WHISPER KOOL SS4000 User manual

WhisperKOOL
by Vinothèque
“THE COOLEST THING IN WINE STORAGE.”
The WhisperKOOL
Split Cooling System
requires professional
installation by
a licensed refrigeration
technician.
Thank you for choosing WhisperKOOL Split
Cooling System for your wine preservation
needs. This unit has been specifically designed
and engineered to create the ideal balance
of temperature and humidity within a wine
cellar. This, along with a properly designed
and constructed cellar, creates the optimum
environment for the proper aging of fine
wine. Please take the time to read through
the owner’s manual so you understand the
correct operations of the WhisperKOOL unit.
Split System.
SS4000 & SS7000.
(Indoor/Outdoor)(Indoor)
CondenserEvaporator
Split Refrigeration System
110 VAC
110 VAC
Load (Liquid)
Suction
Drain
!

Copyright ©1998-2005 Vinothèque Wine Cellars All rights reserved.
This manual, the product design, and the design concepts are copyrighted by Vinothèque
Wine Cellars, with all rights reserved. Your rights with regard to the hardware and
manual are subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by the copyright laws
of the United States of America. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be copied,
reproduced, translated, transmitted, or reduced to any printed or electronic medium or
to any machine-readable form, for any purpose, in whole or in part, without the written
consent of Vinothèque Wine Cellars.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
Vinothèque Wine Cellars is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Vinothèque Wine Cellars reserves the right to make corrections or improvements to the
information provided and to the related hardware at any time, without notice.
Vinothèque, and WhisperKOOL are registered trademarks, of Vinothèque Wine Cellars.
All rights reserved.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes
neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Vinothèque Wine Cellars assumes no
liability with regard to the performance or use of these products.
Rev. 17-1103

-3-
WhisperKOOL Split Cooling System
Features and Benefits....................................................................................
Receiving & Unpacking...................................................................................
Thermostat......................................................................................................
Additional Features................................................................................
PDT Thermostat Operating Instructions......................................................
Package Contents...........................................................................................
Wine Cellar / Space Preparation...................................................................
Technical Specifications.................................................................................
Split System Installation Guidelines.............................................................
Condenser Skid Preparation..................................................................
Mounting the Evaporator Unit..............................................................
Electrical Lines ...................................................................................
Installing Drain Line............................................................................
Refrigeration Lines..............................................................................
Wiring system......................................................................................
Charging the system...........................................................................
Maintenance..................................................................................................
Technical Assistance....................................................................................
Trouble Shooting...........................................................................................
Installation Terms & Conditions..................................................................
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Designed specifically for wine storage, the WhisperKOOL system is a specialized refrigeration unit
designed for one purpose only: to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels conducive
to the proper aging of fine wines.
Humidity Control
As the temperature begins to drop within the cellar, the relative humidity will rise. The WhisperKOOL
units do not create humidity. If you live in a dry area of the country, you may need to create
humidity in the wine cellar. This can be done by introducing a non-heat humidifier or installing a
small fountain within the cellar. The unit will remove excess humidity from the air and discharge
it through the drain line hookup on the evaporator unit.
Quiet Operation
Years of experience with our self contained cooling units has resulted in a totally new design which
accounts for a number of environmental conditions which are unique to wine cellars. We have
accounted for these variables and incorporated the use of state of the art components, which offer
quiet and sophisticated operations while keeping the basic concept rather simple.
Indoor and Outdoor Condenser Installations
This system offers the option of installing the condenser unit indoors or outdoors. This will allow
home builders and architects to incorporate this system with the utmost ease with regard to
installation and space requirements. Note: Exterior installations require the condenser
housing. Please specify the need of this requirement at the time of order.
Temperature Differential
The WhisperKOOL split system is designed with a 55 degree temperature differential. This means
the unit can operate correctly even if the ambient temperature outside (or wherever the condenser
unit is mounted) even in 110 degree heat. This is a significant improvement over most cooling
units designed for wine storage.
FEATURES & BENEFITS

