F21100401 - IBC Controls VariMax100 NG, Thermal Wheel Rotary Control Unit, IP44

The IBC Controls VariMax100 NG (F21100401) is a compact stepper motor control unit designed for rotary heat exchangers and thermal wheels with rotor diameters up to 4000 mm. Combining a stable aluminium IP44 enclosure with a user-friendly setup, the VariMax100 NG is an ideal choice for building services engineers commissioning AHU heat recovery systems.

Key features:

• Stepper motor control unit with internal rotation monitor
• Integrated Modbus for BMS integration and remote monitoring
• 0–10 V analogue input signal, speed proportional to input from central control
• Rotor speed range: 0.1–12 rpm; supports rotor diameters up to 4000 mm
• Automatic cleaning function activates after 10 minutes of rotor standstill
• Remaining alarms: over/under voltage, overtemperature (unit and motor), short circuit, earth fault
• Manual speed override via separate potentiometer and DIP-switch test modes
• CE approved, five-year product warranty
• EMC gland set included
• Must be combined with IBC Controls VariMax-motor100 NG

Technical specification:

• Supply voltage: 1 × 230–240 V AC ±15%, 50/60 Hz
• Max power input: 550 W
• Output voltage: 3 × 0–300 V
• Max output current: 3.2 A
• Output frequency: 0–333 Hz
• Acceleration/retardation time: 30 sec
• Protection class: IP44
• Ambient operating temperature: −40 to +40 °C
• Storage temperature: −40 to +60 °C
• Max operating altitude: 1000 m
• Weight: 1.9 kg
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 229 × 195 × 90 mm

Typical applications:

• Thermal wheel rotary heat exchanger control in AHUs
• Rotary heat recovery units in commercial ventilation systems
• Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems require proportional speed control
• Installations with rotor diameters up to 4000 mm
• BMS-integrated ventilation plant with Modbus connectivity
• Retrofit replacement for MiniMax or MicroMax controllers, where an enclosed stepper motor unit is preferred

The VariMax100 NG is intended to be paired with the IBC Controls VariMax-motor100 NG stepper motor, which delivers consistent high torque across the full speed range. Together, they provide precise rotor speed control proportional to a 0–10 V input signal from the central control system, ensuring heat exchanger efficiency tracks ventilation demand in real time.

An internal rotation monitor is included as standard, with the option to connect an external monitor if required. The unit also features an automatic cleaning function. If the rotor has been stationary for 10 minutes, the unit initiates a timed cleaning cycle to prevent fouling and maintain heat exchanger performance.

The controller includes integrated Modbus communication for BMS integration, a manual speed override via a separate potentiometer, and DIP switches for low and high-speed test runs during commissioning. All alarms are latching, covering over/under voltage, overtemperature in the unit and motor, short circuit, and earth fault. EMC glands are included as standard, and the unit carries CE approval with a five-year product warranty.

The VariMax100 NG is an alternative to the IBC Controls MiniMax and MicroMax controller ranges for applications requiring an enclosed, stepper motor-based solution.

Browse the full range of thermal wheel controllers or explore all IBC Controls products available at iACS.