Carrier i-Vu Pro Web-Based System Administration
Overview
Carrier i-Vu Pro is a web-based building automation platform for managing Carrier CCN (Comfort Controller Network) and Open protocol controllers. It provides monitoring, scheduling, trending, alarming, and graphics through a browser-based interface. This guide covers system architecture, navigation, administration, and troubleshooting.
System Architecture
Core Components
| Component | Role | Notes |
|---|
| i-Vu Pro Server | Central management, web server, database | Windows or Linux host |
| i-Vu Pro Client | Web browser interface | Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
| CCN Controllers | Carrier proprietary controllers | Legacy Comfort Network |
| Open Controllers | BACnet-based Carrier controllers | i-Vu Open, Infinity |
| i-Vu Link | Cloud connectivity service | Remote monitoring |
| SQL Database | Trend data, configuration storage | PostgreSQL or SQL Server |
Controller Types
| Controller | Protocol | Typical Application | Points |
|---|
| i-Vu Open (OPN) | BACnet/IP | AHU, rooftop, chiller plant | 64-256 |
| Infinity System | CCN + BACnet | Commercial rooftop units | 32-128 |
| CCN Comfort Controller | CCN proprietary | Legacy VAV, FCU | 16-64 |
| i-Vu TMS (Temp Monitoring) | Wireless | Walk-in coolers, pharma | 8-32 |
Accessing the Web Interface
- Open web browser, navigate to http://[server-IP]:8080/i-vu/ (default port)
- Enter credentials (default admin account set during installation)
- Dashboard loads showing system overview
Navigation Structure
System Tree (Left Panel):
i-Vu Pro System
├── Geographic Tree
│ ├── Building 1
│ │ ├── Floor 1
│ │ │ ├── AHU-1
│ │ │ ├── VAV-101 to VAV-110
│ │ │ └── FCU-101 to FCU-105
│ │ └── Floor 2
│ └── Building 2
├── Equipment Tree
│ ├── Air Handling Units
│ ├── Rooftop Units
│ ├── Chillers
│ └── Boilers
└── Network Tree
├── CCN Bus 1
├── CCN Bus 2
└── BACnet Network
Key Interface Areas
| Area | Purpose | Access |
|---|
| Dashboard | System overview, KPIs | Home page |
| Equipment Browser | Navigate and control equipment | System tree |
| Graphics | Visual equipment representations | Equipment context menu |
| Schedules | Time-based programming | Schedules menu |
| Trends | Historical data viewing | Trends menu |
| Alarms | Active and historical alarms | Alarms menu |
| Reports | Generated documents | Reports menu |
| Administration | User management, system config | Admin menu (admin only) |
Graphics and Floor Plans
Creating Equipment Graphics
- Navigate to equipment in system tree
- Right-click > Edit Graphic (or create new)
- Use built-in drawing tools or import background image (SVG, PNG)
- Drag point bindings from equipment point list onto graphic elements
- Configure display properties: numeric format, units, color rules
- Add interactive elements: setpoint sliders, mode buttons, on/off toggles
- Save and publish
Floor Plan Integration
- Import DWG/DXF floor plan or PNG/SVG image as background
- Place equipment icons at physical locations
- Bind to controller points for live status
- Add color-coding rules (comfortable=green, alarm=red)
- Enable click-through navigation to equipment detail graphics
Alarm Configuration
Alarm Types
| Type | Trigger | Priority | Example |
|---|
| Critical | Equipment failure, safety | 1 | Compressor lockout, freeze stat |
| Major | Significant deviation | 2 | Zone temp > 85F, high duct pressure |
| Minor | Operational anomaly | 3 | Filter change due, sensor drift |
| Advisory | Information only | 4 | Schedule override, mode change |
Setting Up Alarm Notifications
- Navigate to Administration > Alarm Routing
- Create notification group (e.g., Facilities Team)
- Add email recipients and/or SMS numbers
- Define alarm filter: which priorities, which equipment, which time periods
- Set escalation rules: if not acknowledged in 30 min, escalate to manager
- Test notification by creating a test alarm
Alarm Acknowledgment
Operators acknowledge alarms via web interface. Acknowledged alarms move from Active to Acknowledged state. When condition clears, alarm moves to Historical.
