FAN COIL SYSTEMS
WITH A MOVE AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL ANGLED OR CLOSED COUPLED FAN COIL UNITS, ALTECNIC HEAD OF OEM SALES UK AND ROI MARK MOGEY DISCUSSES HOW NEW UNIT DESIGNS CAN HELP TO MAKE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE EASIER… Prioritising design of fan coil units
Mark Mogey, Head of OEM Sales UK and ROI, Altecnic.
WHAT IS A FAN COIL UNIT? A fan coil system is a decentralised HVAC system with fan coils, or terminal units, at or near the occupied space serviced by a central heating and cooling plant. A fan coil system can be used in many building types including hotels, multi- family residential, offices, schools and office blocks. Fan coils are made up of an enclosure, fan and motor, coil with drain pan and a filter. Fan coils come in a wide range of configurations including the wall, ceiling exposed, horizontal ceiling concealed, stacked and large capacity. Terminal units heat or cool by using hot water from a central heating plant and chilled water from a central chiller plant. The fan is powered by a small electric motor that circulates room air through the filter and coil. Four pipe fan coil systems have two water loops (hot and chilled water) throughout the building connected to each fan coil. The water loops are insulated, providing heating and cooling with water that has a very low transportation or pump work cost. As a result, fan coils are an
energy-efficient system choice for a range of building types. However, they are a complex and timely installation for many installers and require a great understanding of the makeup of a fan coil unit to ensure that they work effectively. HOW CAN DESIGN ASSIST AN INSTALLER? Dealing with fan coils and air-handling units can be a tough matter without the right equipment. Having a pre-assembled kit for terminal units, which is compact and composed of all devices needed for operation, can help for ease of installation
specifiers, subsequently saving time for the installer. Due to the design of pre-assembled kits, with all elements of the kit being readily joined and the kit requiring a minimum number of additional joints, the likelihood of leakages is reduced massively. From this, a cost benefit can be had, with both a reduction in water usage and a reduction in potential maintenance costs. To further ensure peace of mind, the pre- assembled fan coil units are often pre- tested to certify the standard of the fan coil unit. When this is done, the quality and performance of the fan coil unit can be guaranteed, reducing the likelihood of large maintenance costs.
for the installer, as well as quick commissioning and maintenance.
ASSURED QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
THE BENEFITS OF PRE- ASSEMBLY Pre-assembled kits, unlike buying components separately, provide
Caleffi offers a pre-assembled fan coil unit - the 149 Series. The linear design of the unit (pictured) allows for quick and easy installation, with the high- quality standard of Caleffi products also incorporated in the componentry in this kit. Energy efficiency is ensured with this unit as the pre-formed insulation, made of
assurance for both the installer and end- user. Through design specification, pre- assembled fan coil units can be custom made to include specific connection types and flow rates in a single assembly. This simplifies the design process for the
“A fan coil system can be used in many building types including hotels, multi-family residential, offices, schools and office blocks.”
78 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE
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