and services have won a number of industry awards. [30] [31] [32] [33] [34]

Related Research Articles

Instrumentation is a collective term for measuring instruments, used for indicating, measuring and recording physical quantities. It is also a field of study about the art and science about making measurement instruments, involving the related areas of metrology, automation, and control theory. The term has its origins in the art and science of scientific instrument-making.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pneumatics</span> Branch of engineering

Pneumatics is a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or pressurized air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermostat</span> Component which maintains a setpoint temperature

A thermostat is a regulating device component which senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Control system</span> System that manages the behavior of other systems

A control system manages, commands, directs, or regulates the behavior of other devices or systems using control loops. It can range from a single home heating controller using a thermostat controlling a domestic boiler to large industrial control systems which are used for controlling processes or machines. The control systems are designed via control engineering process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mechatronics</span> Combination of electronics and mechanics

Mechatronics engineering also called mechatronics, is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer science, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.

HVAC equipment needs a control system to regulate the operation of a heating and/or air conditioning system. Usually a sensing device is used to compare the actual state with a target state. Then the control system draws a conclusion what action has to be taken.

LonWorks or Local Operating Network is an open standard for networking platforms specifically created to address the needs of control applications. The platform is built on a protocol created by Echelon Corporation for networking devices over media such as twisted pair, power lines, fiber optics, and wireless. It is used for the automation of various functions within buildings such as lighting and HVAC; see building automation.

BACnet is a communication protocol for building automation and control (BAC) networks that use the ASHRAE, ANSI, and ISO 16484-5 standards protocol.

In electrical signalling an analog current loop is used where a device must be monitored or controlled remotely over a pair of conductors. Only one current level can be present at any time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damper (flow)</span> Valve or plate for regulating airflow inside a duct, chimney, vent, etc.

A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler, or other air-handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control -- for example in the case of Volume Control Dampers. Its operation can be manual or automatic. Manual dampers are turned by a handle on the outside of a duct. Automatic dampers are used to regulate airflow constantly and are operated by electric or pneumatic motors, in turn controlled by a thermostat or building automation system. Automatic or motorized dampers may also be controlled by a solenoid, and the degree of air-flow calibrated, perhaps according to signals from the thermostat going to the actuator of the damper in order to modulate the flow of air-conditioned air in order to effect climate control.

Building automation(BAS), also known as building management system (BMS) or building energy management system (BEMS), is the automatic centralized control of a building's HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electrical, lighting, shading, access control, security systems, and other interrelated systems. Some objectives of building automation are improved occupant comfort, efficient operation of building systems, reduction in energy consumption, reduced operating and maintaining costs and increased security.

Digital integration is the idea that data or information on any given electronic device can be read or manipulated by another device using a standard format. From the digital culture perspective, on the other hand, it is defined as an organization drive to leverage the broad capabilities and vast efficiencies of digital technology and media in order to provide consumers relevance and value. It is also employed in digital governance and could refer to the inter-agency cooperation and intergovernmental collaboration across units at multiple levels of government. The phenomenon is considered a basic megatrend in the so-called knowledge civilization.

Direct digital control is the automated control of a condition or process by a digital device (computer). Direct digital control takes a centralized network-oriented approach. All instrumentation is gathered by various analog and digital converters which use the network to transport these signals to the central controller. The centralized computer then follows all of its production rules and causes actions to be sent via the same network to valves, actuators, and other heating, ventilating, and air conditioning components that can be adjusted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samson AG</span>

SAMSON AG, founded in 1907 by Hermann Sandvoss, is a German corporation headquartered in Frankfurt. It develops systems and products that can control all types of fluid. Its product line includes valves, self-operating regulators, automation systems, sensors, thermostats, and digital devices, among others.

Converting companies are companies that specialize in modifying or combining raw materials such as polyesters, adhesives, silicone, adhesive tapes, foams, plastics, felts, rubbers, liners and metals, as well as other materials, to create new products.

A control valve is a valve used to control fluid flow by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a controller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, temperature, and liquid level.

