Decentralized Hydronic HVAC Architecture
While an AHU conditions air centrally and distributes it via massive duct networks, Fan Coil Units (FCUs) decentralize the cooling process. Chilled water (or hot water) is piped directly from a central chiller plant to individual FCUs located in separate zones. Each unit contains a small centrifugal fan and a finned-tube heat exchanger.
Zonal Control and Condensate Management
FCUs provide superior localized temperature control. As warm room air is drawn across the chilled water coil, it drops below its dew point. Managing this phase change is critical; FCUs require precisely sloped, insulated stainless steel drain pans to safely extract the resulting condensate without causing water damage to the surrounding infrastructure.