Fan Coil Units

What is a Fan Coil Unit?

A fan coil unit – commonly referred to as FCU – is a simple water-based coil/fan device which conditions the indoor room temperature. The handling process will flow air by the waterborne (hot or cold) coil and through heat transfer provide the right air temperature and with that also room temperature. FCUs are generally servicing small to medium sized areas and consequently they run with lower flow rates. The coil airflow is typically constant or limited to 3 different speeds controlled by the user. Hence, the return water temperature often fluctuates depending on season and corresponding cooling or heating requirements.

Fan coil units are divided into either 2-pipe FCUs or 4-pipe FCUs. The 2-pipe FCU will include 1 supply and 1 return pipe and handle either cold or hot water depending on the annual season. The 4-pipe FCU includes double supply and return piping and allow either hot or cold water to the unit at any given moment. Due to modern requirements of individual comfort and high focus on energy efficiency, four-pipe fan coil units are found to be more popular.

Fan coils are seen in lots of different building projects, like classrooms in schools, offices, shop areas, patient- or staff room at hospitals and many, many more. FCUs are basically found in any commercial- and public building and even residential- and industrial applications. There is no limit.

 

How is a Fan Coil Application Optimized?

With proper balance and control, a FCU may reduce energy consumption and corresponding costs to a minimum while provide proper room temperature and increasing people comfort. FlowCon recommends the following different solutions for a FCU installation:

  1. Pressure Independent Temperature Control (PITCV)
  2. Pressure Independent Control (PICV)
  3. By-Pass Modules (Assemblies)
  4. Temperature Control (TCV)
  5. Dynamic Balancing (ABV)

1. Fan Coil Units with Pressure Independent Temperature Control (PITCV)

The PITCV will react only to change in ΔT, which can be either deliberately set to a new target or automatic due to occupancy change. The PICV actuator will only move if a ΔT change is sensed. By optimizing ΔT, flow may be reduced to a minimum resulting in significant energy savings and extended life of equipment, while providing pressure independent ΔT control and optimized comfort. 

 

→ Download Application Drawing Example

 

FlowCon recommends the following PITCV:

2. Fan Coil Units with Pressure Independent Control (PICV)

The PICV will react to system pressure changes and regulate the flow of water to required flow by adjusting the actuator position. This helps the system to be accurately controlled even with pressure changes and reduced loads.

 

→ Download Application Drawing Example

 

FlowCon recommends the following PICVs:

3. Fan Coil Units with By-Pass Modules (Assemblies)

The by-pass modules – commonly seen as pre-assemblies – ease onsite installation, commissioning and maintenance of any FCU arrangement. The by-pass modules can be fitted with either a PICV, a TCV or an ABV and the by-pass modules allow forward- backward- or isolated system flushing.

 

→ Download Application Drawing Example

 

FlowCon recommends the following By-Pass Modules:

4. Fan Coil Units with Temperature Control (TCV)

The TCV will react to system pressure changes and automatically provide the selected max. flow independent of pressure changes. In addition, the actuator will provide ON/OFF control, securing proper thermal performance always, even at partial loads.

 

→ Download Application Drawing Example

 

FlowCon recommends the following TCV:

5. Fan Coil Units with Automatic Balancing (ABV)

The automatic balancing valve will react to system pressure changes and limit the flow of hot or cold water to required max. flow helping the system to be accurately controlled even with pressure changes.

 

→ Download Application Drawing Example

 

FlowCon recommends the following ABVs:

Still in Doubt?
Please Contact Us

If You are in doubt which Solution to choose to Your Application or how a specific product is working, please do not hesitate contacting FlowCon.

We will react as soon as possible, and written reply is normally within 8 hours if Your question is asked in English and during office hours. Other languages and requests asked during vacation time or weekends may experience longer response time. Likewise, for any special and out of standard requests, You may not see an immediate reply, but we are responsive.

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