The system includes both the evaporator and condenser units packaged in two (2) separate
containers. An exterior housing is optional for outdoor installations and will arrive packed
separately.
-5-
Evaporator Condensers (Shown With Optional Housing)
• Wine is maintained at a precise, measured
temperature.
• The unit will switch on/off less often,
extending cooling unit life.
• The unit will run longer during cycles
effectively maintaining humidity.
PDT Thermostat
Digital probe––contains a microchip which communicates
back and forth to the thermostat, resulting in accuracy.
Heavy Duty Circuitry––designed to resist power surges,
which play havoc on sensitive electrical components.
Fahrenheit and Celsius readout––for use in the United
States as well as around the world.
Built In Defrost Cycle––designed to prevent icing on the
evaporator coil.
RECEIVING & UNPACKING
Thermostat
The split system evaporator has been designed to incorporate the Vinothèque PDT ™ series
thermostat.
Years of research and testing have gone into the design of the PDT thermostat- resulting in advanced
microprocessor controlled digital technology and pinpoint accuracy. This system incorporates a
probe designed to measure the liquid temperature in a wine bottle rather than the air temperature
of the cellar. This results in several distinct advantages:
Additional Features:

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The unit is set at 55°F at the factory. To raise or lower the set temperature, press the set button
while at the same time pressing either the arrow up or arrow down button.
Wine Temperature Indicator: A red LED bar will light up when the thermostat is reading the
liquid temperature in the bottle via the probe. This will remain lit and the temperature you see
displayed is what the probe is reading.
LED Screen: Displays your thermostat readings.
Wine Temperature Reading: The temperature the water bottle is registering to the
thermostat.
Temperature SET Indicator: A red LED bar will light up when you are setting the
temperature.
Unit ON Indicator: A red LED bar will light up every time the unit turns on to run a cooling
cycle.
SET Button: Used to set the temperature you want the unit to maintain.
UP Arrow Button: Used with the SET button to set temperature higher. In addition, by pressing
and holding the button it will allow you to see the 5-minute count down.
DOWN Arrow Button: Used with the SET button to set temperature lower.
*Up and Down Arrow Buttons used simultaneously will change the temperature read
out from Fahrenheit to Celsius*
WINE Temperature Indicator
Wine Temperature Reading
LED Screen
1
32
4
5 6
78
Temperature SET Indicator
Button
UP Arrow Button DOWN Arrow Button
Unit ON Indicator Button SET Temperature Button
Temperature
Precision digital Technology Thermostat
PDT
WINE
ON
SET 55F
SET
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
PDT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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SS4000
Box 1
Evaporator Unit (part #: 03-4000SS-0120)
Sight Glass
Filter Dryer
Box 2
Condenser Unit (part #: 1-122100)
Accessory Kit (par #: 09-950-9997SS)
Box 3
Optional Exterior Housing (part #: 03-4000SS-0120)
Mounting Hardware
Optional Electrical Cover
SS7000
Box 1
Evaporator Unit (part #: 03-7000SS-0120)
Sight Glass
Filter Dryer
Box 2
Condenser Unit (part #: 1-122101)
Accessory Kit (par #: 09-950-9997SS)
Box 3
Optional Exterior Housing (part #: 03-7000SS-0120)
Mounting Hardware
Optional Electrical Cover
Accessory Kit part #: 09-950-9997SS Quantity
Brass Fitting, 3/8” Barb x 1/8 1-141012 1
Brass Nipple, 1/8” Male Pipet 1-141025 1
Bypass Plug Jumper w/Molex 1-212455 1
Drain Line & Fitting N/A 1
Owner’s Manual M-4/7SS RevA 1
Screw #8 x 1-3/4 SH Black 1-422813B 9
PACKAGE CONTENTS

