The world of programming is experiencing an unprecedented revolution, driven by constant evolution of the technologies and skills required. In the dynamic landscape of HVAC/R unit programming, it is essential to be able to develop the unit logic efficiently, quickly and reliably.

In this market context, at this year’s MCE in Milan, CAREL presented STone, the advanced programming tool that revolutionises the way HVAC/R software is developed.

STone in fact offers a concrete and advanced solution to accelerate the development process, while ensuring software quality and efficiency.

One of Stone’s strengths is its integration with the best technologies available today.
Indeed, planning for the future must take into account new emerging technologies. STone anticipates this need, offering integrated support for the use of advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence and virtual simulation. The main innovations in these areas will be presented at Chillventa. Specifically:

STone Virtual loop

STone is further enriched by integration with digital twin technology.

This technology involves the creation of a digital twin of a real system, which replicates the operating conditions and responses of the physical system. Through this tool, programmers and engineers can verify operation of the logic and user interface in real time, anticipating potential problems or inefficiencies in a simulated and safe environment, before implementation in the field. This approach significantly reduces the risk of errors and malfunctions, improving the reliability and quality of the final product.

The digital twin feature in STone offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it makes the development process even faster, allowing developers to test and debug the software before physical prototypes are available. It also ensures greater flexibility, as changes can be implemented and tested quickly. Finally, it reduces the costs of field testing, making the entire development process more efficient and cost-effective.

In a market where speed and innovation are crucial, integration of the digital twin in STone offers a significant competitive advantage for CAREL and its customers: an unprecedented level of control and flexibility. The control logic can in fact be optimised in a safe and risk-free virtual environment, experimenting different configurations and operating strategies before final implementation. By adopting this strategy, CAREL confirms its commitment to technological innovation, consolidating its position at the forefront in the global air conditioning and refrigeration market.

AI technology

STone also integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, through innovative tools that simplify and optimise the code development process. CAREL has concentrated its initial efforts in this area on three main features to improve the tool’s efficiency and effectiveness.

The first is automatic code generation, allowing control logic to be created with just a few simple inputs. This not only simplifies the programming process, but significantly reduces the risk of human error, improving code quality.

The second feature is code optimisation. Using AI algorithms, STone analyses the software, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting changes to increase the efficiency and performance of the application. This process allows more streamlined and higher-performance code, with a positive impact on system stability and speed.

Finally, STone’s AI technology offers HVAC/R software application text translation, facilitating its adaptation to different markets and making global implementation of solutions easier and faster.

These features give CAREL customers a strategic advantage, helping them stay at the forefront in technological innovation and respond faster to global market needs.

STone Simula 

STone Simula is the application developed by CAREL to simulate the operation of the algorithms and user interface created using STone. This simulator is an innovative solution for developers who need to test their HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) applications without necessarily having access to a physical system.

Designed to be user-friendly, STone Simula is ideal for users without in-depth software knowledge. The intuitive interface allows users to faithfully reproduce system behaviour directly on their PC, making it easier to understand and analyse the control logic developed.

STone Simula is easy to use, making the tool accessible to a wide range of users for tasks such as:

• Installer / service training on new unit features;

• After-sales support for field personnel.

Wide compatibility and maximised investments

Last but not least, the STone development platform is compatible with the wide range of CAREL programmable controllers. This means that programmers can develop logic that can be used across a wide range of HVAC/R devices, thus optimising the investment made into the software. STone is not just a tool, but rather a partner that offers flexibility and optimisation of investments over the long term.

In conclusion, STone is more than just a development tool; it is a complete response to the challenges that players in the HVAC/R business face every day. With STone, you can reduce development time and efficiently create high-quality software solutions. It is the ideal partner for those who want to be prepared for the challenges of modern programming, allowing you to focus on higher value-added tasks and embrace new technological trends.

STone, the new programming landmark, where innovation meets efficiency.