In the case of disasters, it is important for rescuers and helpers to be immediately on site to coordinate and plan the necessary assistance. This also applies to the fire brigade in Austria.

Now, a new mobile operating container for disaster relief is available on the market that can be easily truck-mounted and transported. The middle part of the container consists of an office that can be used on-site. The operating container needs to be able to work in different climate conditions. It is also a very important criterion that it cools down and heats up quickly. So, the company “Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH” equipped the new “Module-R” air conditioner system with the operating unit developed by MOBA Mobile Automation. This ensures proper ventilation of the temperature inside the container.

“The unique part of the air condition system is its modular structure. Commonly, the evaporator and condenser parts plug into one large metal housing. Our module consists of two separate, flexible components working with several constellations in different spaces,” states Jürgen Süßlin, Strategic Business Area Defence at Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH.

Due to the robust design, Module-R units are optimized for tents and containers, and ensure a perfect adjustment for different conditions. The control-concept of the modular design is suitable for operating units. Thus, the temperature is regulated and controlled. The development of the MOBA control-concept in addition to the modular structure offers an excellent conditioning system.

"The flexibility and the robustness of the operating unit have convinced us. Therefore, we decided on the concept of MOBA Mobile Automation. The many possibilities offered by the MOBA concept fit perfectly together with our air conditioner,” says Jürgen Süßlin. “To satisfy the wishes of our customer in the best possible way is important to us. Therefore, we need complementary and customized operating units for exactly these points of use, which harmonizes excellently since MOBA offers an individual software development.”

Thanks to the modular HMI^mc concept, the development could be completed within the shortest time possible. This concept allows the combination of different modules with an individual operating unit. Because of its flexibility, each operating unit works in accordance to customer requirements.

“This concept is the foundation of the project. The customer has chosen the one-unit module with the HMI^mc as the control unit for the air conditioner. In addition, the customer can even choose a customized unit-foil and create the own design,” explains Sebastian Schlesis, Key Account Manager of MOBA Mobile Automation.

The CAN Bus communication connects several air-conditioning units and therefore provides the control of multiple operating units. The robust controller developed by MOBA is the core of the machine. The use of CODESYS provides an individual and flexible coding.

In case of the fire department in Austria, two Module-R air conditioner are used, each with an operating unit with black and white graphics. The conditioner is fixed outside on the container and the control elements inside. So employees can control the temperature inside. Customers can choose between different operating units – either a clean keyboard module, a black and white module or a color display module. A future upgrade is possible at any time.

In addition, the operating unit is extremely stable, waterproof and shockproof. Further application areas for the Module-R are mobile hospitals and military camps. Consequently, both the air-conditioner and the operation unit have to control huge liabilities due to relocation, loading, transportation and various climatic conditions.