In a landmark achievement for eco-conscious hospitality, Artus Air’s innovative hybrid fan coil units have been installed at the newly opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – the first net-zero carbon hotel under the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand. This pioneering project demonstrates how cutting-edge HVAC technology can enable sustainable luxury in the hospitality sector.
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Breaking New Ground in Sustainable Hospitality
The 150-room Voco Zeal represents:
✔ UK’s first net-zero carbon hotel from construction through operation
✔ 60% energy reduction vs. conventional hotels through integrated green tech
✔ Artus Air’s hybrid system provides 40% more efficiency than standard units
“These installations prove luxury and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive,” said Emma Richardson, IHG’s VP of Sustainability.
How Artus Air’s Technology Enables Net-Zero Operation
The hybrid fan coil system features:
- Intelligent load matching that adjusts cooling based on occupancy sensors
- Heat recovery technology that repurposes waste energy
- R32 refrigerant with 68% lower global warming potential than standard options
- Near-silent operation at just 28dB for guest comfort
The Broader Sustainability Picture
The hotel’s other green credentials include:
- On-site solar array generating 110% of the property’s needs
- Rainwater harvesting system for all non-potable uses
- Biophilic design with 1,200 native plants throughout
Industry Impact
“This project resets expectations for sustainable hotels,” noted Green Building Council analyst Michael Pearson. “The Artus system alone reduces HVAC energy use by 2.8M kWh annually – equivalent to powering 300 homes.”
What’s Next?
- Artus Air plans 15 more hotel installations in 2025
- IHG will roll out the model to 50 properties by 2027
- UK government considering the design for new sustainability benchmarks
Hybrid Fan Coil Unit – Frequently Asked Questions
A Hybrid Fan Coil Unit is an innovative HVAC system designed to provide efficient heating and cooling, often with enhanced features compared to traditional fan coil units. Here are 20 frequently asked questions about them:
- What is a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? A Hybrid Fan Coil Unit typically combines hydronic (water-based) heating with direct expansion (DX) or chilled water cooling in a single unit. Some also integrate energy recovery ventilation (ERV).
- How does a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit work for heating? For heating, a building-wide hot water system circulates through a coil within the unit, and a fan blows air across this coil to distribute warmth into the space, similar to a traditional fan coil.
- How does a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit work for cooling? Cooling is often achieved through a refrigerant-charged evaporator coil (DX system) paired with an external condensing unit, or by using a chilled water coil supplied by a central chiller. The fan circulates air across this cooling coil.
- What are the main benefits of a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? Key benefits include efficient and reliable hydronic heating, on-demand heating and cooling control for occupants, quieter in-suite operation (due to an external compressor in DX hybrid models), and the potential to eliminate the need for a building-wide cold water system and chillers in some configurations.
- Is a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit energy-efficient? Yes, hybrid systems can be very energy-efficient. Hydronic heating is generally efficient, and the use of on-demand cooling and potentially more efficient compressors contributes to energy savings. Models with EC motors further enhance efficiency.
- Is a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit quieter than traditional systems? In DX hybrid models, the outdoor compressor unit helps to significantly reduce in-suite noise compared to systems with compressors located within the indoor unit.
- Do residents or occupants have control over the temperature with a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? Yes, a key advantage is that occupants typically have complete individual control over their on-demand heating and cooling through a thermostat connected to the unit.
- What are the different configurations of Hybrid Fan Coil Units? They can come in vertical stacks, horizontal (concealed or exposed), and other configurations to suit various installation requirements.
- Can Hybrid Fan Coil Units improve indoor air quality? Many units include filters (MERV rated) to remove dust and particles from the air. Some hybrid systems also integrate ERV for fresh air intake and improved air quality.
- What is an integrated ERV in a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? An integrated Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system can pre-condition incoming fresh air using the energy from exhaust air, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
- What are the maintenance requirements for a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? Maintenance typically includes regular filter replacement, condensate drain cleaning, and periodic checks of the coils and connections. DX hybrid systems will also require maintenance of the outdoor condensing unit.
- Are Hybrid Fan Coil Units suitable for all climates? Yes, their ability to provide both heating and cooling makes them suitable for a wide range of climates with varying seasonal temperature changes.
- Are Hybrid Fan Coil Units more expensive to install than traditional systems? The initial installation cost can vary depending on the specific system and building infrastructure. However, the potential elimination of a building-wide cold water system can offset costs in some cases.
- What is a 2-pipe vs. a 4-pipe Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? While the term “hybrid” often implies a combination of heating and cooling methods, some fan coil units are classified as 2-pipe (can provide either heating or cooling at a given time) or 4-pipe (can provide both heating and cooling simultaneously to different zones). Hybrid systems can be either 2-pipe or 4-pipe, depending on their design.
- Can Hybrid Fan Coil Units be integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS)? Yes, many modern Hybrid Fan Coil Units can be integrated with BMS for centralized monitoring and control of temperature and energy usage.
- What are the typical applications for Hybrid Fan Coil Units? They are commonly used in residential buildings (apartments, condominiums), hotels, offices, and other commercial buildings where individual zone control and efficient operation are desired.
- What are the potential disadvantages of a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? Potential disadvantages can include higher initial cost compared to basic fan coil units, the need for both hot water and electricity supply, and the complexity of maintaining both hydronic and DX/chilled water components.
- How does the efficiency of a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit compare to other HVAC systems? Their efficiency can be comparable to or better than traditional 4-pipe fan coil systems and other forced-air systems, especially when considering individual zone control and efficient heating methods. DX hybrid systems can be more efficient than older DX-only systems.
- What are the key components of a Hybrid Fan Coil Unit? Key components include a fan and motor assembly, heating coil (hydronic), cooling coil (DX or chilled water), air filter, condensate drain pan, control valves, and potentially an integrated ERV system. DX hybrid models will also have connections to an outdoor condensing unit.
- How do I choose the right Hybrid Fan Coil Unit for my project? Consider factors such as the size of the space, heating and cooling loads, energy efficiency requirements, budget, noise level expectations, and the availability of building-wide hot water and space for outdoor condensing units (if applicable). Consulting with an HVAC professional is recommended.