miniClima [Product: EBC: Introduction & Version History]

deutsch << www.miniclima.com >> english
- - -
[ Home & News • Product • References • FAQ • Company & Contact • Links ]

miniClima Constant Humidity Devices "EBC"

- - - Topics
EBC Homepage
Introduction & Version History
Features
Build Up In Principle
Types & Options
Description
Air Circulation Filter "FLT" (Optional Accessory)
Air Distribution Boxes "LVB" (Optional Accessory)
2.0l Bottle "2LF" (Optional Feature)
Detached Operating Unit (Optional Feature)
Technical Data
Maintenance & Care
- - -

Introduction & Version History

Our Constant Humidity Devices "EBC" are small units for the regulation of the relative humidity of the air in containers that can reasonably be closed air- and steam-tight. Whereas in general "container" can stand for a variety of things (switchboards, deposit cupboards,...), the major field of application is still the one the devices have originally been invented for: the regulation of the air humidity in museum showcases.

The current series EBC10/11 is already the 6th generation (since series-production readiness) of this technology that is meanwhile used in museums, art collections and exhibitions throughout the world. As of 1993 Ing. Herbert Schönbauer, in those days product manager at the Lower Austrian air-condition specialist Clima Tech, has been inventing and developing the devices. The first prototypes (EBC01, EBC02) and series (EBC03, EBC04) have then still been produced by Clima Tech.

The prototypes where first thought to be mobile devices, but quite soon the general layout was fixed and kept until today: Small devices, that are to be firmly connected to the cases with flexible hoses.

EBC04 - initially distributed by Clima Tech, and as of 1999 by the newly founded company miniClima - was equipped with a datalogger by default.

Along with EBC05/S came the introduction of our so-called Slave Units ("S" = Slave), which can be used as power amplifiers for cases of more than 3m3 (or today also: 5m3).

The economic breakthrough of our product came with series EBC06/07/F. It was now technically mature, the production costs had been brought in line with the marked, and our Constant Humidity Device began to establish itself within the museum technology sector. The new series consisted of four different types of devices: EBC06 (as all predecessors) for volumes of up to approx. 3m3, EBC07 for volumes of up to approx. 5m3, and the slave units EBC06F and -07F ("F" = Folgegerät - the German term we use for the slave units).

Series EBC06/07/F

EBC08/09/F (or it's revisions EBC08/09/F-II, -III, -IV and -IV-K) was a continuous further development of EBC06/07/F that could be recognised by the user mainly from the different design and the higher user-friendliness. Moreover we focused on the adaptability of our devices for special circumstances. Thus, in addition to the dataloggers we introduced different sizes of bottles for the water storage, air distribution boxes, which can be used to connect one single device to up to six cases at once, if certain conditions are met, and filters that can be integrated into the air circulation system.

Finally and still within the old series, but already in view of EBC10/11, we worked on the housings and on the air conditioning part (the so-called "humibox") a lot:

The bottle can now be positioned to the side of the EBC as well as to it's front (so as to fit more easily into restricted areas).
The volume of the standard bottle has been doubled to 0.5 litres.
The handle has been integrated into the housing, so that it won't jut out consuming extra space.
Improved air handling and device cooling.

Left: Series EBC08/09/F-II with standard bottle (0.25l). Right: Series EBC08/09/F-IV with 2-litre bottle positioned to the front

With these "preparations" on the housing done, a completely new designed generation of miniClima Constant Humidity Devices was introduced in April 2009: EBC10/11. A purpose-made microprocessor control and control software replacing the 3-point-control with the LAE equipment was making all the difference. With this EBC-specific technology our units do not only produce a decisively smoother approach of the setpoint, they also feature intuitive user prompts and display texts on the unit's front plate as well as a datalogger hardware that is built into every unit without extra charges. Furthermore, every model from series EBC10/11 has the potential of becoming both a fully functional master unit or a slave unit - as required. The decision for one of the two hierarchic states is selected automatically dependant upon the type of cable connected to the EBC. If it is the cable from the RH/T sensor, then the EBC becomes a master controller. If it is the control line coming from another EBC then the unit works as a slave.

Left: Prototype of series EBC10/11 with standard bottle (0.5l) and digital RH/T sensor. Right: EBC10 with final design - here with standard bottle to the front.

Since mid-2010 our constant humidity devices can be shipped in a new variant: with a detached operating unit, which serves as a cable-bound remote control for the EBC.

EBC variant with detached operating unit.

The operating unit can be mounted plane with either its front or its back side (i.e. on the showcase wall), and the unit shall be useful in those situations where the EBC itself is difficult to access. With this new feature, showcases can be planned in a way, so that the personnel will be able to comfortably use the main functions of an EBC.

- - - Continue with
Features
- - -

- - - Return to
Top of this page
Previous page
- - -