HVAC is a major sub discipline of mechanical engineering. The goal of HVAC design is to balance indoor environmental comfort with other factors such as installation cost, ease of maintenance, and energy efficiency. The discipline of HVAC includes a large number of specialized terms and acronyms, many of which are summarized in this glossary.

Daikin Applied Americas is a corporation that designs, manufacturers and sells heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) products, systems, parts and services for commercial buildings. Since 2006, McQuay has been a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd. McQuay world headquarters are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Products are sold by a global network of sales representatives and distributors.

Fr. Sauter AG is a Swiss-based Corporate group, internationally active in building automation and system integration, with headquarters in Basel. It operates from its head office under the name of Fr. Sauter AG. The group employs around 2300 people and generated sales of € 401 million.

References

  1. ↑ Leighty, Justin (21 Feb 2013). "New Paris company controls the environment ... inside". The Elkhart Truth. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "KMC Controls: In Touch and Out Front," HVACR Distribution Business, 1 Oct. 2010: 22-26.
  3. ↑ "Product Overview," KMC Controls.
  4. ↑ "Green Building and Controls Glossary" (PDF). KMC Controls. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  5. ↑ "Success Stories: The Bullitt Center, Seattle, Washington, United States". BACnet International. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Success Stories: The Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Columbus, OH, United States". BACnet International. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Success Stories: Wachovia Bank Building, Tampa, Florida, United States". BACnet International. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Patents Assigned to KMC Controls, Inc". JUSTIA Patents. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  9. ↑ "How to Buy". KMC Controls. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  10. ↑ "KMC Controls Product Search". Raptor Supplies. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  11. ↑ "KMC FlexStat Controller". Emerson Climate Technologies. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  12. ↑ "Lynxspring, KMC Offer 'Green' BACnet Controllers," Contracting Business.com, June 8, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Our OEM Partners". KMC Controls. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  14. ↑ "Success Stories: Kuwait Oil Company Headquarters, Al Ahmadi, Kuwait". BACnet International. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  15. ↑ "Success Stories: Intel IDC 9, Haifa, Israel". BACnet International. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  16. ↑ "Success Stories: Neutec Pharmaceuticals, Sakarya, Turkey". BACnet International. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  17. ↑ Leighty, Justin (21 Feb 2013). "New Paris company controls the environment ... inside". The Elkhart Truth. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  18. ↑ Arnold, Scott (1 Dec 2011). "Building Controller Provides Precise Control of Heat-Recovery System". HPAC Engineering. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  19. ↑ "About KMC," KMC Controls.
  20. ↑ KMC Controls. "Pneumatics for the 21st century... Kreuter Pneumatics by KMC Controls" (PDF). Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  21. ↑ KMC Controls. "Pneumatic to Digital: Open System Conversions" (PDF). Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  22. ↑ Leighty, Justin (21 Feb 2013). "New Paris company controls the environment ... inside". The Elkhart Truth. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  23. ↑ See, for example, HVAC control system.
  24. ↑ "KMC Products". KMC Controls. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  25. ↑ "KMC Products". KMC Controls. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  26. ↑ "The KMC Difference," KMC Controls.
  27. ↑ "What is BACnet Interoperability". FacilitiesNet.com. Aug 2010. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  28. ↑ Martin, Dylan (2020-03-18). "KMC Controls Sees IoT Opportunities In Uniting IT And OT Partners". CRN. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  29. ↑ "An Open, Secure, and Scalable Smart Building Solution That Is Easy to Deploy" (PDF). Intel. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  30. ↑ "Building Operating Management 2010 Top Products Award". FacilitiesNet.com. Jan 2010. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  31. ↑ Lynch, Patrick (2010-09-19). "2010 Product of the Year Winners". Consulting Specifying Engineer. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  32. ↑ Colley, Billie (23 April 2012). "Sustainability 2012 - And The Winners Are..." Green Thinker Network. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2013.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  33. ↑ "KMC Commander Receives Best Intelligent Building Technology Innovation Award". ACHRNEWS. 23 July 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  34. ↑ "KMC Videos and Documents Win Publication Awards," KMC Controls.
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