Ian Thomas, product manager at Trox UK, looks at the problems inherent in refurbs and introduces an ideal solution for projects with less-than-ideal limitations.
Ian Thomas product manager at Trox UK
Refurbishment projects vary enormously in terms in budget and levels of ambition. For every large-scale, realistically-scheduled refit a contractor comes across, there will be a multitude of other projects where budgets are tight, timescales are even tighter, and much has to be delivered in terms of improved comfort for the building occupant with the absolute minimum of disruption.
In addition to limitations imposed by the customer, contractors also face challenges presented by the building. While most problems encountered during installation can be solved, the retrofit project always carries an added level of risk. Contractors are only too aware that unanticipated problems encountered at installation stage can quickly wipe out profit margin.
A fan and a coil module make up the TFCU...
In the current economic climate, however, no-one wants to walk away from a project - even a problematic retrofit. While new build projects are proving increasingly elusive, refurbishment projects are on the increase as building owners and occupiers become increasingly aware of carbon footprint.
So how can the contractor tackle the full range of retrofit projects - including those where limitations imposed by the customer or the fabric of the building seem insurmountable or, at the very least, open to risk?
In answer to this question from customers, Trox has just launched in the UK, the TFCU - a fan coil solution particularly suited to projects with limitations relating to budget or problematic installation.
Developed initially for small to medium projects, it incorporates proven Trox technology, and is manufactured to the same exacting quality standards. It has been designed however with certain key priorities in mind that make it ideal for many UK retrofit projects: low capital cost, and extremely quick and simple installation, regardless of space constraints.
An ideal solution in two parts
Trox TFCUs reduce manpower and installation time because of their modular design. They are made up of two separate components - a fan module and a coil module - and can be installed in two halves.
The modular lightweight design also enables the units to be installed by only one person without the requirement for lifting equipment. All that has to be done is to install the components one by one and simply tighten the screws between the fan module and the coil module.
The TFCU also provides a solution to the problems of changing filters where the filter frame is larger than the ceiling tile. Its filter frames are collapsible, which enables even the largest sizes to be 'folded' into small dimensions for removal from small openings, saving time and enabling maintenance work to be carried out more efficiently.
It can be installed by just one person...
... components are screwed together...
... and will fit into an existing ceiling grid
To facilitate simple installation and maintenance the TFCU includes standard Trox controls and valve arrangements. It has also been designed to provide energy efficiency advantages, making it attractive in retrofits where the occupier or building owner is aiming to reduce energy consumption, or where the building needs to be brought up to date with regard to legislation.
As part of this focus on energy efficiency, the units are available in both AC and EC fan options, and can be upgraded easily from AC to EC at a later stage if required. The opportunity to install the TFCU either horizontally or vertically (as a wall mounted unit) adds an additional level of flexibility.
Applications
The TFCU range is made up of seven models. There are two different fan modules and seven coil modules. Each model uses a different combination of these modules, based on the acoustic and thermal requirements, providing a wide range of units with different capacities and features.
The TFCU fan coil units are suitable for a wide range of buildings including hotel rooms, hospitals, gyms, residential buildings and offices. They have also proved ideal in older buildings where there are particular space limitations relating to installation of building services.
Future proofing
Looking to the longer-term, the fact that the fan and the coil modules are separate, means that these can be purchased separately throughout the lifetime of the system if requirements should change. This gives the flexibility of replacing either of the modules if a different acoustic or thermal performance is required.
The TFCU unit, as a Trox product, also means that the contractor can satisfy budget limitations without having to compromise on the quality, reliability and product support of the equipment installed. This has, in the past, been one of the only ways of solving the problems presented by budget constraints.
This is just one of Trox's fan coil options. There will be many applications in which it will not be product of choice. In circumstances where budgets are particularly tight and there are space constraints on installation however, the TFCU could be the answer that the industry has been waiting for.
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