OPERATION
The following are typical modes of operation for a classroom unit ventilator. Please refer to the manual
provided by the controls contractor for a more specific controls sequence.
1. Unoccupied Mode
During the “unoccupied heat” mode (night set-back) space temperature is maintained by a signal from the
thermostat/controller to either the modulating control valve or electric coil. The powered exhaust damper
(if applicable) and the outdoor air damper are fully closed and the return air damper is fully open. The
supply air fan operates on call for heating or cooling from the thermostat/controller.
2. Occupied Mode
The unit ventilator is switched to “occupied mode” by the thermostat/controller. In this mode a signal is
sent from the thermostat/controller to either the modulating control valve or electric coil to maintain room
temperature at set point. The outdoor air damper is held at a minimum position in the heating and
mechanical cooling modes. The supply air fan runs continuously.
3. Economizer (up to 100% outdoor air)
The first stage of cooling is the economizer mode during which all stages of heating are off. The outdoor
air and the return air dampers modulate to maintain the room temperature at the economizer set point. If
the mixed air falls to a programmed temperature (usually 52°F) the outdoor air damper will modulate
towards closed until the mixed air temperature rises again (typically to 55°F). In this free cooling mode
the ability of the unit ventilator to provide sufficient cooling is limited only by the outdoor air temperature
and the total C.F.M. rating of the unit.
4. Mechanical Cooling
The unit ventilator utilizes the self-contained refrigeration section incorporated within the unit (DX coil,
condenser coil, compressor and refrigerant expansion device). The system maintains the cooling set
point by cycling on call from the thermostat/controller. In this mode the outdoor air damper will return to
minimum position.
5. Freeze Protection
For units with a steam or hot water coil, freeze protection is usually incorporated. This can be by either a
low limit temperature control (autoreset or manual reset) or by using a supply air sensor and programming
from the controller. When a mixed air temperature is determined to be too low, then the outdoor air
damper will close and the control valve will fully open. The fan can also be shut down until the
temperature returns to normal levels. The low limit temperature control (freezestat) should be located at
the leaving air side of the heating coil.
6. Humidistat & Hot Gas Reheat (Optional for VHC series units only)
A room humidistat sensor is included in the return air stream. The humidistat has a set point of 55% R.H.
(adjustable). When the room temperature falls to the cooling set point and the humidistat set point has
not been satisfied, the hot gas reheat coil provides reheat to maintain the cooling set point in the room (to
avoid over cooling in the space). The compressor operates under this condition. When the humidity set
point is satisfied, the reheat coil is de-energized.
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