Even for the initiated, the number of models and options available for fan coil units (FCUs) can be bewildering. A new, simple web-based quick selection tool, developed by CIAT, promises to speed up selection and produce fast and accurate project quotes for installers and designers.
Advancements in design have dramatically improved the efficiency of FCUs compared with the traditional early systems, which has given them a boost in recent years. Despite inroads by DX multi-splits and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, FCUs remain an important product category in the UK’s building services industry.
Refurbishments of offices and commercial buildings, originally constructed in the building boom of the 1970s and 1980s, has also resulted in demand for FCUs as old systems are replaced with modern, higher performance units.
For those managing such projects, as well as installations in new builds, the sheer number and diversity of fan coil equipment options and designs – with a myriad of types, models and variants – can be confusing. It can be difficult to specify the right technology for a particular project.
To address this, CIAT has developed an online tool designed to speed up the selection process and minimise errors in specifying equipment for a project.
It is built on an optimised web-based tool that can be used on a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone. It is fully automated and removes the manual labour from what has traditionally been a complicated and time-consuming task.
As one of Europe's leading names in cooling, heating, and indoor air quality, CIAT’s product portfolio includes four different ranges: Coadis, Melody, Comfort and Majorline. These units provide up to six different chassis sizes by range, and many model capacity sizes in each range.
In addition, units can be dressed in a number of ways and come with the option of a standard or high efficiency EC fan, standard filter or EPURE filter to improve the indoor air quality, as well as several plenum and valve options. There is also a selection of choices for the controls.
The possible combinations and permutations of these variants run into the thousands. While it means there is almost no project where FCUs cannot be applied, the number of options can be dizzying.
CIAT’s new web-based quick selection tool takes installers through the selection process step-by-step, producing a detailed list – including airflow, noise levels, cooling capacity, heating capacity, sensible duty, dimensional data and power consumption – that can then be plugged into the project design and cost for the customer. If they win the contract, the installer has an accurate procurement list ready to place.
The process is as simple as online shopping. A contractor or consultant selects a fan coil or range of fan coils and adds them to a virtual basket. The basket keeps a tally of the accumulating contents, totalling up the number, type and cost.
The system takes the installer step-by-step through the process:
- The user finds the type of fan coil required – whether ducted, chassis, cassette and so on – and then chooses from 2-pipe indoor, 4-pipe indoor or 2-pipe with electric heat.
- Power settings and static pressures can be varied as required, enabling precise specification of units. FCUs can also be selected on the basis of capacity (kW) or, if there are noise sensitivities on a project, on sound power rating.
- The tool shows capacities in terms of cooling – including sensible – and heating, airflow and noise rating at high fan speed, medium fan speed and low fan speed. Prices are shown for all models, variants and sizes.
- If the user needs comprehensive data on a particular unit, there is a download button under each model reference, providing a full data sheet on the specific unit, which can be used in the wider project design and as supporting technical information in a tender.
At the end of the process, the user prints off a summary and quote for the selected units. They can also enter a discount code, if applicable, to deliver a final price. To assist with project designs, BIM icons are available for each FCU for incorporation into a design plan from the CIAT website.