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The proper design and preparation of the wine cellar is essential in order to maintain the ideal
temperature and humidity levels. We have created a typical presentation on “How to Build a
Wine Cellar” which is available for viewing on our web site at www.whisperkool.com. Failure
to prepare the cellar accordingly will result in improper functioning of the cooling unit and is not
covered under warranty.
Preparing the Wine Cellar
Sizing Guide & Specifications
Vinothèque model Cellar Volume Run Amps Start-Up Amps H x W x D Lbs
SS4000 Condenser
SS4000 Evaporator
SS7000 Condenser
SS7000 Evaporator
Outside Enclosure (All)
1000 cu. ft.
1000 cu. ft.
1750 cu. ft.
1750 cu. ft.
NA NA
1.5 Amps
9 Amps
1 Amp
10 Amps
NA
3 Amps
18 Amps
2 Amps
15 Amps
20.75”x25.75”x18”
15.75”x23.5”x15.5”
13.5”x18.5”x12”
15.75”x23.5”x15.5”
13.5”x18.5”x12”
30
66
60
56
Technical Specifications
Ton
60
NA
7/12
1/3
Power Source
Condenser
Evaporator
Lines and Wiring
• 1/4” Liquid Line
• 3/8” Suction Line for lines 50 ft or less, or
• 1/2” Suction Line for lines 51-100 ft, or with excessive bends on line
• Insulation for Suction Line
• For each line reduce the line set calculation by 10 ft for every 90° bend. Do not
exceed 100 ft total length. No wiring required between condenser and evaporator.
-110Volt, 20Amp Dedicated (Non-GFI) Breaker
-110Volt, 15Amp Dedicated (Non-GFI) Breaker
WINE CELLAR / SPACE PREPARATION

General Installation Guidelines and Instructions
Vinothèque requires that a certified HVAC technician install the Split System unit modules.
Please take a moment to review State and City building codes to insure the safe and proper
installation of the unit.
Installing Condenser Unit
The condenser unit can be mounted inside a utility area of the home or outside utilizing the optional
outdoor condenser housing. The system will operate on a 55 degree temperature differential. This
means that the unit will have the capacity to produce cool air into the cellar as long as the ambient
temperature does not climb above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit requires a dedicated 20 amp
circuit, non-GFI. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot horizontal clearance in front and rear
of the unit. The unit may either be hard wired or plug-in depending on local electrical codes. The
unit must be installed at an elevation lower than the evaporator unit. If not, a “P Trap”
must be installed.
Internal Condensing Unit Installations. Internal installations require special consideration
by having adequate ventilation to dissipate the heat created during normal operations. An
exhaust port with fan may need to be installed to assure that heat is effectively dissipated
from the utility room. Unobstructed airflow to and from the unit is a critical factor in the
unit’s overall performance. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot horizontal clearance in
front and rear of the unit. This will assure that the unit can move the air around the room in
an efficient manner.
External Condensing Unit Installations. You must utilize the optional exterior condenser
housing for outdoor installations. Place the condenser on a solid foundation in a location
with adequate ventilation. There should be three feet for clearance in the front and rear of
the unit and one foot on each side. The unit should be elevated in order to avoid any possible
flooding and should be clear from leaves, dirt, and other debris.
Mounting Evaporator Unit
The evaporator unit should be mounted close to 18 inches or less from the ceiling of the cellar in
order to achieve sufficient cooling. As the room cools down, warm air will rise to the ceiling, which
is then captured into the cooling unit in order to create a consistently cool environment. Mounting
the unit low in the room will result in a temperature variation due to the unit’s inability to draw
warm air down from the ceiling into the unit itself.
Unobstructed Airflow
Unobstructed airflow to and from the unit is a critical factor in the unit’s overall performance.
Make sure there is horizontal clearance in front of the unit. This will assure that the unit can move
the air around the room in an efficient manner.
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SPLIT SYSTEM INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

PLEASE NOTE: Minor assembly to compressor solenoid valve is required prior to installation.
The Condenser Skid requires assembly prior to charge/operation. The included solenoid valve
needs to be connected. In Figure A – locate the capped nut. Remove the nut and replace Teflon
tape on the threads. Install the Solenoid valve – insuring a leak-tight torque (Figure B). Remove
the protective valve cap to expose the valve stem. Using a wrench, rotate the valve stem counter-
clockwise (Figure C). This will open the compressor system and prepare the unit for charging.
Note: The compressor unit is shipped with a protective foam pad/ block to prevent damaging tubing
against the evaporator coil fins. Please ensure that this pad is removed prior to operation.
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Figure A
Figure CFigure B
Solenoid Valve
CONDENSER SKID PREPARATION
Solenoid Valve Solenoid Valve
Valve Stem

