Schneider Electric has launched a room controller that aims to provide users with advanced functionality for energy management and comfort in individual rooms, according to an announcement Monday. The SpaceLogic Touchscreen Room Controller “combines the ease of a thermostat with the capabilities of direct digital control,” helping operators to meet energy and emissions demands while maintaining occupant satisfaction, the company says.
While traditional thermostats are easy to use, they lack advanced capabilities, the company says. Building management system controllers are “powerful” but can be more costly and time-consuming to install, it says. The user interface of the new controller bridges the gap between simplicity and advanced functionality, it says.
The SpaceLogic room controller uses AI-driven HVAC optimization to help users participate in energy-savings programs and personalized energy reduction strategies, according to the company. Incorporating AI directly into the room controller enhances energy optimization and overall occupancy comfort, leading to a reduction in occupant complaints of up to 23%, according to a company white paper. In addition, the integration of HVAC, lighting and blinds into a single controller can result in energy savings of up to 35%, according to another company white paper.
The controller offers “comprehensive” support of common modern HVAC applications, including rooftop units, fan coil units and heat pumps, making it compatible across a range of different building types, Schneider Electric says. Through simple engineering tools and wireless connectivity options, facility managers can reduce maintenance staff hour costs by up to 35%, it says.
“This is the industry’s only controller that dynamically optimizes room conditions to ASHRAE 55-compliant comfort standards using AI on the edge fully embedded within the device itself, rather than in the cloud,” the company says, noting that this ensures occupant comfort is maintained “in seconds and removes the extra complexity and expense of internet and cloud connections and data storage.” ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, determines satisfactory thermal conditions for occupants, with criteria for evaluating comfort in existing buildings and requirements and calculator procedures for design compliance.
The controller has 17 input and output connections, “the most of any room controller on the market today,” the company says, and “40% more capacity (terminals) compared to similar products in the market.”
"This flexible and fast-to-deploy technology is designed to help building operations enhance energy efficiency and adapt to evolving occupant expectations," Justin Lavoie, vice president of channel development for Schneider Electric, said in a statement. "It's an ideal solution for hotels and commercial offices, where operational excellence and customer satisfaction are paramount, as well as education buildings and retrofitted buildings that benefit from its wireless options."
The controller is now available, with additional features set to roll out in 2025, the company said.