Trend Data Setup
Configuring Trends
- Navigate to equipment in system tree
- Select points to trend (right-click > Add to Trend)
- Configure sample interval: 1, 5, 15, or 60 minutes
- Set retention period: 30, 90, 180, or 365 days
- Enable trend collection
Viewing Trends
- Quick Trend: Select points, choose time range, view chart
- Multi-Point Overlay: Compare up to 8 points on single chart
- Export: Download as CSV for external analysis
- Calculated Trends: Create derived values (e.g., delta-T, efficiency)
User Roles and Permissions
| Role | Access Level | Typical User |
|---|
| Administrator | Full system access, user management | BAS manager |
| Engineer | Configuration, programming, graphics | Controls engineer |
| Operator | Monitoring, setpoint adjustment, alarm ack | Building operator |
| Viewer | Read-only monitoring | Tenant, energy manager |
| Custom | Project-defined subset | Security, maintenance |
Creating Users
Administration > User Management > Add User > Set username, password, assign role, define scope (which buildings/equipment visible).
BACnet Integration
Adding Third-Party BACnet Devices
i-Vu Pro supports BACnet/IP integration with third-party devices:
- Navigate to Network Tree > BACnet Network
- Click Discover Devices
- Select discovered device, click Add
- i-Vu imports BACnet object list
- Map objects to i-Vu equipment definitions
- Create graphics bindings and alarm rules
Integration Notes
- i-Vu acts as BACnet client; third-party devices must be BACnet servers
- Default poll interval: 60 seconds (adjustable per point)
- COV subscriptions supported for faster updates
- BACnet priority array supported for write operations
i-Vu Link Cloud Connectivity
i-Vu Link provides cloud-based remote access to on-premise i-Vu Pro systems.
Features: Remote monitoring from any browser, mobile app support, push notifications, fleet management across multiple sites.
Setup: Install i-Vu Link agent on server, register with Carrier cloud portal, configure user access and security.
Security: TLS encrypted connection, no inbound firewall ports required (outbound HTTPS only), multi-factor authentication available.
Troubleshooting
Web Interface Slow or Unresponsive
Causes: Server resource exhaustion, database size, too many simultaneous users.
Solutions:
- Check server CPU and memory usage (should be under 80%)
- Compact or archive old trend data
- Reduce number of active graphic sessions
- Increase server RAM if consistently high usage
- Clear browser cache on client machines
Controller Offline
Causes: Network issue, controller reboot, power failure, address conflict.
Solutions:
- Ping controller IP address from server
- Check physical network connection (link lights on switch)
- Verify controller power supply
- Check for IP address conflicts on network
- Restart i-Vu communication service if all controllers affected
Database Issues
Causes: Disk space full, database corruption, backup failure.
Solutions:
- Check disk space on server (maintain 20% free minimum)
- Run database maintenance tools (compact, reindex)
- Verify automated backup schedule running
- If corrupted: restore from last good backup, re-collect trends
Trend Data Missing
Causes: Collection stopped, controller offline during collection period, storage full.
Solutions:
- Verify trend collection enabled on affected points
- Check controller communication status during gap period
- Review database storage limits and retention settings
- Enable trend gap detection alerts
Firmware Updates for Open Controllers
- Download firmware from Carrier HVAC Partner portal
- Navigate to controller in i-Vu system tree
- Right-click > Firmware Update
- Select firmware file, review version compatibility
- Schedule update for unoccupied hours
- Monitor progress (typically 5-10 minutes)
- Verify controller comes online with new firmware
- Test all points reading/writing correctly
Warning: Back up controller configuration before firmware update. Some updates may reset custom programming.
Best Practices
- Naming Convention: Use consistent format: [Building]-[Floor]-[Equipment]-[Point]
- Graphics: Create overview dashboard first, then equipment detail graphics
- Trending: Trend all setpoints, temperatures, and valve/damper positions at minimum
- Alarms: Configure meaningful alarms only - avoid alarm fatigue from excessive notifications
- Backups: Schedule daily database backups, test restore monthly
- Security: Change default admin password, use individual accounts, enable audit logging
- Updates: Apply i-Vu Pro server patches quarterly during maintenance windows