Fancoils are part of the climate system. Blocks equipped with a heat exchanger and fan operate in cooling and heating modes. At any time of the year they provide a comfortable temperature in the house. When connected to a heat pump or a stand-alone boiler, fan coil units become radiators that exceed the efficiency of radiators.
Fan coil heating principle
The fan coil original name is “fan coil” means “fan-heat exchanger”. The device is called a fan coil. This is the final element of a chiller-fan coil type system. The block consists of the following parts:
- copper tube heat exchanger with aluminum fins;
- centrifugal fan;
- filter;
- Control block.
Water (in regions with a mild climate) or ethylene glycol (for areas with low temperatures) circulates along the highway. Fan closers are installed in each room, they operate according to an individual program. The number of connected modules depends on the capacity of the chiller.
The temperature of the coolant is 35-55 °. A low indicator is enough for heating with the new technology.
Steel batteries are gradually giving way to alternative space heating systems. One of the modern options for heating a house is a fan coil instead of a radiator. Inside the unit there is a heat exchanger with circulating hot water supplied by the main. The fan, which is part of the device, drives air through it. Forced circulation allows you to quickly increase the temperature in the room. The filtering device cleans the flow of warm air from dust and impurities.
The fan coil pipe system is connected to a heating boiler (chiller) and a hydraulic module. When installing a water circuit, there is no need to use expensive copper pipes. Plastic lines with insulation will replace metal. High-quality thermal insulation eliminates temperature loss even at a considerable distance. One of the advantages of plastic is the low cost of material and installation work.
Chiller - a chiller with the ability to switch to a heat pump, installed on the street or in the utility room. The hydraulic module consists of a pump, expansion tank and storage tank. The four-pipe system includes a heating boiler. With the onset of cold weather, a special valve switches on the heating mode.
Types of indoor units
By the type of connection to the hydraulic circuit, the fan coil for heating a private house is of two types:
- Two-pipe - the unit is equipped with one water circuit. The mode of its operation depends on the temperature of the coolant. This type is the most common and affordable.
- Four-pipe - a device with two heat exchangers, in one of which cold water circulates, and in the other hot. The systems operate independently of each other, which allows you to quickly change the cooling and heating mode.
Mounting options
The design variant of the fan coil is selected depending on the requirements for placement:
- Cassette - blocks are placed behind suspended ceilings. An air distribution grill is sent to the room. Devices are available in two and four-pipe. They come with a drip tray.
- Ducted - devices are designed for installation in a ventilation duct.Horizontal models are installed behind a false ceiling, vertical - behind a false wall. Powerful fans allow serving several rooms. The blocks are controlled by a remote control.
- Wall-mounted - the console unit is placed openly, which simplifies the installation process. The device is made taking into account decorative appeal. The case looks no different from the indoor unit of the split system. It works in two modes: cooling and heating. The device is equipped with a remote control. When installed above the window creates a thermal curtain that eliminates the appearance of drafts.
- Floor - equipment is installed on the floor or at the bottom of the wall. Blocks replace radiators. Heated or cooled air is directed up. They are equipped with a two or four-pipe heat exchanger. Possible horizontal installation under the ceiling. Models have built-in and remote control.
The disadvantage of the system is the suspended noise level created by the fan.
Benefits of Using Fan Coils
- Due to forced air circulation, fan coil units increase the room temperature faster than radiators operating on the principle of natural convection.
- The chiller-fan coil system heats the house in winter, and in summer switches to cooling mode.
- The temperature of the coolant decreases.
- Heating costs are reduced, the savings are palpable for large-area houses.
- Automatic control simplifies temperature control. It is enough to set the necessary indicators on the remote control.
- The risk of an emergency is minimized.
- Installation of fan coils provides the ability to choose a comfortable temperature for each room.
- Blocks with a water coolant are more economical, durable and reliable heating elements than electric convectors.
Features of heating
The layout of the heating elements is selected based on the individual characteristics of the room. Fancoil in the heating system plays the role of a radiator, so it is preferable to install it below. The number of blocks in a room is calculated taking into account several factors:
- area;
- ceiling height;
- window sizes;
- winter temperature in the region.
Zoning Types
Air conditioning systems of varying complexity are used. To maintain the same temperature in all rooms of a private house, a single-zone option is suitable. Work algorithm:
- In summer, 7 ° C water circulates in the pipes. It is fed to the fan coil heat exchangers that cool the air in the rooms. The operation of the unit is regulated by a controller associated with the temperature sensor. The heated water is sent back to the chiller.
- In winter, the automation switches the coolant to the heating source (boiler, boiler).
A two-pipe scheme and blocks with one circuit are used. The house has a cooling or heating mode, but in individual rooms you can change the microclimate.
The multi-zone system offers an extension of functionality. Some rooms are heated, while others are cooled at the same time. This possibility is provided by the separation of cold and hot water on different branches. For installation, blocks with two circuits and a four-pipe connection scheme are required.
The microclimate in the house is regulated by thermostats. Sensors are installed in each room. When the set value is reached, the heat supply to the fan coil and the supply of electricity for the fan to stop is stopped. The device goes into power saving mode. In houses where central air conditioning is provided at the design stage, it is advisable to use fan coil heating. A universal system replaces two air conditioning systems - water heating and air conditioning.
