Dual success OJ Electronics

DUAL SUCCESS

OJ Electronics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of underfloor heating and HVAC control systems. Philip Yorke spoke to Michael Snerling, the company’s vice-president of sales and marketing, about its latest innovative products and its ambitious plans for future growth.

OJ Electronics was established in Denmark in 1964 and today celebrates 50 years of progress in the design and manufacture of electronic systems for underfloor heating and HVAC controls. Over the years this privately owned company has built up an enviable reputation for its experience and know-how in electronic control systems and customised solutions. OJ Electronics is headquartered in Sonderborg, Denmark and today its products are available worldwide through its dedicated network of partners and distributors. The company also enjoys a strong international presence with affiliates and sales offices throughout the world including subsidiaries in the USA, the UK, Poland and Russia.

OJ Electronics is committed to the development of intelligent solutions that ensure maximum user comfort while minimising energy consumption. With a reliable yet flexible supply chain, the company is able to deliver exceptional quality and performance throughout its range of diverse electrical systems. In 2013, OJ Electronics recorded sales of more than DKK 196 million. New strategy for growth

For its HVAC (heating ventilation & air conditioning) business, OJ’s strategy for growth is focussed on its major European markets as well as selected overseas markets. The company plans to strengthen sales in Germany, Benelux and France, where demand is already strong and where it has gained the recognition of many prominent AHU manufacturers. As the demand for ‘high-end’ controls is increasing, OJ plans to maintain its leadership position by offering its customers updated product

programmes designed to grow their business. This will be achieved by enhancing the company’s current core product ranges with the addition of new functions and energy-saving features. In addition, OJ will make its high-tech solutions more scalable and flexible in order to broaden its market coverage and product appeal.

In another strategic move, OJ Electronics has decided to consolidate its success in the motor controls sector by establishing a new motor controls division. This new division will be the driving force behind a strong and innovative sales strategy to promote the company’s next generation of advanced motor controls.

Mr Snerling said, “Our new strategy for growth will see the company grow by two digit growth rates over the next three years. We have divided our floor heating activities into two divisions: hydronic and electrical systems, with developing a new generation of thermostats that offer the latest internet accessed Wi-Fi touch controls. Technology in this sector is moving fast and we are keeping ahead of the game through our continuous programme of investment and the implementation of new technology.

“As an OEM, we are also very flexible and are considered to be more of a business partner than just a supplier. We are dedicated to increasing the efficiency and thereby the profits of our customers. In fact, we often challenge them in order to provide them with optimal solutions. We have a strong position in Scandinavia and grow our business on several European markets when it comes to HVAC, and we are gaining market share through our in-house R&D

and unrivalled applications knowledge. Air handling unit producers come to us for our advanced standard systems, but we are also able to adapt these to provide tailormade functions and features based upon their individual requirements.

Mr Snerling added, “Despite the continuing weak demand in the HVAC and underfloor heating sectors in Europe, Germany remains a strong growth market for us especially for our highly energy-efficient heating and ventilation products. In addition to the new-build construction market, we are now seeing growth in retro-fit applications as well, especially in the European metropolitan zones. One area that deserves special mention is our latest ‘Green Zone™’ control system which drastically reduces energy consumption for our customers. This new system is designed to function at different levels depending upon the differing demands of modern offices. Our latest sensors can detect whether there are people in a room or not and how many occupants there are and regulate the air-flow accordingly.

“Furthermore, we are keeping all our options open as far as the future is concerned and would consider different kinds of partnerships and corporations if they offer us the right synergies. However, we are currently focused on organic growth and the launch of a number of groundbreaking new products. Today the OJ brand is clearly defined by its quality, reliability and functionality as well as its ease of use and speed of installation.”

Unique zone control system

Recently OJ Electronics launched its groundbreaking intelligent, zone-controlled VAV system. Branded as the ‘OJ Green-Zone™’, it dramatically reduces energy consumption while speeding up installation and simplifying operation. This new product solves many of the challenges faced by today’s building managers. Different office zones have widely varying needs when it comes to HVAC systems, whether it is a canteen, a reception area or an open-plan office, and this all-new system creates and maintains the perfect air quality and climate in up to 125 individual rooms or zones in any one installation.

This remarkable new system offers up to 65 per cent energy savings when compared to traditional systems. Jens Antonsen, the company’s product manager for HVAC, explained, ‘OJ GreenZone™’ optimises air and water flow, as well as temperature. This in turn means that the air-handling unit delivers only what is needed, and no more, and this results in major energy savings, which is money in the bank for building owners.” n

For further details of OJ Electronic’s innovative products and services visit: www.ojelectronics.com

Omron`s MEMS technologies for HVAC

Gabriel Sikorjak - PMM

The design specifications for new HVAC systems become ever more challenging. The need to save energy, improve accuracy and at the same time reduce cost is driving designers to seek innovative solutions. Omron Electronic Components Europe is meeting this need with MEMS technology based sensors, which can meet these demanding criteria and allow systems to respond dynamically to changing environmental conditions and occupant activities.

Omron D6F series of flow sensors is built around a cutting-edge MEMS thermal chip and can be used in applications as Variable Air Valve control systems (VAV), Heat Recovery units (HRU) or air treatment systems for fl ow volume monitoring, fl ow rate control and clogged fi lter detection. The new D6F-PH digital differential pressure sensor, provides outstanding accuracy and repeatability. D6F-PH incorporates ASICs to carry out digital correction (linearity and temperature correction) making it more precise and less influenced by temperature than conventional analogue output sensors. The sensors are suitable for use in a bypass configuration, for example in VAV controller for air fl ow control. Omron offers the D6F-PH, with measurement ranges from 0-250Pa, +/-50Pa and +/-500Pa.

A major issue with conventional PIR sensors is that they often disconnect services in rooms when occupants are stationary for a period. This is another area where Omron, with its MEMS technology, has provided a breakthrough in the form of the IR thermal sensor which detects occupation by sensing body heat. D6T provides a reliable trigger for energy saving in heating, air conditioning, lighting and other services when the space is empty. Equally D6T can be used to increase air fl ow when the space is crowded. As D6T sensors are able to monitor the temperature of a room, they can also be used to control the level of heating and cooling systems and maintain optimal room temperature levels, including fl oor heating applications. D6T can also locate the precise position or direction of a detected object. D6T sensors are offered in 1x8, 4x4 or 16x16 (under development) arrays and feature exceptional accuracy and noise immunity.

OMRON Europe HQ, Wegalaan 57, 2132JD Hoofddorp, The Netherlands Phone: +31 23 568 1200 | E-mail: info-components@eu.omron.com http://components.omron.eu

30 YEARS

in Die and Die Casting Industry

YUJUN MECHANICALTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD is a professional manufacturer of high pressure die and ALUMINUAL/ ZINC die castings. Yujun offers an extraordinary commitment to mould and die casting parts quality and a wide range of value added services for the fi nished product:

• Strong upfront engineering support & Prototype Support • To assist client developing new die casting products • Quick turn around engineering change quotation & incorporation • Secondary fi nishing including trim, drilling, milling etc. • Responsible project management with APQP, PIST, and PPAP capabilities • Skilled technical support for production

All of our production process follows ISO standard and EU/US quality standard. 90% toolings and parts are directly export to EU, US. Our cost effective, higher quality, quick response, convenient location (only 5km to Beilun port) are our key.

For more information, visit www.yujuntech.com

Contact: Bella Zhou • E-mail: bella@yujuntech.com • Phone: 0086 15258167901