Perfect Solutions
Two-Pipe Fan Coil Issues in Historic Buildings
Today, no new building will be designed with a two-pipe fan coil system. However, before the Four-Pipe fan coil system was introduced, the Two-Pipe fan coil system was considered an advanced heating and cooling system. It was used in many pioneering buildings and is still in use today. We can still see the two-pipe system in historic buildings and heavily trafficked commercial areas. These systems are still waiting for an upgrade to meet the contemporary comfort needs of the modern world. Free comfort control (heating or cooling) for each zone or room is essential, not a luxury, today.
The primary concern with a two-pipe fan coil system lies in the comfort control for each zone or room. Since all the fan coils in the building receive only chilled or boiler water, comfort control becomes a challenge during moderate seasons like spring or fall. Additionally, the original design may not account for the varying heat load throughout the day. In a building, certain areas experience more sunlight, higher occupancy, or individuals with specific comfort temperature preferences. Consequently, some areas require heating, while others need cooling. A two-pipe system fails to address this issue. Imagine staying in a hotel with a two-pipe system and being informed that you can only have heating and no air conditioning during your stay. Would you still choose that hotel?
Why not upgrade from a two-pipe system to a four-pipe system? While it may seem simple in theory, it’s financially impractical. Installing a four-pipe system in a new building costs significantly more than a new installation. For a hotel property, the entire business must be paused to upgrade the entire building. Upgrading a four-pipe system would turn the business from generating positive cash flow to a deeply negative one. Beyond the site investigation, system redesign, permits, installation, inspections, and other construction-related matters, the human resources department would require additional funding to manage personnel until the project is complete. This decision is not easy for investors, which explains why many beautiful historic, heavily commercial areas still have two-pipe fan coil system buildings today.
A Solution to Solve the Two-Pipe Fan Coil System Issues and
Make it Better Than A Four-pipe System
The Hybrid Fan Coil Heat Pump System - PMAC, invented in Japan, addresses this issue. It simplifies the financial and mechanical upgrade for property owners and investors. The PMAC hybrid unit replaces the existing two-pipe fan coil unit on a room-by-room basis, eliminating the need for system-wide modifications or disruptions to the hotel business. The PMAC hybrid unit provides heating or cooling for each zone or room independently, regardless of whether the water source is a chiller or boiler. It performs the same functions as a four-pipe fan coil system.
How does the PMAC hybrid unit with a two-pipe system compare to a four-pipe system? The built-in inverter heat pump in each PMAC unit enables the two-pipe system to outperform the four-pipe system. System-wise, it functions with a two-pipe and one-pumping system, effectively replicating the capabilities of a four-pipe and two-pumping system. This design significantly extends the lifespan of the chiller and boiler systems, eliminating the need for simultaneous operation as in a four-pipe system. Consequently, the changeover process is much less demanding, reducing stress on the chiller and boiler systems and minimizing the burden on facility engineers. In some projects, we observe reduced idle time for both the chiller and boiler due to the heat recovery feature in the PMAC unit, which efficiently handles heating or cooling for each zone or room.
The hybrid unit integrates the latest energy management thermostat system (EMS) and utilizes wireless networked occupancy sensors and door and window switches equipped with advanced algorithms. These features optimize comfort control and maximize energy-saving capabilities. The system also retains months of trend data for self-diagnostics, driving the fan coil, and facilitating system maintenance to unprecedented levels of precision.
The Upgrade Is Now Full of Feasibility and Flexibility.
PerfitTech offers project turn-key solutions or joint projects with other trades.
Our services encompass project management, site investigation, design, engineering, permit and inspection, equipment, installation, start-up and system commissioning, warranty, and service contracts. We excel in project execution, leveraging our comprehensive knowledge and experience to ensure project success
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Budget-friendly options are available
We utilize a room-by-room base, minimizing disruption to your system and business operations. This approach allows us to work within your budget plan and maximize tax-saving opportunities. We have experience with multi-phase upgrades and even integrated upgrades into long-term preventive maintenance plans. We can accommodate small quantities, such as 50 or 100 units at each phase, to meet your budget requirements.
“Zero” downtime during the upgrade is guaranteed
For hotels that don’t always have 100% occupancy, we can control the progress of the upgrade on unrented rooms, such as 3 rooms per day. We can even pause the work during events that require 100% hotel rooms. Essentially, the upgrade is a one-day process, with minimal downtime. Our meticulous planning ensures that you won’t experience any disruptions during the upgrade.
Project Reference
KCI Marriott, Kansas City, MO USA
Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, NJ USA
The Windsor Suites, Philadelphia, PA USA
Iberostar 70 Park Avenue, New York, NY USA
The Prince Kitano New York, NY USA
ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Japan
Hilton Tokyo, Tokyo Japan
Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, Japan
The Westin Miyako, Kyoto, Japan
KCI Marriott, Kansas City, MO USA
The Windsor Suites, Philadelphia, PA USA
ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Japan
Contact office@PerFitTech.com to get more information for your project solution