The requested URL /en/Certification_Programmes/Programme_Descriptions.php?lg=en&rub=03&srub=01&select_prog=FCU was not found on this server. Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation, or UVGI, has been used for about 100 years to disinfect water, surfaces and air, but traditionally, it has not been used in A/C systems, especially ductless fan coils. UVC energy can “escape” fan coil return and/or supply air openings to potentially do harm to eyes and skin. Our system is uniquely designed to prevent this, making UVC use in ductless systems safe. We are first to accomplish this design goal. UVC kills or inactivates microorganisms, and degrades most organic material to eliminate the mold, mildew, and slime along with their nutrients that accumulate on coils and in drain pans. This so-called bio-film binds (surface attachment) airborne contaminants to a coils surface through a complex aggregation of microbes and their excretion of a protective and adhesive type of matrix material.

Degrading the matrix allows it to wash away with condensate runoff and residual drain pan water. This results in higher operating efficiencies through optimum heat exchange efficiency, reduced coil pressure drop and fewer clogged drains. Health benefits have been claimed as UVC reduces space specific concentrations of airborne virus and other infectious agents that circulate through any air conveyance system. UV energy can be found in the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun, between visible light and x-rays, and it’s invisible to the human eye. The most germicidal frequency is approximately 260 nm. Man made germicidal UV is extremely close at 254 nm and is referred to as UVC. It’s a safe, well tested technology produced by lamps that are similar to fluorescent lights. To kill bacteria, virus and mold spores, UVC energy only needs to penetrate the microbe’s outer cell membrane to reach the DNA, where it severely damages this genetic material. It’s very easy for UVC and the best part is that no chemicals or any other residual materials need be used.

The microbe is killed or is unable to reproduce so when UVC is combined with the right filter, the two become the optimal strategy for cost effective recirculation of the same air, over and over again. Typically, A/C systems are damp, dark and full of nutrients; the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. As they run, these inherent materials along with airborne infectious particles (virus) are circulated throughout the space. Research shows that occupants exposed to these contaminants can develop various health issues, including sinus congestion, headaches, allergies and asthma, as well as upper respiratory ailments, colds and flu. According to the World Health Organization, these ailments account for a substantial portion of absences from school and work, leading to lower productivity. As a result, UVC energy is required by the GSA for any government facility it funds. Other agencies and organizations recommending its use are the CDC, ASHRAE, Homeland Security and the DOE and more!

UVGI can destroy several contaminants in HVAC systems to protect the coil, air distribution system, and occupant space and technicians alike. The cooling coil is the most critical part of an A/C system. Because of moisture and dirt, coils can act as a "Petri dish" growing a myriad of microbes. These contaminate (allergens) like fungi, molds and bacteria also reduce a coils mechanical efficiency. best central air conditioning unit 2013It then either costs more to run or it simply no longer gets the job done. solar power ac window unitThis common occurrence forms the basis of coil cleaning, a routinely “required” safeguard. air conditioning fan motor not runningBut it’s costly, only effective for a short term and requires the use of chemicals.

For fan coil units, coil access may not even be possible; just another reason why Engineered Comfort includes UVC. UVC can play a critical role in keeping coils clean. Our calculated intensity and positioning of UVC lamps allows us to deliver what’s needed, to all but eliminate traditional coil cleaning. System performance is maintained, harmful chemicals are not used and occupants and technicians alike are more comfortable, productive and safe. At Engineered Comfort, we’re about total comfort through secure and productive environments. Ultraviolet Lights for Fan Coil Unit ApplicationsBrossard, Quebec, Canada, March 28th, 2007 – Distech Controls, a leading provider of open control building automation solutions, announced the launch of its new configurable ECC-PFCU series, fan coil unit controllers. The ECC-PFCUs control the space temperature for equipments with up to 4 stages of cooling or heating, 2 floating valves and up to 3 fan speeds and offers complete humidity control including a dehumidification cycle.

The powered fan coil unit controllers’ line includes the ECC-PFCU, with 6 universal inputs, 4 high voltage relay outputs and 4 triac outputs, the ECC-PFCU-A, featuring 2 additional analog outputs and 24 VAC power supply and the wireless communication enabled ECC-PFCU-W and ECC-PFCU-AW. The ECC-PFCUs are designed in Distech Controls’ new compact plastic enclosure and feature a separable back plate with identified terminal block, allowing for easy wiring. “The ECC-PFCUs are truly innovative products on the marketplace” said Etienne Veilleux, President and CEO of Distech Controls “they offer unique features which benefit all applications and allow further versatility and cost savings in designing and implementing a building automation system. Equipment manufacturers will profit from cost savings associated with the elimination of any external relays, power supplies and additional wiring, since the ECC-PFCUs offer these integrated and on-board”. The ECC-PCFUs can be powered by supply ranging from 85 to 265 VAC, with no external transformer required, thus requiring no additional wiring and related expenses.

Additionally, relay outputs supply up to 277 VAC and triac outputs up to 265 VAC power switching, allowing for application options ranging from 24 VAC valve to 277 VAC lighting control. With 6 high precision (16 bit A/D) universal inputs, the ECC-PFCUs support digital, voltage (0-10V), thermistor (PT100, 1K, 10K, 100K) inputs and current from 4-20 mA with external resistor. Further expanding the controller’s versatility, the spare I/O points can be shared over the network. “Our line of powered fan coil unit controllers meet all standards for open protocol and are LONMARK certified” added Etienne Veilleux “ Furthermore, the products have been tested and certified under the international safety standard for electrical equipment, obtaining the UL 61010-1 listing”. The ECC-PFCUs can be configured by using the LNS based EC-Configure plug-in or EC-Net AX wizard, for integration into the Niagara Framework. These configuration interfaces, provided free of charge, simplify configuration and sequencing methods by prompting the user for the necessary configuration data.

Additionally, the equipment based control configuration enables one to extend the control logic to other outputs, such as to remote I/O modules, in fact doubling the amount of physical outputs which can be controlled by one ECC-PFCU. Distech Controls’ wireless, battery-less technology has also been integrated in the powered fan coil unit controllers. The ECC-PFCU-W and the ECC-PFCUA-W, with an on-board wireless receiver provides support for a variety of wireless, battery-less sensors, switches and other devices. The wireless, battery-less peripherals are easy to install, highly adaptable and have no limitations as to the building materials they can be mounted to. Distech Controls' wireless battery-less sensors and switches reduce installation time and related costs as well as maintenance costs. Distech Controls also offers the EC-Smart-Sensor-FC, a communicating LCD Sensor for use with the ECC-PFCU products, providing monitoring of room temperature, setpoint adjustment and override and a fan speed command.