Fan coil control is carried out through a remote control. It does not always come with equipment, so sometimes you need to choose a universal one or follow the manufacturer's recommendations and buy the one that most meets the requirements of the climate system.
Electronic or mechanical remote for fan coil
Thermostats (remotes) are mechanical and electronic. If it comes to price, then it is worth considering mechanical options, since they are cheaper.
The mechanical thermostat has:
- on / off button;
- temperature controller in the form of a wheel;
- fan speed switch - three- or five-way;
- regulator of a two- or three-way valve for a single-circuit system;
- regulator of two- or three-way valves for a two-circuit system;
- cold / heating mode switch if the fan coil operates with heat transfer function.
There is no liquid crystal display, but there are models that have one.
The electronic fan coil control panel can be:
- push-button;
- sensory.
The touch panel for the fan coil is controlled by touching the screen. Button - by pressing the desired function button near the screen.
Wall thermostats have the advantage, because they are always in one place and they cannot be lost or accidentally broken. You can connect multiple devices to one remote control and manage their settings independently of each other.
Minus of wall models:
- the need to come up every time you need to change the settings;
- there is a cable in the wall device, the laying of which requires additional installation work and repair after they are completed.
Remote devices also have positive aspects:
- make it possible to manage settings from any room;
- You can connect several fan coil units to one remote control.
The RS485 communication support function allows you to combine a group of fan coil units into a single whole and control them with one thermostat.
The principle of operation of wall thermostats
There are fan coils that work through an infrared receiver. In this case, the remote control should have a similar transmitter. This principle is supported by both remote thermostats and wall-mounted. Such receivers are triggered when a certain frequency and signal configuration are specified - several pulses of different durations (bursts). This protects the devices from unplanned trips as a result of exposure to other types of radiation. Conventional electronic controlled fluorescent lamps can interfere. If the fan coil begins to poorly receive the signal from the remote control, the lamps may interfere.
The principle of photo reception is based on optical radiation, which is converted into an electrical signal, which is increased at the input by an amplifier. The case is usually made of black plastic, transparent to infrared radiation, while being a protection against other backlights. It has a small power consumption. Photodetectors are used if you need to transmit or receive a signal from a long distance - over 15 meters. In this case, the signal reaches the receiver, reflected from the walls of the room.
Wall consoles vary in control:
- two-pipe fan coil units having one water circuit and working only for cooling;
- four-pipe fan coil units that control two water circuits - heating and cooling.
The four-pipe fan coil DP is capable of controlling a two-pipe configuration.But the DP of the two-pipe system will not be able to control the four-pipe. This must be considered when selecting a thermostat.
One of the new developments is a wireless remote control that works through a radio channel. In this case, a radio receiver should be installed on the fan coil itself. The advantage of this control is that you do not need to spoil the walls in order to lay the cable for the wall thermostat. It is bought for a room in which a final repair has already been completed. Such remotes work from a 220 V network or from batteries. For the price, these are the most expensive devices.
Universal devices for controlling air conditioning
The universal remote for the fan coil is a device that, according to most of the available settings and functions, is suitable for all types of fan coil units.
What to consider when choosing a universal remote control:
- What kind of system (2 or 4 pipe) can be controlled through this device. The system works only for cooling, or you can switch to heating.
- Built-in fan coil capabilities for signal reception - photo, IR receiver, radio.
- Induction current value. If the instruction says the value 3 (1) A, then this means that the induction current is 1, which allows you to connect a fan coil with a power of up to 7 kW. More precisely, if you look at the power of one fan according to the passport of the device). If 2 fans work, then the power of both is taken into account.
- Overcurrent selection is important only for single valve models that control multiple air conditioners. You should know that for unscrupulous manufacturers, the declared maximum current differs significantly from the real value for the worse. The life of the relay depends on what elements are used in the manufacture of the relay, so you should buy a device of a well-known brand.
- The remote control can also be connected to an external temperature sensor, if any. This possibility must be taken into account. Otherwise, there is a risk of turning on the air conditioner at unacceptable values of the street temperature, which will lead to compressor failure immediately at the fan coil group.
- The presence of a timer in the remote control is necessary if you want to turn on the air conditioning before coming home.
- The switching voltage of the console must comply with the Russian standards of the power supply network. If a person does not understand electrics, they can sell him randomly imported goods that can not work in the domestic network.
- The interface language is important for understanding the functions. When buying, you should turn on the device and see if it is possible to switch to Russian. There were times when all teams were offered only in English or Chinese.
- For large office buildings, the climate system can be controlled via WI-FI. For this, the thermostat must support this function. There are also electronic thermostats with an extremely sophisticated device, capable of independent settings, having the function of reprogramming.
- Dual systems - thermostat and IR remote control. If the thermostat is designed for flush mounting, then it will be controlled by a remote infrared remote control.
- Mandatory for high-quality models of universal remotes is the presence of a certificate of the TS - the customs union.
- Warranty and availability of service centers nearby.
- Design characteristics of the product - body color, shape, backlight.
The best option would be to pick up the original device when buying fan coil units. If the remote control does not come with the kit, you need to contact specialized companies where they will help you choose the right model.
