Rittal: A cockpit for cooling units

Perfect operation, rapid maintenance and service support, as well as a comprehensive diagnosis of the operating data – these are the main advantages of RiDiag Version 3. The latest edition of the diagnostic and parameterisation software makes it easier than ever before to use and operate Rittal cooling units. Herborn/Nuremberg, 22 November 2016 – With the update to Version 3, Rittal has completely revised and significantly developed its RiDiag software application for the diagnosis and parameterisation of cooling units. Users such as planners, maintenance personnel or power managers benefit from many new features both when operating cooling units, as well as during long-term data collection. In addition, the new version offers many improvements that make servicing easier and more efficient. The software runs under Windows and can communicate with the cooling units either via a network. RiDiag is suitable for all new Blue-e+ cooling units, as well as for ones with the Comfort Controller. It will soon be possible to parameterise the TopTherm Chiller with RiDiag.

All unit data at a glance

The user can see the cooling unit’s most important functions at a glance on the redesigned home screen. The software clearly displays the device name, serial number, current temperature, operating hours, system messages and other parameters. In general, all functions, representations and control options that the control panel makes available to the cooling unit are also present in the software. Any firmware updates can also be loaded directly via RiDiag and installed on the cooling unit’s controller. This calls for a working Internet connection.

Quick access to service

One special highlight of the new version is support for the user during maintenance and servicing. RiDiag displays all the cooling unit’s status and error messages, and at the same time gives the user comprehensive assistance. If the user moves the mouse over an error message, the software immediately displays a help text explaining how to fix the error. Besides this, the user can make a service request directly to the Rittal Service Department. The software sends the diagnostic data directly to Rittal Service via a Web form. Once the user has specified the location of the cooling unit in the system, this will work worldwide – the software will transmit the request to the appropriate Rittal service branch. Depending on the error, the service technician can bring the necessary spare parts straightaway. This makes it far faster to remedy a disturbance.

Checking the efficiency

One new feature in Version 3 is the “Efficiency Cockpit”. The user can visualise all the data and evaluate it here. Along with the temperatures, the input voltages and currents to the motors can also be displayed. Representation of the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is particularly important for energy-efficient operation. Here, the user can recognise which energy efficiency the cooling unit operates at, in which environmental conditions and with which settings. The measured values from all the sensors in the cooling unit are displayed in the cockpit. A depiction of the circuit diagram is also included, as well as the detailed refrigeration control diagram. In event of an error, the software directly displays the component that is defective. This saves time during service work and increases availability. © Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, November 2016 About Rittal Rittal, headquartered in Herborn, Germany, is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure, as well as software and services. Systems made by Rittal are deployed across a variety of industrial and IT applications, including vertical sectors such as the transport industry, power generation, mechanical and plant engineering, IT and telecommunications. Rittal is active worldwide with 10,000 employees and 58 subsidiaries. Its broad product range includes infrastructure solutions for modular and energy-efficient data centres with innovative concepts for the security of physical data and systems. Leading software providers EPLAN and Cideon complement the value chain, providing interdisciplinary engineering solutions, while Rittal Automation Systems offer automation systems for switchgear construction. Founded in Herborn in 1961 and still run by its owner, Rittal is the largest company in the Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with 18 production sites and 78 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs more than 11,500 people and generated revenues of around €2.2 billion in 2015. In 2016, it was named one of Germany’s leading employers by the Top Employers Institute, for the eighth year running. In a nationwide study, “Focus Money” magazine and the “Stiftung Deutschland Test” found that the Friedhelm Loh Group was one of the best companies for training in 2016. For more information, visit www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.