The fan coil unit is controlled via a remote control. It does not always come with the 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 control panel for fan coil unit
Thermostats (consoles) are mechanical and electronic. When it comes to price, then mechanical options should be considered, since they are cheaper.
The mechanical thermostat contains:
- on / off button;
- temperature regulator in the form of a wheel;
- fan speed switch - three- or five-way;
- two- or three-way valve regulator for a single-circuit system;
- two- or three-way valve regulator for a two-circuit system;
- heating / cold switch if the fan coil unit works with heat dissipation function.
There is no liquid crystal display, but there are models that have it.
An electronic control panel for a fan coil unit can be:
- button;
- sensory.
The touch panel for the fan coil unit is operated by touching the screen. Push-button - by pressing the desired function button near the screen.
Wall thermostats have an advantage, because they are always in one place and cannot be lost or accidentally broken. You can connect several devices to one remote control and control their settings independently of each other.
Minus wall models:
- the need to come up every time you need to change the settings;
- the wall-mounted appliance has a cable, the laying of which requires additional installation work and repairs after their completion.
Remote devices also have positive aspects:
- make it possible to manage settings from any room;
- several fan coil units can be connected to one remote control.
The RS485 communication function allows you to combine a group of fan coil units and control them with one thermostat.
How wall thermostats work
There are fan coil units that work through an infrared receiver. In this case, the remote control must have a similar transmitter. This principle is supported by both remote thermostats and wall thermostats. Such receivers are triggered when a certain frequency and signal configuration is set - several pulses of different duration (bursts). This protects the devices from unplanned activation by other types of radiation. Interference can be caused by conventional, electronically controlled fluorescent lamps. If the fan coil unit starts to receive a bad signal from the remote control, it is possible that the lamps are interfering.
The principle of photodetection is based on optical radiation, which is converted into an electrical signal, which is increased at the input by the amplifier. The body is usually made of black plastic, transparent to infrared radiation, and at the same time is a shield against other backlights. Has low power consumption. Photo detectors 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, reflecting off the walls of the room.
Wall-mounted consoles differ in control:
- two-pipe fan coil units with one water circuit and working only for cooling;
- four-pipe fan coil units that regulate two water circuits - heating and cooling.
The DP of a four-pipe fan coil unit is capable of driving a two-pipe configuration. But the DP of a two-pipe system will not be able to control a four-pipe system. This must be taken into account when selecting a thermostat.
One of the new developments is a wireless remote control that works over a radio channel. In this case, a radio receiver must 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 consoles work from a 220 V network or from batteries. For the price, these are the most expensive devices.
Universal devices for air conditioning control
A universal fan coil unit is a device that, according to most of the settings and functions available, is suitable for all types of fan coil units.
What you need to consider when choosing a universal remote control:
- Which type 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 capabilities of the fan coil 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. It will be more accurate if you look at the power of one fan according to the device passport). If 2 fans are running, the power of both is taken into account.
- The choice for the maximum current is only important for models with one valve that controls several air conditioners. You should be aware that for unscrupulous manufacturers, the declared maximum current significantly differs from the real value for the worse. The service life of the relay depends on what elements are used in the manufacture of the relay, so it is worth buying a device of a well-known brand.
- The remote control can also be connected to an external temperature sensor, if available. This possibility must be taken into account. Otherwise, there is a risk to turn on the air conditioner at unacceptable values of the outside temperature, which will lead to compressor breakdown at the group of fan coil units.
- The presence of a timer in the remote control is necessary if you want to turn on the air conditioner before coming home.
- The switching voltage of the control panel must comply with Russian power supply standards. If a person does not understand electrics, he may be sold to an accidentally imported product that will not be able to 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 have been times when all commands 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 a super-complex device, capable of self-adjusting, with a reprogramming function.
- Dual systems - thermostat and IR remote control. If the thermostat is intended for flush mounting, then it will be controlled by a remote infrared remote control.
- It is mandatory for high-quality models of universal consoles to have a certificate of the CU - the customs union.
- Warranty and availability of service centers nearby.
- Design characteristics of the product - body color, shape, lighting.
The best option would be to pick up the original device when buying fan coil units. If the remote control is not included in the kit, you need to contact specialized firms, which will help you choose the right model.
