Fan Coil Units (FCUs) play an important role in today's indoor air circulation.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into how fan coil units and FCU fans work, where they're commonly used, and the many benefits of getting fan coil units, as well as some tips on choosing the right FCU fan.
1. What is FCU Fan (Fan Coil Units)?
A fan coil unit (or FCU) is a simple device that uses coils and fans to heat or cool the air in a room without connecting to a ductwork. A fan coil consists of a fan and heating or cooling elements that provide warmth during the cooler months of the year and cool air during the summer.
In addition to residential and commercial buildings without ductwork, fan coil units can also be used with standard HVAC units to provide another source of heating or cooling to help keep everyone in the building comfortable.
2. What are the characteristics of using a fan coil unit?
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The exterior of the FCU is very similar to the indoor unit of a split system.
The water block (cooler) performs the function of the external unit. They replace freon with water. The boiler provides a mode of heating air.
FCUs and chillers provide independent temperature stabilization simultaneously in multiple rooms in the same building.
Therefore, they often use many rooms in hotels or offices.
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They are suitable for a variety of building types, including an increasing number of residential properties.
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They cost less to purchase and install than other central air conditioning systems
Because they typically power small to medium spaces, fan coil units are relatively inexpensive compared to air handling unit systems and larger central air conditioning systems. Also, due to their size, they are also easier to install, making installation more affordable than other systems.
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FCU provides individual room temperature control
Another advantage of having this system is that you have more flexibility in setting the temperature by making room-level customizations for your space.
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FCU is energy efficient
With proper maintenance and operation, an air conditioning FCU system can generate substantial energy efficiency, resulting in savings in electricity and energy consumption.
3. Why is a fan coil unit worth investing in?
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Enhanced durability
These fans are durable enough to perform well in the most corrosive and aggressive environments.
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Ability to limit overload
Some FCU fans come with a non-overload horsepower curve that ensures the motor doesn't overload when it exceeds capacity.
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High versatility
FCU fans are available in multiple airflow/pressure combinations, and they can handle multiple airflow conditions.
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Various sizes
These fans are available in a variety of sizes to suit different applications - such as in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas.
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Customizable
The popularity of the FCU fan is largely due to its customizability, he has many sizes to choose from and can help you in different spaces.
4. What types of fan coil units are there?
There are four types of Fan Coil Units (FCUs): horizontal chassis above ceiling voids, horizontal exposed, floor and vertical wall mounted units.
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Ceiling void fan coil above level
Ideal for new building developments or as a retrofit option where units need (or can) be hidden in ceiling voids.
In this type of installation, the work of each unit of the fan coil unit will be slightly more difficult, as the ceiling and any other insulation can cushion the acoustics, thereby reducing the noise level in the space below.
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Horizontally exposed fan coil unit
Popular as part of an industrial-inspired design for an office, dining room or reception area. Exposed fan coil units are designed around the unit's appearance and installation requirements to match the aesthetics of the interior space.
Another consideration when exposing fan coil units is acoustics. Since there is no longer anything to isolate any noise generated, you may need to specify larger units to operate at lower rates or use attenuators to meet the required requirements to ensure limited disturbance to occupants.
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Under Floor Fan Coil Unit
Perimeter solutions used in conjunction with displacement ventilation systems to combat airflow and solar gain from glass façades or curtain walls. Underfloor fan coil units also allow for greater floor-to-ceiling heights for a more spacious design.
All buildings have a raised/false floor to facilitate the burial of these FCU Fans.
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Wall Mounted Fan Coil Unit
Ideal for retrofits where ceiling height constraints are installed in voids, in which case vertical units can be installed in false walls or cabinets using the chassis type, or enclosures can be supplied. These units can be mounted low or high on the wall.
5. What conditions need to be considered when using the fan coil unit?
While the basic components of a fan coil unit are the FCU fan and coil, there are several options and accessories to complement the design. These include mixing boxes, outdoor air intakes, hot water/electric heating, mufflers/attenuators, filters, and more. Five factors influence which product is selected for a specific application. These factors are:
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Capacity requirements
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External static pressure
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Available ceiling space
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sound sensitivity
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outside air capacity
6. What control systems does the fan coil unit have?
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Temperature control
The conditioned air is controlled by a wall mounted/ducted temperature sensor connected to the controller.
The desired space temperature will be set manually and then measured by the sensor. The controller will manage the modulation of the cooling or heating valve, changing the temperature entering the coil to meet design/space requirements.
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Speed control
Wall mounted FCU controllers usually have the ability to set the speed locally [3-speed].
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Switch
Speed selection usually does not allow it to change automatically. Simply choose from low, medium or high speed.
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Schedule Control and Settings
In order to ensure the most efficient system, the operation of the system needs to be managed through a set time when space is occupied.
