The BL120AC industrial IoT gateway enables multi-protocol HVAC intelligent management, cutting O&M costs by 60%+, speeding up fault response by 50%+, and saving 18% energy.
Case Details
As commercial complexes, data centers, and large-scale parks continue to expand in scale, the widespread deployment of multi-brand HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) equipment, environmental sensors, and energy meters has posed new challenges to traditional HVAC management systems—including device protocol fragmentation, scattered data collection, inefficient on-site maintenance, and unstable network connectivity in complex environments.
The
BL120AC industrial IoT gateway, as a core node for next-generation intelligent HVAC management, is becoming an indispensable key component for breaking "data silos" and optimizing operational efficiency.
Modern building operations place higher requirements on HVAC management systems:
- Unified access for multi-brand, multi-protocol HVAC equipment and peripherals
- Guaranteed redundant data transmission in complex building structures
- Remote configuration, debugging, and fault diagnosis to reduce on-site workload
- Comprehensive data collection to support energy consumption analysis and optimized scheduling
- 7×24 industrial-grade stable operation adapting to harsh equipment room environments
Integrating multi-protocol compatibility and flexible networking capabilities, the
BL120AC industrial IoT gateway provides an efficient and reliable interconnection solution for modern HVAC management.
- Terminal Side: Multi-brand HVAC units (centrifugal chillers, multi-split systems, etc.) output Modbus RTU protocol data via RS485 interfaces, while temperature/humidity sensors and energy meters output Modbus TCP protocol data via Ethernet.
- Gateway Side: The BL120AC receives RTU protocol data through 2 RS485 serial ports and TCP protocol data through 2 Ethernet ports (WAN/LAN). Its built-in protocol conversion module automatically completes bidirectional conversion between "RTU → TCP" or "TCP → RTU" to standardize heterogeneous data.
- Upload Side: After local filtering and aggregation (retaining only valid data), the standardized data is uploaded to the cloud management platform via wired or wireless networks. A single gateway supports concurrent access and transmission of up to 10 devices and 512 data points.
- Normal Transmission: By default, the gateway connects to the building's local area network via Ethernet ports to achieve high-speed upload of device data and issuance of cloud commands.
- Abnormal Switching: When the wired network is interrupted in scenarios such as underground equipment rooms or remote areas, the gateway automatically detects the link status and switches to the optional 4G/WiFi module (pre-configured) within 1 second to continue data transmission via wireless links.
- Recovery Switching: When the wired network returns to normal, the gateway automatically switches back to wired transmission mode, ensuring data transmission stability and optimizing transmission costs.
- Status Monitoring: The gateway real-time collects its own operating data (CPU usage, memory usage, network signal strength) and terminal device data (HVAC operating status, fault codes, sensor values), and uploads them to the cloud at regular intervals.
- Remote Operation: Maintenance personnel issue commands (such as modifying HVAC set temperatures, adjusting sensor collection frequencies, or clearing device fault codes) via the cloud platform or PC configuration software. The commands are encrypted and transmitted to the BL120AC.
- Execution Feedback: After receiving the commands, the gateway sends them to the target devices via corresponding interfaces (RS485/Ethernet). Upon completion of execution, the results are transmitted back to the cloud, forming a closed loop of "command issuance → execution → feedback".
- Environment Adaptation: Adopting an aluminum alloy shell and IP30 protection design, the gateway can operate stably in environments with -40~85℃ and 5%~95%RH. It copes with electromagnetic interference in equipment rooms through ESD ±6kV and surge ±2kV protection.
- Fault Self-Healing: Equipped with hardware + software watchdogs, when the gateway encounters abnormalities such as program crashes or data transmission interruptions, the watchdog triggers an automatic restart (restart time < 3 seconds). After restarting, it automatically restores the original configuration and connections, ensuring 7×24 uninterrupted operation.
The BL120AC gateway is widely applicable to the following HVAC management scenarios:
- Integration of multi-brand HVAC units: Connects centrifugal chillers, screw chillers, multi-split systems, and rooftop units from different manufacturers to achieve unified control.
- Environmental parameter monitoring: Collects data from temperature/humidity sensors, CO2 detectors, and air quality monitors to maintain an optimal indoor environment.
- Energy consumption management: Integrates energy meters to track the power consumption of HVAC systems, supporting data-driven energy-saving optimization.
- Equipment room environment protection: Monitors temperature, humidity, and water leakage in HVAC equipment rooms to prevent device failures caused by harsh environments.
Compared with traditional gateways, the
BL120AC has significant advantages in HVAC management scenarios:
- Compact and easy to deploy: With a compact size of 30mm×83mm×110mm, it supports DIN35 rail mounting or wall mounting, perfectly fitting in crowded equipment room control cabinets without occupying additional space.
- Cost-effective scalability: Supports routing functions and cascaded switch data collection, meeting the needs of both small office buildings and large commercial complexes with lower deployment costs.
- User-friendly operation: Comes with an intuitive PC configuration software (compatible with Windows XP to Windows 11) and built-in hardware + software watchdogs, lowering the threshold for deployment and maintenance.
- Global network adaptability: The optional 4G module supports multiple frequency bands (GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE), adapting to cross-border projects and global building management needs.
- Large commercial complexes and shopping malls
- Data center cooling system management
- High-end hotels and office buildings
- Centralized control of HVAC systems in industrial parks
- HVAC systems in smart campuses and hospitals
With the introduction of the
BL120AC industrial IoT gateway, HVAC management systems can achieve:
- Faster fault response speed and higher O&M efficiency
- Seamless interconnection of multi-brand equipment
- Stable data transmission in complex building environments
- Lower operating costs and optimized energy consumption performance
BL120AC + intelligent HVAC management is not only an upgrade in device interconnection methods but also an innovation in building energy efficiency and operational intelligence.
Making HVAC Management More Efficient, Reliable, and Intelligent
The
BL120AC industrial IoT gateway provides a solid interconnection foundation for modern HVAC systems, helping buildings achieve green operations and intelligent management.
Deployed on-site in building equipment rooms, the BL120AC connects various HVAC devices and interfaces with cloud management platforms. Its core functions and implementation processes are as follows: