Central air conditioning systems are now widely used in buildings. However, choosing between systems can still be confusing. This guide explores the basics, key equipment, and best uses of both fluorine and water systems. With this, you’ll gain valuable insights into each system’s features and ideal applications.
1. Fluorine System Overview
A fluorine system typically connects an outdoor main unit to indoor terminals through copper pipes. These pipes contain refrigerant, which transfers cooling or heating. Common types include split units, ducted units, and VRF systems.
One major advantage of a fluorine system is that the refrigerant directly impacts terminal units, creating highly efficient heat transfer. As a result, this system is ideal for smaller spaces. However, due to refrigerant limitations, it’s often best for small commercial or residential areas.
2. Water System Overview
In contrast, water-based central air conditioning systems use water pipes to connect the main unit to terminal units, such as fan coils. such as fan coils.Water then circulates through the pipes to transfer cooling or heating. Typical configurations include both air-cooled and water-cooled chiller systems.
Compared to fluorine systems, water systems provide a more stable cooling or heating source, making them ideal for larger commercial buildings or areas requiring multi-zone temperature control. Additionally, water systems offer flexibility in design, allowing them to adapt to various building sizes and functions.
3. Components of a Water-Cooled Chiller System
Several key components make up a standard water-cooled chiller system, including:
- Chiller Unit: This unit cools water to meet building needs and should be chosen based on the total cooling load and usage.
- Cooling Tower: Cooling towers should match chiller units in number and meet the system’s water volume needs.
- Pumps: The system includes chilled water, cooling water, and make-up water pumps to maintain water circulation and pressure.
- Water Treatment Equipment: Devices like electronic water treatment units or automatic softeners maintain water quality, ensuring the system’s stable, long-term operation.
- Terminal Devices: Common terminal devices include air handling units (AHUs) and fan coil units (FCUs), which regulate indoor temperature and humidity.
4. Choosing the Right Fan Coil Unit
Choosing the correct FCU is essential, as it directly impacts comfort and cooling distribution. Fortunately, there are two main methods to guide this choice:
- By Room Air Volume: First, calculate the room’s area, ceiling height, and air change rate. Then, match the room’s air volume to the FCU’s high-speed air volume to select an appropriate model.
- By Required Cooling Load: Alternatively, determine the room’s cooling load per unit area and total area. Using this load, match it with the FCU’s cooling capacity at high-speed airflow to choose the right model.
Application scenario of F-68 ultra-thin horizontal concealed fan coil
For example, for rooms under 20 square meters, the FP-51 model is a suitable choice. For rooms around 25 square meters, the FP-68 model works well, while rooms around 30 square meters can use the FP-85 model. For larger rooms with lower noise needs, consider using FCUs with greater airflow and cooling capacity.
5. Selecting an Air Handling Unit
An AHU manages indoor air and introduces fresh air, operating in two modes: air conditioning and fresh air. To choose the right AHU, it’s essential to consider airflow, cooling capacity, and static pressure.
- Airflow: First, match the unit’s model to the system’s airflow needs.
- Cooling Capacity: Then, decide the coil row count based on the required cooling capacity.
- External Static Pressure: Finally, choose a pressure type based on the building structure and specific needs. Most AHUs are either ceiling-mounted or floor-standing.
Ceiling type air handling unit
AHUs come with different supply and return air configurations. Therefore, it’s important to select the setup based on the building layout and the owner’s particular needs.
