Italian HVAC manufacturer Clivet has introduced its LARICE series of ductable fan coil units, addressing a critical market need for high-performance climate control in space-constrained installations. The new range represents a significant advancement in compact fan coil technology, delivering enhanced efficiency and installation flexibility while maintaining the quiet operation essential for commercial and residential applications.
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The range encompasses four compact solutions – DUA-M1 and DUE-M1 medium static pressure units (up to 80 Pa) and DUA-H1 and DUE-H1 high static pressure versions (up to 250Pa), providing engineers and contractors with tailored solutions for varying ductwork requirements and system configurations.
Ultra-Compact Design Transforms Installation Possibilities
The LARICE series addresses one of the most persistent challenges in modern HVAC design: delivering effective climate control in buildings with limited plenum space. At only 248 mm, these low height units can be easily installed even in low false ceilings, opening new possibilities for retrofit projects and contemporary architectural designs that prioritize minimal ceiling depths.
This ultra-compact profile represents more than dimensional optimization—it reflects a fundamental reimagining of fan coil design priorities. Traditional fan coil units often require significant ceiling space, limiting their application in modern buildings where architects increasingly emphasize maximizing occupied space while minimizing mechanical system footprints.
The low-profile design enables installation in applications previously considered unsuitable for ductable fan coils, including office buildings with exposed structure, residential renovations with limited ceiling height, and retail spaces where every inch of ceiling height impacts the customer experience. This expanded application range significantly broadens the addressable market for ductable fan coil technology.
Advanced Motor Technology Delivers Quiet Operation
Noise control represents a critical performance parameter in fan coil applications, particularly in commercial environments where occupant comfort directly impacts productivity and satisfaction. The heart of the Larice technology is said to be the high-efficiency rushless motor, which enables quiet operation down to 27dB(A), establishing a new benchmark for noise performance in compact fan coil design.
The achievement of 27dB(A) operation levels positions the LARICE series among the quietest fan coil units available, comparable to background noise levels in modern office environments. This performance enables installation in noise-sensitive applications, including conference rooms, healthcare facilities, educational environments, and premium residential spaces where traditional fan coil noise levels would prove unacceptable.
The brushless motor technology delivers additional benefits beyond noise reduction. High-efficiency operation reduces energy consumption while extending equipment lifespan through reduced mechanical wear. Variable speed capability enables precise capacity modulation, improving comfort control while minimizing energy waste associated with constant-speed operation.
Installation Flexibility Reduces Field Labor Requirements
Labor efficiency represents an increasingly critical factor in HVAC project economics, with skilled technician availability and installation time directly impacting project profitability. The LARICE series incorporates several design innovations aimed at reducing installation complexity and field modification requirements.
The units have been designed for easy installation with the internal coil capable of being rotated by the installer to adapt the position of the water connections, without changing the electrical wiring. This rotatable coil design addresses one of the most common field challenges in fan coil installation: adapting unit configuration to actual piping layouts without requiring custom modifications or additional labor.
The ability to reorient water connections during installation eliminates the need for field piping modifications or custom unit configurations, reducing both installation time and potential error sources. This flexibility proves particularly valuable in retrofit applications where existing piping layouts may not align with standard unit configurations.
The simplified installation approach extends beyond mechanical connections. By maintaining electrical wiring consistency regardless of coil orientation, the design reduces the complexity of electrical installations while minimizing the potential for field wiring errors that could impact system performance or reliability.
Integrated Control Technology Supports Modern Building Systems
Contemporary HVAC systems increasingly require integration with building automation systems and smart building technologies. The LARICE series addresses these requirements through comprehensive control options that support both standalone operation and integrated building management.
Control is via the Clivet Home Connect app or, alternatively, the fan coils can integrate with a BMS via the Modbus protocol. This dual-path approach enables the units to serve diverse market segments, from residential applications requiring smartphone control to commercial installations demanding full BMS integration.
The Clivet Home Connect app provides end users with direct control over system operation, enabling remote temperature adjustment, scheduling, and system monitoring. This capability aligns with growing consumer expectations for smart home integration while providing facility managers with enhanced visibility into system performance.
Modbus protocol integration ensures compatibility with standard building automation systems, enabling centralized control and monitoring within larger HVAC installations. This capability supports energy management initiatives, predictive maintenance programs, and coordinated system operation that optimizes overall building performance.
Market Impact and Application Versatility
The LARICE series launch reflects broader market trends toward space-efficient HVAC solutions that maintain high performance while adapting to evolving architectural requirements. The combination of ultra-compact design, quiet operation, and installation flexibility positions these units to serve applications previously dominated by alternative technologies.
In commercial applications, the LARICE series enables ductable fan coil installation in buildings where ceiling height restrictions previously required different approaches. Office buildings, retail spaces, and hospitality facilities can benefit from the precise zone control and efficient operation characteristic of fan coil systems without compromising architectural design intent.
Residential applications represent another significant opportunity, particularly in multi-family housing and luxury residential projects where individual zone control and quiet operation justify premium technology selection. The compact profile enables installation in residential renovations where existing ceiling heights limit equipment options.
The high static pressure variants (DUA-H1 and DUE-H1) expand application possibilities to include installations with extensive ductwork runs or complex distribution systems. The 250Pa static pressure capability enables effective air distribution in challenging installations while maintaining the compact profile advantages.
Strategic Positioning in Evolving Market
Clivet’s LARICE launch demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing specific market needs through focused product development. The emphasis on compact design, quiet operation, and installation flexibility reflects a deep understanding of contemporary HVAC challenges while positioning the company for growth in space-constrained applications.
The series complements Clivet’s broader fan coil portfolio while establishing clear differentiation through its ultra-compact profile and advanced motor technology. This focused approach enables targeted marketing to specific application segments while building on the company’s established reputation for reliable HVAC solutions.
Looking forward, the success of ultra-compact fan coil technology may influence broader industry development, encouraging other manufacturers to prioritize space efficiency while maintaining performance standards. The LARICE series positions Clivet as a technology leader in this emerging market segment.
The integration of smart controls and BMS compatibility ensures the series remains relevant as building automation systems become increasingly sophisticated. This forward-looking approach protects the investment in product development while enabling participation in the evolving smart building market.