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FCU BMS and Alerts
A basic list of BMS and alerts looks like this:
- Space temperature
- FCU run/stop status
- FCU common alarms
- Auto/Manual state
- Fan On/Off Control
- Regulating valve control
- High temperature alarm
- Schedule
7. What are the applications of the fan coil unit?
If in a large space, open, the control will be affected by other units
There are many valves on the ceiling
Typically, this system requires a separate main system to provide fresh air.
Maintenance is relatively troublesome, you may need to repeatedly remove the ceiling or floor.
8. What is the working principle of the fan coil unit?
The water fan coil works by transferring heat from the air passing through the internal heat exchanger to the chilled water passing through it.
Cold water is provided by chillers or reversible heat pumps installed in the central plant room or on the roof of the building.
The water within the distribution network is cooled. Next, the chilled water is circulated through the pipe distribution system to the heat exchangers (coils) within the fan coil unit.
Fans within the unit then draw air into an exchanger containing cold water, cooling the air and finally dispersing the air into the desired space to provide comfortable cooling for occupants or building users.
9. What are the disadvantages of FCU Fan?
If the proper FCU fan is selected and the FCU is installed correctly, there will generally not be too much noise.
Noise can be affected by:
- Installation of the FCU
- Intake Duct Design and Routing
- Supply piping design and routing
- grille selection
- wind speed
- Use hard connections to FCUs, pipes and grilles
- ceiling structure
10. Does the FCU need a condensate drain?
In most systems, a drip pan/condensation pan will need to be connected to the condensate line to remove any water produced during the cooling process and dispose of it, usually drain.
Of course, if your FCU only uses the heating function, it is not necessary.
11. What are the components of the fan coil unit?
The basic components of a fan coil unit are the heating/cooling coil, fan section and filter. Units can stand alone within a single space or serve multiple spaces through plumbing, and can be controlled via manual switches, thermostats or building management systems.
12. Is the fan coil unit loud?
If the proper FCU fan is selected and the FCU is installed correctly, there will generally not be too much noise.
Noise can be affected by:
- Installation of the FCU
- Intake Duct Design and Routing
- Supply piping design and routing
- Grille selection
- Wind speed
- Use hard connections to FCUs, pipes and grilles
- Ceiling structure
13. What is the standard of FCU Fan?
The selection of FCU fans must pay attention to whether they meet relevant standards and certifications.
You should ask the FCU fan manufacturer to provide the relevant certificate when you choose the relevant product:
- AMCA
- CRAA
14. How to install your FCU Fan?
Check to make sure the structure can support the weight of the FCU, any piping and ancillary equipment. Ancillary equipment and plumbing provided by the contractor who installed them.
Check with local fire codes to ensure that if ceiling mounted/hidden is used, all precautions are taken when using voids as return air paths.
Make sure there is enough space to install equipment, piping, piping, valves, electrical equipment, dampers and auxiliary equipment required for operation.
Make sure the pipeline handles the flow in the correct direction
Check that space for any future maintenance is available.
Check that there is enough free space for the condensation to "fall" and not interfere with the ceiling.
Confirm that FCU will independently support all services.
Make sure the fixtures used for hanging services are adequate to fit the structure.
If using a floor-standing unit, make sure the base is sufficiently flat
15. Why purchase fan coil units from China?
FCU fan manufacturers in China have the following advantages, so that your business can be fully guaranteed:
- High-quality workforce
- Young and ample high-skilled population
- Always keep costs down.
- Infrastructure and Geography
- Stable Supply Ability
16. How to find FCU Fan manufacturers from China?
Ways to find FCU fan manufacturers in China include
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Google, Bing search
Most good FCU fan manufacturers have their own website to advertise their products.
However, many excellent Chinese manufacturers do not pay attention to this or start late, but this does not mean that they cannot provide excellent products.
So it might be hard to find them on the first few pages, but you can check out a few pages with many good FCU fan manufacturers to choose from.
Or you can add "China" to your keyword to see more Chinese manufacturers.
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Purchasing agent
Many purchasing agents in China know different FCU fan manufacturers in China.
They understand the production capacity and pricing of these manufacturers.
These are the important specs your purchasing agent can help you when searching for an FCU fan
Sourcing agents can also save you the trouble of finding reliable manufacturers, as they usually have a ready list for you to choose from.
The main limitation of using a purchasing agent is the high cost of finding a manufacturer.
There's no way to compare what you pay here with what you might lose if you bet on finding a manufacturer.
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Trade shows and trade shows
Whenever a Chinese trade show is held in your country or China, you should expect Chinese manufacturers to showcase their products.
This allows you to interact with different manufacturers and ask them about different aspects of their manufacturing process.
The advantage of this method is that you can meet face-to-face with a specific manufacturer.
This allows you to negotiate different specifications with the manufacturer.
Common trade shows and fairs in China include: Canton Fair, etc.
Crucially, once you have an agreement with a specific manufacturer, you need to visit their premises before starting production.
