Ability Projects has applied
the third generation of its
Matrix controls strategy to
its Trojan 270, Altas 235 and Slimline
190 fan coil units as a further step
towards the incorporation of Matrix
to its entire product range.

The Matrix system has self-setting
air volumes and now includes selfsetting
water flow rates and selfcorrecting
water flow rates. The air
volume side of a Matrix fan coil is
fairly simple in that the ductwork
system with which the fans interact
is small and contained.

The hydraulic side, with pressure
independent characterised control
valves, represents a different
situation. Each Matrix PICC valve
sits within the hydraulic system of
the building, a much larger entity
that includes pipework, other HVAC
products, valves, pumps, strainers,
de-aerators and water of varying
quality. PICC valves must perform
accurately despite these influences.

During commissioning all external
influences need to be examined, air
drained from the system and normal
housekeeping rules followed. The
new Matrix ‘Self-Correcting’ routine
introduces a strategy loop, a software
code that monitors the performance
of the fan coil unit and temporarily
adjusts the water flow rate upwards
or downwards if it senses the unit is
struggling. If something in the
system starts to divert water from the
fan coils they will self correct. This
feature in effect compensates for
varying water supply temperatures.

The main benefit of Matrix
remains its ability to monitor and
then adjust any aspect of the fan coil
remotely; including water flow rates.