-11-
Head Pressure Control valve:
The valve is used to cycle the condenser fan at low ambient temperature. Set the switch to 190
psig for cut in and 70 psig for the differential. Further adjustment may be needed. Verify the
settings via refrigeration gauge manifold and perform the final adjustments to the readings on the
gauge manifold.
ALL RANGE
JOHNSON
CONTROLS
Fan Switch:
Illustration of the fan switch.
Connecting the Head Pressure Control Valve:
To connect the head pressure control valve to the
receiver, remove the cap from the receiver and
install the 1/4 inch access valve.
ALL RANGE
JOHNSON
CONTROLS
Head Pressure Control Valve:
The head pressure control valve is included with the
cooling unit, but is not installed at the factory.
Head Pressure Control Valve (not connected)
Head Pressure Control Valve
(connected to receiver)

1. Disassemble evaporator unit.
In order to mount the housing to the wall, the internal components will need to be removed and
reinstalled. Remove front cover by unscrewing six captive screws located on each corner of the
cover and two at bottom of front cover. Then remove two screws from the bottom of the thermostat
and remove it.
Note: Thermostat is not plugged into electrical line.
2. Remove interior assembly.
The interior assembly is one piece. Remove the two mounting screws located on the bottom of the
unit. The assembly should slide out on mounting rails as one piece.
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MOUNTING THE EVAPORATOR UNIT

3. Identify and remove appropriate knockouts.
There are knockouts located on the rear panel, right side panel and on top. Remove knockouts for
the two refrigeration lines and install the two grommets supplied. Remove knockout for electrical
line.
4. Mounting housing to wall.
The unit has six mounting holes on 16 inch wide centers. Utilize all mounting screws to secure
the housing to the wall.
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18 inches
18”

5. Installing refrigeration lines into evaporator housing.
Run both refrigeration lines into the housing through the grommets supplied. The refrigeration lines
should be 16 inches long to assure a simple attachment to refrigeration lines in the evaporator.
6. Run the electrical line into evaporator on bottom of left side over insulation.
Wires should be at least 36” long going into the cabinet.
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16”

7. Reinstall interior assembly.
Slide interior assembly back into housing gently. Reattach using the two screws.
8. Attaching refrigeration lines.
Braze (solder) lines using couplings supplied. Secure tubing lines as low as possible, using wire
ties supplied, in unit to prevent refrigeration lines from showing through air inlet port. Attach
electrical hand guard plate (sheild).
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Note: Be sure the tubes do not stick
out beyond the evaporator opening
for the front panel.

9. Electrical lines will need to be approximately 36 inches long.
Attach lines according to schematic shown.
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Power Source
L8
L2
L1
T8
T2
T1
Fan
Thermostat L1 - White (neutral)
L2 - Black (hot)
L3 - Black Silver Stripe
L8 - Green (ground)
T1 - White
T2 - Black
T3 - Black / White
T8 - Green
F1 - White
F2 - Black
F8 - Green
S1 - White
S2 - Black
J1 - White Jumper
Legend
Solenoid Valve
F8
F1
F2
T3
S1
S2
J1
J1
J1
WATER
LEAKING
WRONG
CORRECT
10. Install drain line fitting & drain line.
Excess moisture in the air will be condensed to liquid form and captured in the base of the
evaporator unit. Therefore a drain line will need to be installed in order to effectively remove the
excess condensation. The drain fitting is located in the center bottom of the unit. Attach the
supplied drain line and route it to a drain. A condensate pump may be
required if the drain is not readily available.
Install the drain line fitting to the bottom of drain pan. The Indoor drain
line must slope downward and have no traps. The line cannot run higher
than the level of the drop pan and should not have any kinks or block-
age. When installing drain line inside of wall, use copper or PVC to
protect the drain tube from the elements.

