Marine Air Systems has introduced a new computerized master control unit for use with large multi-chillermarine air conditioning installations. The new control unit provides central control over up to six chillers,via interfaces with the individual digital diagnostic controllers (DDC) on each chiller. It controls all of the heating and cooling functions for each chiller, including auxiliary heat if available, as well as operation of the seawater and chilled water loops. It optimizes compressor operation by automatically changing the lead compressor to maintain equal run time.

The control unit provides readouts of system status and diagnostic faults, such as high or low pressure, high or low water temperatures, line voltage and other potential problems. It also interfaces with a PC via a serial data interface, permitting remote control and monitoring. The PC software also permits the system to be programmed in several different languages. The system is designed for easy retrofit on existing chillers or with new chilled-water installations, according to the company's engineers.