11. Install thermostat.
Thermostat will mount on the bottom front of the unit. Plug electrical outlet to thermostat and
mount from underneath with screws supplied.
12. Install front cover.
13. Energize unit.
Note: 5 minute thermostat delay.
-17-

-18-
Refrigeration Lines
A
1/4
inch “liquid line copper tubing” and a 3/ 8 inch “suction line copper tubing” connects the two
units. The line set should not have a length longer than 50 feet. For runs greater than 50 feet but
less than 100 feet the suction line should be increased to
1/2
”. For each line, reduce the line set by
10 feet for every 90 degree bend.
The sight glass and strainer/ dryer should be connected to the condensing units liquid line. Enclose
the suction line in a flexible insulation jacket to prevent cold transfer. If the condensing unit is
mounted on a higher level than the evaporator unit, a P-trap must be installed in the
suction line at the evaporator discharge.
Wiring System
The system uses a pump down controller; therefore, no wiring between the condensing and
evaporator unit is necessary. Wire the system in accordance with local codes and the enclosed
wiring diagrams (Evaporator wiring, pg12). The evaporator unit requires a standard 20 amp circuit,
non-GFI. A dedicated circuit is not mandatory but recommended.
Condenser
Electrical Box
Crank Case
Heater
Relay
Pressure
Switch Johnson
Control
L1 - White (neutral)
L2 - Black (hot)
L8 - Green (ground)
F1 - Black
F8 - Green
T1 - White
T2 - Black
T8 - Green
S5 - Blue
J1 - 14 Gage White
J2 - 14 Gage Black
Legend
L1 White
L8
Green
F1
Black
F1
Black
F8
Green
S5 Blue
S5 Blue
L2 Black
Condenser
Fan Wire
J1 White J2 Black
J2 Black
J1
10 Volt 15 Amp
Power Source
T2 Black
T8 GreenT1 White
, . ,OW0RESSURE#UT/UT 2ELAY2
#ONDENSER&AN-OTOR
#&-
2
2
##( #RANK#ASE(EATER
#OMPRESSOR 3TART#APACITOR
Condensing Unit

Charging the System (by Certified HVAC technician)
After all the components have been connected:
!
-19-
Maintenance
The WhisperKOOL system is designed to operate with very little maintenance required. The only
maintenance required is to check the coils on the condenser unit and vacuum them out every three
months or so.
• Open both of the service valves on the condensing unit. The unit is blanketed with Nitrogen
and you should hear the gas being expelled through the service ports.
• With electrical power connected to the evaporator unit energizing the solenoid valve
open, pressure test the complete system.
• If no leaks are found, leave the evaporator unit solenoid valve energized, evacuate the
system through both the liquid and suction service ports. Then shut down the evacuation
pump and confirm that vacuum is maintained for 30 minutes.
• With the electrical power connected to the condensing unit, and the evaporator unit
running, slowly feed refrigerant (R134A) into the suction service port. As the suction
pressure rises to 25 PSIG, the condensing unit will start. Continue feeding refrigerant
while maintaining a pressure above 10 PSIG to prevent the compressor from short cycling.
Feed refrigerant with the compressor running until the sight glass is clear of all bubbles.
Do not initially exceed 3.5 lbs of refrigerant.
• Allow the system to operate for one hour and then check the refrigerant level in the sight
glass again. Additional refrigerant may be required as the temperature of the enclosure
is lowered to approximately 55F or the ambient temperature at the condensing unit rises
above the temperature at which the unit was initially charged. Dependant on temperature,
the “high side” should be approximately 175 lbs. The ”low side” 28 lbs or more ro keep
the evaporator from icing. It is recommended while charging to use a refrigerant scale for
better accuracy to the amount of charge to the unit.

Vinothèque Customer Service is available Monday through Friday
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Please make sure that you have the following information available
before you call:
• The model and serial number of your WhisperKOOL unit.
• Type of thermostat used with your WhisperKOOL.
• Location and installation details, such as ventilation, construc-
tion and size of room.
How To Contact Vinothèque Customer Service
Telephone [phone] [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site www.Vinothèque.com
Address Vinothèque Wine Cellars
1738 East Alpine Avenue
Stockton, CA 95205
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE