Ductless hydronic fan coil apparatus, systems, and methods

Abstract

There is provided a fan coil unit (FCU) The FCU comprises a heat exchanger, a fan assembly configured to draw air across the heat exchanger, and a condensate tray positioned between the heat exchanger and the fan. The condensate tray includes openings to allow air flow and one or more troughs configured to trap condensate formed on the heat exchanger. A discharge of the FCU may be configured to produce an air curtain. There is provided a hydronic system comprises one or more FCUs in a suite, and a control system configured to measure air temperature in the suite and operate the FCU(s) to control the air temperature. The control system may be configured to measure thermal power consumption of the hydronic system and schedule maintenance to a building envelope of the suite in response to changes thereto.

Description

Ductless Hydronic Fan Coil Apparatus, Systems, and MethodsTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. In particular, the present invention relates to fan coil units and HVAC systems comprising fan coil units.Background of the Invention

[0002] Concerns regarding energy security and global warming are major drivers of public policies aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. Similarly, public policies aimed at climate change adaption and population health are driving increased focus on space cooling and indoor air quality. This evolving regulatory landscape is increasing costs for developers and building owners at a time when housing affordability is already a major societal issue. In some jurisdictions, considerable emphasis has been placed on reducing thermal conductivity of building envelopes; however, fenestrations (e.g., windows, doors, curtain walls, and skylights) remain major source of heat loss and heat gain through a combination of higher heat transfer rates, higher solar heat gain, and air leakage. Additionally, occupants may leave operable fenestrations open thus allowing bulk air flow between the indoor space and the outside environment.

[0003] Hydronics refers to the use of water-based solutions (usually water mixed with an antifreeze such as glycol) as a heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems. The name differentiates such systems from those that utilize other heat transfer fluids such as air, steam, oil, and refrigerants. Hydronic distribution systems have a long history, especially high temperature systems in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. If positioned correctly a radiator fed with sufficiently hot fluid will create an air convection current in the room, which will provide the main heat transfer mechanism. Notable limitations of such systems are the high temperatures required for effective convection and the inability to provide space cooling. Additionally,high temperature hydronic systems have often been inefficient and required combustion of non-renewable fuels to generate sufficiently high temperatures.

[0004] Lower temperature hydronic systems require the use of fan coils to facilitate efficient thermal energy transfer. A fan coil unit (FCU) is a device generally comprising a heat exchanger (commonly called a coil) and a fan assembly. FCUs can be used in modern HVAC systems in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Individual FCUs can be attached directly to heat pumps (or air conditioning condensers) or multiple FCUs can be connected to a central plant that circulates heated and / or chilled fluids. A major advantage of FCUs is their ability to efficiently operate with low- and mid-temperature fluids. This capability allows for more energy efficient space heating and the potential to use the same system for space cooling.

[0005] FCUs are typically connected to ductwork that distributes air to multiple air outlets, with a thermostat that regulates FCU operation based on the difference between user specified temperature set points and the measured room temperature. Thermostats may control the fan speed and / or the flow of fluid to the FCU using a control valve. Additionally, zoned thermostats can control dampers in the ducts so that some rooms receive more or less heating or cooling airflow. FCUs come in various configurations, including horizontal (typically ceiling-mounted) and vertical (typically floor- or wall-mounted) and can be used in a range of applications from small residential applications to large commercial and industrial buildings.

[0006] Current “ductless hydronic” systems, which replace air ducts with pipes, use distributed fan coils that are generally sized to meet the loads of the zones or rooms in which they are located. Ductless fan coil systems may contribute to significant energy efficiency improvements. For example, results of transient system simulation modeling indicate that annual heating and cooling energy use (site and source) can be reduced by up to 22% when substituting pipes, pump, small distributed fan coils, and a water-to-air heat pump for the ducts, air handler, indoor coil, and conventional air-to-air heat pump unit of similar rating as the air-to-water unit (source: https: / / www.nrel.gov / docs / fy12osti / 55206.pdf ). Of the 22% savings, on average 36% is attributable to the lower energy required by pumps and smallfans versus air handler blowers, and 64% to the reduced losses from pipes as compared to ducts. The Building America Space Conditioning and Analysis Methods Standing Technical Committee identified the following gaps and barriers that could be addressed by ductless hydronic systems: (a) the need for development of low-cost space conditioning strategies for low load homes, (b) the need to improve thermal efficiency of distribution systems, and (c) the lack of availability of high efficiency, small capacity, cost-effective heating and cooling equipment (from https: / / www.nrel.gov / docs / fy12osti / 55206.pdf).

[0007] Accordingly, there is a general desire to provide improved ductless hydronic systems to address one or more of the above problems.

[0008] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.Summary of the Invention

[0009] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

[0010] One aspect of the invention provides a fan coil apparatus including a heat exchanger assembly, a fan assembly configured to draw air through the heat exchanger, and a condensate tray positioned in the direction of airflow between the heat exchanger assembly and the fan assembly. The condensate tray includes one or more airflow passages extending through it.

[0011] Optional features of the fan coil apparatus include:• One or more collection troughs within the condensate tray, shaped and positioned to retain condensate by surface tension and inhibit its entry into the airflow passages.• Fins of the heat exchanger assembly shaped and located to direct condensate into the collection troughs.• A float assembly in the condensate tray configured to measure the condensate level.• A variable speed motor driving the fan.• A housing that encloses the heat exchanger, fan assembly, and condensate tray, and includes an upstream intake and a downstream discharge.• A discharge and fan assembly configured to create an air curtain outside the housing.• An intake-to-discharge area ratio in the range of 4:1 to 12:1 .• A wall-mounted bracket to which the housing is releasably attachable, optionally including posts and slots for quick mounting in either of two orientations.• Air contact surfaces within the housing formed of or coated with materials (including nanostructures) that inhibit microbial growth.• An ultraviolet light source arranged to illuminate air flowing through the apparatus.• An air filter located upstream of the heat exchanger, with the fan configured to draw air through it.• Integration of vibration and / or sound dampening materials and structures to reduce noise.• A housing shape and structure designed to minimize resonant frequencies.• Electrical and control connectivity via a quick-connect cable, such as an Ethernet cable received through an RJ45 socket.• A removable panel on the housing for access to the heat exchanger assembly.• Openings in the housing for supply and return couplings of the heat exchanger assembly.• A heat exchanger assembly that is removably attachable to the housing in at least two orientations.• A housing with first and second intakes, and a panel selectively attachable to cover one of them.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention provides a ductless hydronic system including one or more fan coil units positioned in a suite of a building, a hydronic distribution network for circulating hydronic fluid to and from the fan coil units, and a suite management system. The suite management system includes one or more thermostats to measure suite temperature and acontroller connected to the fan coil units, thermostats, and hydronic network. The controller is configured to receive temperature data and adjust the flow rate of hydronic fluid and / or fan speed to maintain a predetermined temperature range in the suite.

[0013] Optional features of the ductless hydronic system include:• Wall-mounting of fan coil units on or near exterior suite walls.• Thermostat placement away from exterior walls for more stable temperature sensing.• Use of hydronic fluid comprising water and one or more additives such as antifreeze, corrosion inhibitors, or microbial growth inhibitors, including glycol- based compositions.• Fan coil units that each include a heat exchanger, fan assembly, and condensate tray arranged in the airflow path.• Brackets mounted within the suite to which the fan coil units are releasably attachable.• Maintenance of a low (non-zero) fan speed even when the suite temperature is within the target range.• A hydronic network equipped with supply and return lines, respective temperature sensors, and flowmeters, with a suite metering module configured to calculate thermal energy consumption using flow, temperature, and fluid heat capacity data.• A supply valve that is closed when return flow is lower than supply flow.• The ability to switch between heating and cooling modes by opening and closing respective hot and cold supply valves, under the control of the controller.• Zonal temperature control using multiple thermostats and fan coil units per suite, with the controller managing airflow based on per-zone temperature readings.• At least one fan coil unit configured to produce an air curtain over doors or windows to inhibit thermal leakage.• Quick-connect cabling between fan coil units and the controller.• External temperature sensors linked to the controller for environmental context.• Passive noise detectors in the fan coil units that prompt fan speed adjustment to avoid resonance.• Active noise cancellation systems including speakers and sound sensors to mitigate operational noise.• User interface capabilities in the thermostats or via external devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) to adjust temperature ranges, fan speed, or operation mode.• A display for showing real-time system parameters including temperature, mode, and fan speed.• Integration of the controller within the thermostats themselves.• A building-wide system architecture with multiple suites, each with its own fan coil units and local controller, and optionally a central building management system controlling the fluid supply.

[0014] The suite metering module and / or controller may also perform data operations to calculate energy consumption and transmit operational parameters such as fan speed, fluid temperatures and flow rates, measured temperatures, and ambient noise levels.

[0015] The controller may also be configured to control ancillary equipment such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, ceiling fans, electric heaters, heat recovery ventilators, hydronic valves, or in-floor heaters.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling suite air temperature, including:

[0017] Measuring the suite temperature using one or more thermostats,• Communicating this data to a controller,• Comparing the measured temperature to a stored acceptable range, and• If the temperature is outside the range, operating a hydronic distribution network and one or more fan coil units to bring the temperature back into range.

[0018] Optional method features include:• Maintaining a low fan speed even when within the target temperature range.• Delivering heated or cooled fluid depending on whether the temperature is below or above the acceptable range.• Generating air curtains over fenestration for thermal control.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of maintaining a building envelope by:• Providing fan coil units, thermostats, and a controller within the envelope,• Measuring environmental and operational parameters,• Storing the measurements,• And initiating maintenance when the parameters exceed defined thresholds.

[0020] Optional features include:• Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and airflow.• Operational parameters such as fan speed, power use, hydronic flow and temperature, and condensate flow.• Maintenance activities including repair or replacement of fan coil units, doors, windows, and seals.

[0021] In multi-suite buildings, a further aspect provides a method of per-suite monitoring, energy consumption calculation based on flow and temperature readings, and targeted maintenance when energy use exceeds a threshold, either per suite or per building zone.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention provides a fan assembly including a first fan drawing air through a heat exchanger and a second fan positioned downstream, drawing air from both the first fan and its surroundings.

[0023] Optional features include:• A defined overlap area between the outlet of the first fan and the inlet of the second fan, within a specified range of inlet cross-section (e.g., 10-100%, or 30-40%).

[0024] Another aspect of the invention provides a fan coil apparatus including such a fan assembly and a condensate tray placed between the heat exchanger and first fan.

[0025] Yet another aspect provides a fan coil apparatus with dual fan assemblies for heating and cooling, discharging air at different heights, where one is active in heating mode and the other in cooling mode.

[0026] Optional features include:Placement of the heat exchanger between the heating and cooling fans.A vertical intake located between upper and lower discharges.• Cooling discharge positioned at or above the average adult height.• A condensate tray located below the heat exchanger.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention provides a fan coil system for a suite with a large window or glass wall (fenestration), including:• A first array of fan coil units above the fenestration to blow air downward,• A second array below the fenestration to blow air upward, forming a full-height air curtain.

[0028] Optional features include:• Configuring the upper array for cooling mode and the lower array for heating mode.• Simultaneous operation of both arrays.• Alignment of upper and lower units.• Individual fan coil units each including an intake, discharge, heat exchanger, and fan, with an intake-to-discharge area ratio in the range of 4:1 to 12:1 .• Integration of condensate trays in the upper units with collection troughs arranged to inhibit liquid entry into airflow passages via surface tension.

[0029] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0031] Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of a fan coil unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 1 B is a rear perspective view of the Fig. 1 A fan coil unit.

[0033] Fig. 1C is an exploded view of the Fig. 1A fan coil unit (Figs. 1A to 1 C referred to collectively herein as “Fig. 1”).

[0034] Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a right elevation view of a housing of the Fig .1 fan coil unit.

[0039]

[0040] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a condensate tray of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the Fig. 7 condensate tray.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the Fig. 7 condensate tray taken along line9-9 of Fig. 8.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a diagram depicting a sequence of movements to attach the housing of the Fig. 1 fan coil unit to the Fig. 10 mounting bracket.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a side-view diagram depicting the Fig. 1 fan coil unit producing a vertical air curtain.

[0046] Fig. 13 is top-view diagram depicting an alternative embodiment of a fan coil unit according to the invention producing a horizontal air curtain.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a hydronic system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a thermostat / user interface of the Fig.14 hydronic system.

[0049] Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing an example method of using the Fig. 14 hydronic system to assist in performing maintenance on a building envelope.

[0050] Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a hydronic system for a multi-zone suite according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Fig. 18 is a block diagram of a building with a plurality of suites and a hydronic system therefor.

[0052] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a fan assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Fig. 20 is a side schematic view of the Fig. 19 fan assembly.

[0054] Fig. 21 is a block diagram of a dual mode fan coil unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Fig. 22 is an airflow diagram of the Fig. 21 dual mode fan coil unit.

[0056] Figs. 23A to Fig. 23C (referred to collectively herein as “Fig. 23”) are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the housing of the Fig. 1 Afan coil unit for mounting above a fenestration and producing a vertical air curtain over the fenestration.

[0057] Figs. 24A to Fig. 24C (referred to collectively herein as “Fig. 24”) are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the housing of the Fig. 1 A fan coil unit for mounting in proximity to an exterior wall and producing a horizontal air curtain.

[0058] Fig. 25 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a building comprising a building hydronic management system.

[0059] Fig. 26 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a building comprising a building hydronic management system.

[0060] Figs. 27A to Fig. 27F (referred to collectively herein as “Fig. 27”) are right elevation views of embodiments of a cooling fin for a heat exchanger of the Fig.1 fan coil unit.

[0061] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing air flow through the Fig. 7 condensate tray.

[0062] Fig. 29 is a front schematic view of plural fan coil units arranged to provide opposed air curtains over a window.

[0063] Fig. 30 is a side schematic view of the Fig. 29 fan coil units.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0064] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0065] In a first aspect, there is provided ductless fan coil units. In a second aspect, there is provided systems and methods for providing ductless hydronic heating and cooling to suites and / or zones within a building. The systems and methods of the second aspect may employ fan coil units according to the first aspect, but this is not strictly required and conventional fan coil units could also be deployed.Fan Coil Units

[0066] Figures 1 to 11 show a fan coil unit (FCU) 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FCU 100 comprises a housing 102 having one or more air intakes 104 and one or more air discharges 106. A heat exchanger assembly 108 is mounted in housing 102 proximate to air intake 104. A fan assembly 110 is mounted in housing 102 proximate to air discharge 106. Fan assembly 110 is configured to operate so as to draw air through air intake 104 and heat exchanger assembly 108, then discharge air through air discharge 106. That is, fan assembly 110 is downstream (in a direction of air flow) from heat exchanger assembly 108.

[0067] Referring in particular to Fig. 4 and Figs. 7 to 9, FCU 100 includes a condensate tray 112 mounted in housing 102 downstream of heat exchanger 108. Condensate tray 112 includes one or more of air flow apertures 114 to allow fan assembly 110 to draw air across and through condensate tray 112. A tray floor 116 of condensate tray 112 is angled downwards transversely across housing 102 towards a condensate sump 118 positioned to one side of housing 102. A drain 120 is mounted in condensate sump 118 to allow condensate to be diverted out of FCU 100 (e.g. and into a grey water line in an apartment). In some embodiments, condensate sump 118 includes a float assembly 119 to measure a condensate level in condensate sump 118. Condensate levels as measured by float assembly 119 above a predetermined threshold may indicate a blockage in drain 120, and FCU 100 may be configured to trigger an alarm in response. In some embodiments, triggering the alarm may include turning off a flow of hydronic fluid to FCU 100, and / or altering the fan speed of fan assembly 110, which may assist in mitigating further creation of condensate and avoiding overflow of condensate in condensate sump 118.

[0068] Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, 27 and 28, tray floor 116 includes one or more collection troughs 122. Collection troughs 122 are shaped and located such that surface tension of condensate collected in collection troughs 122 inhibits condensate from flowing through air flow apertures 114 and into fan assembly 110 and / or through air discharge 106. As best shown in Figure 8, the width of collection trough 122 is narrow relative to the width of air flow aperture 114, in order to facilitate air flow. In some embodiments the ratio of the combined width of collection troughs 122 and the combined width of air flow apertures114 taken along a cross-section 115 ranges from 1 :1 to 1 :30. As best shown in Fig. 9, collection troughs may deepen in the direction of condensate sump 118 to facilitate condensate retention and gravity flow of condensate towards condensate sump 118.

[0069] In some embodiments, heat exchanger assembly 108 comprises a single heat exchanger 108A that includes a plurality of cooling fins 124, best seen in Figure 27A. Cooling fins 124 are shaped and located to direct condensate formed on cooling fins 124 to drip into collection troughs 122. In some embodiments, examples of which are shown in Figures 27B to 27F, each cooling fin 124 includes one or more angled tips 126 pointing towards collection troughs 122. Condensate forming on cooling fin 124 migrates down cooling fin 124 to angled tip(s) 126, where the condensate collects in droplets that then fall directly into collection troughs 122. The foregoing shapes and configurations of cooling fins 124 permit collection troughs 122 to be relatively narrow (i.e. in comparison to the width of air flow apertures 114) as best shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0070] In some embodiments, cooling fins 124 are spaced apart from each other such that an air pressure drop across heat exchanger 108A corresponds to a desired negative pressure at an inlet of fan assembly 110, which may facilitate uniform and consistent air flow through heat exchanger 108 and promote consistent heat transfer.

[0071] Referring in particular to Figs 10 and 11 , FCU 100 includes a mounting bracket 128 that is configured to mount to a wall in a suite to be heated and / or cooled by FCU 100. Housing 102 is configured to be selectively and reversibly attachable to mounting bracket 128. In some embodiments, mounting bracket 128 includes one or more posts 130 suited apart along a length thereof. For example, there may be four posts 130 as shown. In the embodiment shown, mounting bracket 128 is configured to be mounted to the wall in the orientation shown or in an orientation rotated 180 degrees therefrom, for example so as to place posts 130 closer to a ceiling. Housing 102 includes one or more receptacles 132 corresponding to the one or more posts 130. For example, there may be four receptacles 132 as shown. In some embodiments, housing 102 includes arrays of receptacles 132 on opposing sides of housing 102 to facilitate reversible installation of FCU 100.Receptacles 132 are configured to each receive a respective post 130. In the embodiment shown, each receptacle132 comprises a flared opening 134 and a lateral portion 136. Housing 102 is attached to mounting bracket 128 by aligning posts 130 with flared openings 134 before moving housing 102 in a direction A, so that posts 130 enter receptacles 132 via flared openings 134. Once posts 130 are aligned with lateral portions 136, housing 102 is moved laterally in a direction B so that posts 130 move along lateral portions 136. Housing 102 thereby hangs from mounting bracket 128.

[0072] Heat exchanger assembly 108 includes a supply coupling 138 configured to connect to a hydronic fluid supply line and a return coupling 140 configured to connect to a hydronic fluid return line. When connected, hydronic fluid flows through heat exchanger assembly 108 from supply coupling 138 to return coupling 140. FCU 100 may thus provide either air heating or air cooling, depending upon a temperature of the hydronic fluid in the hydronic fluid supply line (i.e. hot hydronic fluid for heating and cold hydronic fluid for cooling, respectively).

[0073] In some embodiments, FCU 100 includes a quick-connect socket 149 configured to connect to quick-connect cabling to provide power and / or data transmission to fan assembly 110 so as to control fan assembly 110. In the embodiment shown, quick-connect socket 149 is an RJ45 socket configured to connect to Ethernet cabling, but this is not strictly necessary and other types of quick connect cabling and sockets could be used.

[0074] In some embodiments, two or more FCUs 100 can be connected serially. That is, a return coupling 140 of a first FCU 100 may be in fluid communication with a supply coupling 138 of a second FCU 100. In some embodiments, two or more FCUs 100 can be connected in parallel. That is, supply couplings 138 of two or more FCUs 100 can be connected to the hydronic fluid supply line via a tee, junction, or header. Similarly, return couplings 140 of the two or more FCUs can be connected to the hydronic fluid return line via a tee, junction, or header.

[0075] In some embodiments, FCU 100 is configured to be operated by a control system located remotely from FCU 100. The control system comprises a controller and one or more thermostats. The controller may be configured to operate a plurality of FCUs 100. Each of the one or morethermostats is positioned in the vicinity of one or more of the plurality of FCUs 100. The controller is configured to change a fan speed of each of the one or more FCUs 100 according to a temperature detected in the vicinity thereof by the respective thermostat.

[0076] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, in some embodiments, fan assembly 110 and / or air discharge 106 are shaped and configured to produce an air curtain 148 extending from FCU 100. In some embodiments, air discharge 106 is shaped to have an opening area AO significantly less than an opening area (or combined opening area if there are multiple air intakes 104) Al of air intake(s) 104. A ratio of opening area Al to opening area AO may be in a range between 4:1 and 12:1. A ratio less than 4:1 may not produce air of sufficient velocity to produce an air curtain effect. A ratio greater than 12:1 may produce noise and / or air disturbances that are not desirable in a residential location. In some embodiments, the ratio is in a range between 5:1 and 8:1 .

[0077] FCU 100 may be positioned within a temperature-controlled suite 52 proximate to a fenestration 53 such as a window 53A or a door 53B so as to project air curtain 148 across the respective fenestration 53A, 53B. Air curtain 148 reduces the overall heat transfer rate through fenestration 53 and the surrounding wall and inhibits cross flow of air through air curtain 148 from the corresponding fenestration. Air within suite 52 encountering air curtain 148 is entrained by the flow of air comprising air curtain 148 and is largely recirculated back into suite 52. Similarly, outdoor air leaking through fenestration systems or flowing directly through an open window or door is partially entrained in the air curtain and at least partially recirculated back out of the corresponding window or door. Even where window 53A or door 53B is closed, air in proximity to window 53A or door 53B that becomes heated or cooled (e.g. solar heating, conductive heating / cooling from surfaces of window 53A or door 53B) is largely trapped between air curtain 148 and window 53A or door 53B. Air curtain 148 thus inhibits heat transfer into and out of the suite and may improve the overall energy (i.e. thermal and electrical) efficiency of FCU 100 and / or the corresponding fenestration 53. Air curtain 148 may also improve natural convection within suite 52. Air curtain148 may thus improve occupant comfort by reducing localized hot or cold spots in a vicinity of fenestration 53.

[0078] Figures 23A, 23B, 23C show various configurations of housing 102 that provide a vertically oriented air curtain. Figures 24A, 24B, 24C show various configurations of housing 102 that provide a horizontally oriented air curtain.

[0079] In some embodiments, surfaces of FCU 100 that are in contact with air flowing through FCU 100 are configured to inhibit microbial growth, which may reduce airborne pathogens within the building and promote occupant health, as well as reduce potential for mold formation within the building. For example, the surfaces may be made from antimicrobial materials (such as copper and copper alloys and / or antibacterial acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), the surfaces may be treated or coated with an antimicrobial substance, and / or the surfaces may comprise nanostructures that inhibit microbial growth. In some embodiments, housing 102 comprises an ultraviolet light source 139 (shown in Figure 4) directed at air flowing through FCU 100 to damage or destroy microorganisms entrained in the airflow.

[0080] In some embodiments, housing 102 may comprise vibration / sound damping materials (e.g. neoprene foam, nano-materials such as nano-foam and multi-layered nano-sheets) to at least partially mitigate fan noise, and particularly to at least partially reduce vibration and noise resulting from resonant frequencies when fan assembly 110 operates at or near resonant fan speeds.

[0081] In some embodiments, housing 102 includes coupling slots 142 on opposing sides of housing 102 that allow supply coupling 138 and return coupling 140 to protrude outside of housing 102. Housing 102 comprises a first housing half 102A and a second housing half 102B. Removal of second housing half 102B from first housing half 102A allows heat exchanger 108 and / or fan assembly 110 and / or condensate tray 112 to be removed for maintenance as well as to be reversibly mountable in housing 102 to allow for convenient positioning of supply and return coupling 138, 140 relative to plumbing in suite 52. Housing 102 may also include drain slots 146 on opposing sides of housing 102 that allow drain 120 of condensate tray 112 to protrude through housing 102. Condensate tray 112 and fan assembly 110 may likewise to heat exchanger 108 be removable and reversibly mountablein housing 102 to allow for convenient positioning of drain 102 relative to the plumbing in suite 52.

[0082] In some embodiments, housing 102 includes a first air intake 104A and a second air intake 104B located on an opposing side of housing 102 from first air intake 104A. A panel 144 is configured to mount to and cover either first air intake 104A or second air intake 104B. Rather than removing and reversing internal components (e.g. heat exchanger 108, condensate tray 112), FCU 100 is reversible by covering one of air intakes 104A, 104B with panel 144 such that couplings 138, 140 are aligned with the plumbing, the air intake covered with panel 144 faces the surface to which FCU 100 is mounted, and the exposed air intake faces towards the suite.

[0083] In some embodiments, housing 102 may incorporate one or more removable (knock-out) panels, which may be the same as removable panel 144, for optional connection to an air duct. Removal of such panel(s) permits housing 102 to connect to an air duct (not shown), which may provide connection to an air filter, a heat recovery ventilation device, or a fresh air source, which may increase occupant comfort.

[0084] Figures 19 and 20 shows a second embodiment of a fan assembly110’. Fan assembly 110’ comprises a first fan 150 and a second fan 152. First fan 150 includes a first fan inlet 154, a first fan impeller 156, and a first fan outlet 158. Second fan 152 includes a second fan inlet 160, a second fan impeller 162, and a second fan outlet 164. First and second fan impellers 156, 162 may each be driven by their own motor, or may be driven by a single motor (not shown) through a suitable drivetrain arrangement (not shown, but could include gear trains or drive belts coupling the single motor to drive shafts of first and second fan impellers 156, 162). First and second fans 150, 152 are arranged so that first fan outlet 158 covers at least a portion of second fan inlet 160, and substantially all air flowing through first fan 150 enters second fan inlet 160. Second impeller 162 thereby draws air through second fan inlet 160 from both first fan outlet 158 and from air surrounding second fan 152. A percentage of area exposed to the surroundings 160’ of second fan inlet 160 out of a total area of second fan inlet 160 may be in the range of 10% to 100%, and more preferably in the range of 30% to 40%. In some embodiments, first fan 150 and second fan 152 are operated at thesame fan speed. In some embodiments, first fan impeller 156 and second fan impeller 162 have the same diameter.

[0085] Surprisingly, it has been found that first fan 150 and second fan 152 arranged in this way provide significant reductions in noise over a single fan. It may be that pressure waves induced in air flowing through first fan 150 by first fan impeller 156 at least partially destructively interfere with pressure waves produced by second fan impeller 162. That is, second fan impeller 162 drawing air from both first fan 150 and the surroundings may cause the pressure waves of second fan impeller 162 to be phase offset from those of first fan impeller 156. This, at least partial, destructive interference results in a form of noise cancellation.

[0086] Additionally, air exiting first fan outlet 158 may entrain air from surroundings of second fan 152 to flow into second fan inlet 160. This may result in improved air flow over a single fan, which may also increase heat transfer and enhance the production of an air curtain.

[0087] Figures 21 and 22 show another embodiment of a fan coil unit 100.1 . Fan coil unit 100.1 comprises a housing 102.1. Housing 102.1 includes an air intake 104.1 positioned centrally, a cooling air discharge 106.1 A positioned vertically above air intake 104.1 , and a heating air discharge 106.1 B positioned vertically below air intake 104.1. A heat exchanger assembly 108.1 is mounted in housing 102.1 proximate air intake 104.1 . A cooling fan assembly 110.1A is mounted in housing 102.1 proximate cooling air discharge 106.1A, and a heating fan assembly 110.1 B is mounted in housing 102.1 proximate heating air discharge 106.1 B. In some embodiments, cooling fan assembly 110.1 A and heating fan assembly 110.1 B may include a single fan. In some embodiments, fan assemblies 110.1 A and 110.1 B may each comprise fan assembly 110’ as described above. Housing 102.1 includes a condensate tray 112.1 positioned below heat exchanger assembly 108.1. In some embodiments, cooling air discharge 106.1A is positioned at or above an average height of an adult person.

[0088] When operated in a cooling mode (i.e. cold hydronic fluid flows through heat exchanger assembly 108.1 ), heating fan assembly 110.1 B is inactive and cooling fan assembly 110.1 A draws air through heat exchanger assembly 108.1 and upward to discharge air through cooling air discharge 106.1 A.When operated in a heating mode (i.e. hot hydronic fluid flows through heat exchanger assembly 108.1), cooling fan assembly 110.1 A is inactive and heating fan assembly 110.1 B draws air through heat exchanger 108.1 and downward to discharge air through heating air discharge 106.1 B.

[0089] It has been found that human comfort may be generally defined by warm feet and a cool head. Thus, fan coil unit 100.1 may promote human comfort by directing cool air in the vicinity of a person’s head (when suite cooling is required) and directing warm air in the vicinity of a person’s feet (when suite heating is required). Additionally, the two distinct air discharge locations facilitate air circulation in a suite through air temperature gradients, thus reducing or eliminating the need for the use of higher fan speeds and / or oscillating louvers to drive air circulation.

[0090] For particularly large suites or suites with particular fenestrations (e.g. floor-to-ceiling windows), multiple FCUs 100 may be provided. Figures 29 and 30 show an example embodiment of an array of FCUs 100 used to provide heating and / or cooling in a suite with a large fenestration 53. In the embodiment shown, eight FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H are provided. FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be arrayed along an upper edge of fenestration 53 as shown in Figure 29, and FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H may be arrayed along a lower edge of fenestration 53. In some embodiments, FCUs 100 on opposing edges of fenestration 53 may be generally aligned (i.e. FCU 100A is directly across fenestration 53 from FCU 100E). In some embodiments, FCUs 100 on opposing edges of fenestration 53 are offset in generally horizontal directions (i.e. FCU 100A is positioned to the right of FCU 100E as shown in Fig. 29). FCUs 100A to 100H may be configured to project a respective air curtain 148 across fenestration 53, with FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D directing their respective air curtains 148A, 148B, 148C, 148D generally downward, and FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H directing their respective air curtains 148E, 148F, 148G. 148H generally upward.

[0091] In some embodiments, FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D are operated exclusively in a cooling mode, while FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H are operated exclusively in a heating mode. For example, FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be connected to a cold supply line, while FCUs 100E, 100F,I OOG, 1OOH are connected to a hot supply line. As hot air tends to rise and cold air tends to fall, directing cold air downwards from above fenestration 53 and hot air upwards from below fenestration 53 may promote mixing of cold air with hot air in the suite.

[0092] In some embodiments, FCUs 100A to 100H are configured to be selectively operated. For example, if cooling is required, FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be operated, while FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H are deactivated. Conversely, if heating is required, FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be deactivated, while FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H are operated. In some embodiments, FCUs 100A to 100H are operated simultaneously to provide both heating and cooling, which may be desirable where, for example, the suite has a particularly high ceiling and / or if dehumidification is desired.

[0093] In some embodiments FCUs 100A to 100H may each be selectively operated in either a heating mode or a cooling mode (for example, by supplying either hot hydronic fluid or cold hydronic fluid). That is, FCUs 100A to 100H could all be operated in either the heating mode or the cooling mode to provide a uniformly hot or cold air curtain over fenestration 53.

[0094] In some embodiments where FCUs 100A to 100H are operated simultaneously, some or all of FCUs 100A to 100H may be operated at different fan speeds to shift a point of intersection between respective air curtains upwards or downwards. For example, FCUs 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be operated at a faster fan speed than FCUs 100E, 100F, 100G,IOOH, which will shift the point of intersection between the air curtains generally downwards.

[0095] In some embodiments, air intake 104 and / or air discharge 106 may be provided with louvers. The louvers may be fixed or moveable. The moveable louvers may be motorized, and the motorized louvers may be configured to be operated in an oscillating fashion.Ductless Hydronic Systems and Methods

[0096] In another aspect, there are provided ductless hydronic systems and methods for providing heating and / or cooling in a building 50, shown inFigures 25, 26, 14, 16, 17 and 18. Building 50 may be, but is not limited to, a detached residence (i.e. a house), a multi-unit residential building such as an apartment, condominium, and the like; an institutional building such as a hospital or prison; a mixed-use residential and commercial building; a shopping center or a mall, an office building, or a hotel. Referring in particular to Figures 25 and 26, Building 50 comprises one or more suites 52. Each suite 52 may be, but is not limited to, a respective apartment unit, condominium unit, a hospital room, prison cell, store, office, or hotel room. Each suite 52 may comprise one or more zones 52A, 52B,...., 52N (where N is the / Vth zone, as opposed to there only being a maximum of 14 zones). A particular zone 52X (where X=A,B,... / \ / and not the 24thzone) may be, but is not limited to, a room in a detached residence, a room in an apartment unit or condominium unit, an office unit within an office, or the like. Each suite 52 may have different heating and / or cooling requirements from other suites 52 in building 50, and moreover each zone 52A,... 52N in a suite 52 may have may have different heating and / or cooling requirements from the other zones.

[0097] Building 50 includes a building management system 54. Building management system 54 comprises a building hydronic network 56 and a building controller 58 in operative communication with building hydronic network 56.

[0098] In some embodiments, building hydronic network 56 comprises a building heat exchanger 60, which may be a heater or a cooler or operable in either a heating mode or a cooling mode, a building supply line 62 extending from heat exchanger 60 out through at least a portion of building 50, and a building return line 64 connected to building supply line 62 and extending back to heat exchanger 60 (sometimes referred to as a “2-pipe system”). Suitable non-limiting examples of heaters include a hot water tank, a boiler, a geothermal well, or a connection to a district heating system. Suitable nonlimiting examples of coolers include a chiller, a geothermal well, or a connection to a lakewater or oceanwater cooling system.

[0099] Building controller 58 is configured to activate or deactivate building hydronic network 56, so as to selectively circulate hot (if building heat exchanger 60 is a heater or operated in a heating mode) and / or cold (if building heat exchanger 60 is a cooler or operated in a cooling mode)hydronic fluid through building 50. Building controller 58 may be configured to activate or deactivate building hydronic network 56, and / or control a supply temperature of building heat exchanger 60, according to manual control by a user, a pre-determined schedule, a pre-determined average daily outside temperature, and the like.

[0100] In some embodiments, building hydronic network 56 comprises a building heating circuit 66 and a building cooling circuit 68 (sometimes referred to as a “4-pipe system”). Building heating circuit 66 includes a heater 70, one or more hot building supply lines 72 extending outward from heater 70 through at least a portion of building 50, and one or more hot building return lines 74 connecting each respective one or more hot building supply lines 72 back to heater 70. Building cooling circuit 68 similarly includes a cooler 76, one or more cold building supply lines 78 extending outward from cooler 76 through at least a portion of building 50, and one or more cold building return lines 80 connecting each respective one or more cold building supply lines 78 back to cooler 76.

[0101] Building controller 58 is configured to selectively activate either building heating circuit 66 and / or building cooling circuit 68, so as to selectively circulate hot hydronic fluid and / or cold hydronic fluid through building 50. Building controller 58 may be configured to selectively activate building heating circuit 66 or building cooling circuit 68, and / or control supply temperatures thereof, according to manual control by a user, a predetermined schedule, a pre-determined average daily outside temperature, and the like.

[0102] In some embodiments, building hydronic network 56 includes one or more building flowmeters 82 (or a hot circuit flowmeter 82A and cold circuit flowmeter 82B), a building supply temperature sensor 84 at a connection between heat exchanger 60 / heater 70 / cooler 76 and building supply line 62 / hot building supply line 72 / cold building supply line 78 (or a hot circuit building supply temperature sensor 84A and a cold circuit building supply temperature sensor 84B), and a building return temperature sensor 86 at a connection between heat exchanger 60 / heater 70 / cooler 76 and building return line 64 / hot building return line 74 / cold building return line 80. Building flowmeter 82, building supply temperature sensor 84, and building returntemperature sensor 86 are operatively connected to building controller 58. Building controller 58 may be configured to control supply temperatures and flow rates in response to measurements made by building flowmeter 82, building supply temperature sensor 84, and building return temperature sensor 86. In some embodiments, building 50 includes a metering system 88. Metering system 88 is operatively connected to building flowmeter 82, building supply temperature sensor 84, and building return temperature sensor 86 (directly or via building controller 58 as shown). Metering system 88 is configured to, at periodic intervals, calculate and store a building thermal energy usage value based on the hydronic fluid flow rate measured by building flowmeter 82, and the difference in the supply and return temperatures of the hydronic fluid as measured by building supply temperature sensor 84 and building return temperature sensor 86. In some embodiments, metering system 88 is operatively connected to thermal equipment in suites 52 and configured to measure and store suite 52 thermal energy usage values.

[0103] Figure 14 shows a ductless hydronic system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Hydronic system 200 provides temperature control of air (i.e. heating and / or cooling) in an example suite 52. Suite 52 comprises a single zone 52A. Suite 52 may include one or more fenestrations 53 such as a window 53A and / or a door 53B. Window 53A may be located on an exterior wall 55 of building 50. Suite 52 may include one or more internal entryways 57 to provide access between an interior of building 50 and suite 52.

[0104] Hydronic system 200 comprises an FCU 202, which may be mounted within suite 52 proximate to window 53A. For example, FCU 202 may be mounted on exterior wall 55 above window 53A with an air discharge thereof directed generally vertically downward in front of window 53A. For another example, FCU 202 may be mounted beside window 53A on exterior wall 55, or on an adjacent wall, with the air discharge thereof directed generally horizontally across in front of window 52. FCU 202 may be substantially similar in features to FCU 100, but this is not strictly required.

[0105] FCU 202 is operatively connected to a suite distribution network 204. Suite distribution network 204 comprises a supply line 206 connected to asupply coupling for a heat exchanger of FCU 202 (e.g. supply coupling 138 of FCU 100), and a return line 208 connected to a return coupling for the heat exchanger of FCU 202 (e.g. return coupling 140 of FCU 100). Supply line 206 and return line 208 are tied into building hydronic network 56 (i.e. supply line 206 connects to building supply line 62 or hot building supply line 72 and cold building supply line 78 and return line 208 connects to building return line 64 or hot building return line 74 and cold building return line 80). Advantageously, supply line 206 and return line 208 may be plumbed from building hydronic network 56 into suite 52 via one or more holes drilled proximate entryway 57 (e.g. beside entryway 57 as shown, or above entryway 57). Hydronic fluid flows from building hydronic network 56 through supply line 206 to FCU 202. The hydronic fluid then flows from FCU 202 through return line 208 back to building hydronic network 56.

[0106] Hydronic system 200 comprises a suite management system 210 in operative connection with FCU 202. Suite management system 210 comprises a thermostat 212 located in suite 52. Thermostat 212 is configured to measure one or more environmental parameters associated with air in suite 52, in this non-limiting example a temperature of the air in suite 52. In some embodiments, thermostat 212 is configured to measure other environmental parameters of the air in suite 52, including but not limited to humidity, and presence of contaminants such as smoke and allergens (e.g. pollens, spores, dust, pet dander, etc.). In some embodiments, thermostat 212 may be connected to remotely located temperature sensors, which in a non-limiting example may be positioned to measure a temperature of a floor or a ceiling of suite 52. In some embodiments, thermostat 212 may comprise a sound level meter.

[0107] Suite management system 210 includes a controller 214. Controller 214 is configured to receive input from thermostat 212 and operate FCU 202 in response to the input. Controller 214 may comprise a memory 216 and a processor 218. Memory 216 may store a pre-determined temperature set point, or range of acceptable temperatures, for the air in suite 52. Processor 218 may be configured to compare temperature measurements received from thermostat 212 to the stored pre-determined range and, if the measured temperature is outside of the stored pre-determined range, turn on FCU 202,or modulate a fan speed thereof, to heat and / or cool the air in suite 52 until measured temperatures from thermostat 212 return within the stored predetermined range.

[0108] In some embodiments, suite distribution network 204 includes a flowmeter 220 (in the embodiment shown, flowmeter 220 is located in supply line 206, but flowmeter 220 could also be located in return line 208) and a supply temperature sensor 222 positioned upstream from FCU 202. Return line 208 includes a return temperature sensor 224 positioned downstream from FCU 202. Flowmeter 220, supply temperature sensor 222, and return temperature sensor 224 are operatively connected to suite metering module 250 (directly or via controller 214, as shown). Suite management system 210 comprises a suite metering module 250 in communication with controller 214. Suite metering module 250 is configured to calculate a thermal energy use of suite 52 based on the difference in temperature of the hydronic fluid across FCU 202 and a flow rate of the hydronic fluid through FCU 202 as measured by flowmeter 220. In some embodiments, suite metering module 250 is integral with controller 214. In some embodiments, suite metering module 250 is remote to controller 214 and / or building 50 (e.g. on a remote server or in a cloud-based architecture). In some embodiments, suite metering module 250 is integral with or communicates with building metering system 88.

[0109] In some embodiments, flowmeter 220 is a supply flowmeter 220 located in supply line 206 and return line 208 includes a return flowmeter 226 operatively connected to controller 214. Controller 214 may be configured to trigger an alarm based on differences between the flow rate of hydronic fluid in supply line 206 vs return line 208, which may be indicative of a leak or blockage in FCU 202 or the supply line 206 or the return line 208. In some embodiments, supply line 204 includes a supply valve 227. In addition to triggering an alarm based on differences between flow rates, controller 214 may be configured to close supply valve 227, which may mitigate damage from leaks / blockages.

[0110] FCU 202 and thermostat 212 may be connected to controller 214 in a manner that provides for both power supply and data exchange. For example, FCU 202 and thermostat 212 may be connected to controller 214 via quickconnect cabling, which in one non-limiting example includes Ethernet cabling,for example Cat 5, Cat 5e, or Cat 6 cabling. In a preferred embodiment, FCU 202 and thermostat 212 include RJ45 jacks for quick connection to the cabling, for ease of installation and maintenance.

[0111] In some embodiments, controller 214 and thermostat 212 may be contained in a control system housing 228 mounted to a wall of suite 52. Control system housing 228 includes a user interface 230. User interface 230 may be a touch screen 232 as shown, but could also be a screen and keypad or other such devices for displaying information and receiving input. User interface 230 may allow a user to view the measured temperature in suite 52 and view and make changes to stored pre-determined range of temperatures.

[0112] In some embodiments, controller 214, supply flowmeter 220, temperature sensors 222 and 224, and / or return flowmeter 226 are located outside of suite 52, for example in a maintenance cabinet, room in a hallway outside of suite 52, or a plenum space above a ceiling of the hallway. In some embodiments, the maintenance cabinet may include a manual isolation valve, to allow for selective shutdown of hydronic fluid to suite 52 to facilitate maintenance and repair of flowmeters 220, 226 and / or FCUs 202.

[0113] Hydronic system 200 may include one or more exterior temperature sensors 234 in communication with controller 214. Controller 214 may be configured to display an exterior temperature on user interface 230. Controller 214 may be configured to operate FCU 202 at least in part based on the exterior temperature as well as the measured temperature in suite 52.

[0114] In some embodiments, controller 214 may be operatively connected to ancillary equipment 236 in suite 52. Ancillary equipment 236 may include, but is not limited to, humidifiers, de-humidifiers, air purifiers, resistive heaters, hydronic valves for in floor heating and the like, natural gas fireplaces, and heat recovery ventilators. Controller 214 may store pre-determined ranges of acceptable parameters for ancillary equipment 236, i.e. humidity, contaminant concentrations, and thermostat 212 may be configured to measure the parameters within suite 52. Controller 214 may then be configured to compare the measured parameters to the stored pre-determined ranges and operate ancillary equipment 236 when the parameters fall outside of the stored predetermined ranges.

[0115] In some embodiments, hydronic system 200 includes elements for noise mitigation of FCU 202. For example, hydronic system 200 may include a passive noise reduction device 238, such as an accelerometer or sound level meter, which detects a noise level or vibration level of FCU 202. Passive noise reduction device 238 communicates with controller 214. Controller 214 is configured to, in response to detection of increases in sound level that are not proportionate to increases in fan speed, which may be indicative of a resonant frequency of FCU 202, modify the fan speed of FCU 202 to avoid resonances. In some embodiments, controller 214 may be configured to notify occupants and / or owners of suite 52 (e.g. by email or SMS) of excessive noise in suite 52. Excessive noise in suite 52 may also be indicative of mechanical issues in FCU 202, or unauthorized occupancy or usage of suite 52.

[0116] FCU 202 may include an active noise cancellation device 240. Active noise cancellation device 240 may comprise a sound level meter and a speaker. Controller 214 receives sound detected by the sound level meter and drives the speaker out of phase with the detected sound to at least partially cancel out noise created by FCU 202.

[0117] In some embodiments, hydronic system 200 may include a smoke detector 242 located in suite 52 and operatively connected to controller 214. In response to detection of smoke, controller 214 may be configured to notify occupants of suite 52 of the smoke (e.g. by email, SMS, or generating an alarm) and / or notify emergency services and / or building management.

[0118] Data collected by controller 214 and / or suite metering module 250 and / or building metering system 88 can be used to determine heat loss and heat gain in suite 52, which can provide important insights about thermal energy consumption in suite 52 and building envelope health. Fig. 16 shows an example method 1000 of performing maintenance on a building envelope of suite 52. At step 1002, controller 214 operates FCU 202 to hold the air temperature in suite 52 at a predetermined temperature set point. While FCU 202 operates, at step 1004, supply flowmeter 220 and / or return flowmeter 226 measure a rate of flow of the hydronic fluid through FCU 202. At step 1006, supply temperature sensor 222 measures a temperature of the hydronic fluid entering FCU 202 and return temperature sensor 224 measures atemperature of the hydronic fluid leaving FCU 202. At step 1008, controller 214 and / or suite metering module 250 calculates and stores a thermal power consumption using a density and specific heat capacity of the hydronic fluid, the measured flow rate of the hydronic fluid, and the difference in temperature of the hydronic fluid across FCU 202. Steps 1004 to 1008 are repeated over time. At step 1010, controller 214 and / or suite metering module 250 and / or building metering system 88 compares the stored values for the thermal power consumption. Increases in the thermal power consumption over time for steady-state operation (i.e. holding the air temperature at the predetermined set temperature) may indicate degradation in the building envelope (e.g. leaks in seals around window 53Adoor 53B, or entryway 57). At step 1012, the thermal power consumption has reached a predetermined threshold value and suite metering module 250 and / or controller 214 and / or building metering system 88 sends a message (e.g. via email or SMS) to an occupant of suite 52 and / or owner of building 50 to perform maintenance on the building envelope (e.g. inspect and replace or re-seal window 53A, door 53B, and / or internal entryway 57).

[0119] Figure 17 shows a multi-zone ductless hydronic system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. Hydronic system 300 is configured to heat and / or cool air in a multi-zone suite 52. Except as described herein, hydronic system 300 is substantially similar in features and configuration as hydronic system 200. In the embodiment shown, multi-zone suite 52 comprises three zones 52A, 52B, 52C.

[0120] Hydronic system 300 comprises a plurality of FCUs 302. One or more FCUs 302 may be positioned in each of zones 52A, 52B, 52C according to a size of the respective zone and / or temperature control requirements of the respective zone. In the embodiment shown, a first FCU 302A is positioned in zone 52A, a second FCU 302B is positioned in zone 52B, and a third and fourth FCU 302C, 302D are positioned in zone 52C.

[0121] Hydronic system 300 comprises a hydronic distribution network 304 connected to each FCU 302. In some embodiments, hydronic distribution network 304 comprises a single supply line and return line and FCUs 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D are connected in series between the supply line and the return line. In the embodiment shown, hydronic distribution network 304comprises a supply header 306 and a return header 308 which are connected to building hydronic network 56. Each FCU 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D is connected to supply header 306 via a respective supply line 310A, 31 OB, 310C, 31 OD and to return header 308 via a respective return line 312A, 312B, 312C, 312D. That is, FCUs 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D are connected to building hydronic network 56 in parallel. In some embodiments, FCUs 302A, 302B, 302C could be connected in parallel as shown, and FCU 302D could be connected in series to FCU 302C.

[0122] Hydronic system 300 comprises a suite management system 316 operatively connected to FCUs 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D and distribution network 304. Suite management system 316 comprises a plurality of thermostats 314. Each thermostat 314 is positioned in a respective zone to measure the temperature in the respective zone. In the embodiment shown, there is a first thermostat 314A in zone 52A, a second thermostat 314B in zone 52B, and a third thermostat 314C in zone 52C.

[0123] Suite management system 316 comprises a suite controller 318. Suite controller 318 may store a single pre-determined range of temperatures for all of suite 52. If for example, thermostat 314A measures a temperature in zone 52A outside of the pre-determined range but thermostats 314B and 314C measure temperatures within the pre-determined range in zones 52B, 52C, respectively, suite controller 318 can operate FCU 302A only until the temperature in zone 52A is within the pre-determined range. Suite controller 318 may also store a separate pre-determined range of temperatures for each of zones 52A, 52B, 52C.

[0124] Figure 18 shows a distributed ductless hydronic system 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. Except as described herein, hydronic system 400 is substantially similar in features and configuration as hydronic systems 200 and 300. Hydronic system 400 is configured to provide heating and / or cooling within a building 50 comprising a plurality of suites 52, in conjunction with a building management system 54 of building 50. In the example embodiment shown, building 50 comprises three single zone suites 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3. However the skilled person may recognize that building 50 may comprise more or fewer single zone suites, a plurality of multi-zone suites, or a mixture of single zone suites and multi-zone suites. Each suite52.1 , 52.2, 52.3 comprises an FCU 402.1 , 402.2, 402.3 and a suite management system 410.1 , 410.2, 410.3. Suite management systems 410.1 ,410.2, 410.3 each comprise a thermostat 412.1 , 412.2, 412.3, a controller414.1. 414.2, 414.3 and a suite metering module 450.1 , 450.2, 450.3 .

[0125] Hydronic system 400 includes a plurality of suite distribution networks 404. Each suite distribution network 404 is associated with a respective suite 52 of building 50. In the example embodiment shown, there is a suite distribution network 404.1 associated with suite 52.1 , a suite distribution network 404.2 associated with suite 52.2, and a suite distribution network 404.3 associated with suite 52.3. Suite distribution networks 404.1 , 404.2, 404.3 may be substantially similar in features and configuration to hydronic distribution networks 204, 304.

[0126] A respective supply line 406.1 , 406.2, 406.3 of each suite distribution network 404.1 , 404.2, 404.3 may be connected to hot building supply line 72 and cold building supply line 78 of building distribution network 56 via a respective suite valve 427.1 , 427.2, 427.3. A respective return line 408.1 ,408.2, 408.3 may be connected to hot return line 74 and to cold return line 80 of building distribution network 56 via respective suite valve(s).

[0127] Hydronic system 400 has a plurality of suite controllers 414.1 , 414.2,414.3, each associated with a respective suite 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3. Controllers414.1. 414.2, 414.3 may be substantially similar in features and configuration to controller 214 and controller 314.

[0128] Controllers 414.1 , 414.2, 414.3 may be operatively connected to building controller 58 and / or building metering system 88. Building controller 58 is configured to receive data from each suite management system 410.1 ,410.2, 410.3 and make changes to hydronic system 400 and / or building management system 54 that affect building 50 as a whole.

[0129] Building management system 54 may be configured to override configurations of suite management systems 410.1 , 410.2, 410.3. For example, if suite management system 410.3 communicates a measured temperature in suite 52.3 (measured by thermostat 412.3) that poses a risk to building 50 or infrastructure thereof (for example, if the measured temperature is low enough that freezing pipes become a risk), then building controller 58 may instruct suite controller 414.3 to operate FCU 402.3 (or may directlyoperate FCU 402.3) to heat suite 52.3, regardless of the predetermined range of temperatures in suite controller 414.3.

[0130] Building controller 58 and / or building metering system 88 may be configured to monitor and compare thermal energy consumption among suites 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3 (for example by communicating with suite metering modules 250.1 , 250.2, 250.3 and / or by directly measuring fluid flow rate and temperature to respective hydronic distribution networks 404.1 , 404.2, 404.3). Costs associated with operating fluid heater 70 and / or fluid cooler 76 may be apportioned to occupants of suites 52.1 , 52.2, 52.3 according to the comparative energy consumption. If an occupant of a suite is not paying for their respective energy costs, building controller 58 and / or respective suite controller 414 may be configured to operate the respective shut-off valve 427 to cut off a flow of hydronic fluid to said suite.

[0131] In some embodiments, the functionalities of the thermostat(s) of the hydronic systems described herein include one or more of:• Secondary temperature reading in a room (remote sensor capable)• In-floor sensor capable• In-ceiling sensor capable• Schedules• Vacation• Auto-change over heating to cooling based on temperature• C to F• Manual fan control• Forced operation heating / cooling• Adjustable fan speeds• Adjustable Delta T for change over• Adjustable Delta T for set point reaction• Alarm too shut down the fan coil in case of condensation blockage, both in suite and at the suite controller• Thermostat activation / deactivation• Thermostat expandability - e.g. add fan coils to one thermostat, one thermostat could control 6 fan coils• Humidity sensor and control

[0132] In some embodiments, averaging of temperatures (for example based on the thermometer in the thermostat plus one or more remote temperature sensor) may be provided with the systems described herein.

[0133] In some embodiments, the building management systems described herein operate the hot fluid supply, the cold fluid supply and sets the operating parameters of the mechanical rooms equipment, based on the suite management system information. The suite management system operates the hot valve and the cold valve based on information collected from each suite. Information collected from all of the suites is then provided to the buildings management system. All of the independent suite management systems is collected, averaged then provide to the buildings management system to set distribution temperatures and flow rates.

[0134] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations as are consistent with the broadest interpretation of the specification as a whole.

Claims

Claims1 . A fan coil apparatus comprising: a heat exchanger assembly; a fan assembly configured to draw air through the heat exchanger; and a condensate tray positioned in a direction of airflow between the heat exchanger assembly and the fan assembly, the condensate tray including one or more airflow passages extending therethrough.

2. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate tray includes one or more collection troughs, and wherein the one or more collection troughs are one or more of shaped and located in relation to the one or more airflow passages such that condensate is retained in said one or more collection troughs and inhibited from entering said one or more airflow passages by surface tension of the condensate.

3. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein fins of the heat exchanger assembly are one or more of shaped and located to direct condensate into the one or more collection troughs.

4. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate tray includes a float assembly configured to measure a level of the condensate retained in the condensate tray.

5. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan comprises a variable speed motor.

6. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the fan coil apparatus comprising a housing containing the heat exchanger assembly, the fan assembly, and the condensate tray, the housing comprising:an intake positioned upstream of the heat exchanger assembly; and a discharge positioned downstream of the fan assembly.

7. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge is configured with the fan assembly to produce an air curtain outside of the housing.

8. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of an intake area of the intake to a discharge area of the discharge is in the range of 4:1 to 12:1.

9. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a bracket mounted to a wall, wherein the housing is releasably attachable to the bracket.

10. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket includes a plurality of posts extending therefrom and the housing includes a plurality of slots shaped and located to receive the plurality of posts so that the housing hangs from the bracket.11.A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of slots is a first plurality of said slots; the housing includes a second plurality of said slots on an opposing side of the housing from the first plurality of said slots; and the housing is selectively attachable to the bracket in a first orientation or a second orientation via the first plurality of said slots or the second plurality of said slots, respectively.

12. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein air contact surfaces in the housing are one or more of:made from materials that inhibit microbial growth; have a surface coating that inhibits microbial growth; and have nanostructures that inhibit microbial growth.

13. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an ultraviolet light source located and configured to direct ultraviolet light on air flowing through the fan coil apparatus.

14. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an air filter upstream of the heat exchanger assembly.

15. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan is configured to draw air through the air filter.

16. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising vibration and / or sound dampening materials and structures.

17. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is shaped and / or configured to minimize resonant frequencies.

18. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan coil apparatus is configured to receive power and / or connect to a remotely located controller via a quick-connect cable.

19. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the quick-connect cable is an Ethernet cable and the fan coil apparatus includes an RJ45 socket to receive the Ethernet cable.

20. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a removable panel to provide access to the heat exchanger assembly.

21. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes two or more openings through which supply and return couplings of the heat exchanger assembly extend.

22. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is removably attachable to the housing, and wherein the heat exchanger assembly is attachable to the housing in one of at least two orientations.

23. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a first intake, a second intake, and a panel selectively attachable to the housing to cover one of the first intake and the second intake.

24. A ductless hydronic system comprising: one or more fan coil units positioned in a suite of a building to be temperature- controlled; a hydronic distribution network operatively connected to the one or more fan coil units to transfer hydronic fluid to and from the one or more fan coil units; and a suite management system comprising; one or more thermostats positioned in the suite, each of the one or more thermostats configured to measure a temperature of the suite; and a controller operatively connected to the one or more fan coil units, the one or more thermostats, and the hydronic distribution network, the controller configured to:receive, from the one or more thermostats, the measured temperature of the suite; and in response to the measured temperature deviating outside of a predetermined range of temperatures, modify one or more of a flow rate of hydronic fluid through the hydronic distribution network and a fan speed of the one or more fan coil units until the measured temperature is within the predetermined range.

25. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said one or more fan coil units is mounted on or in proximity to an exterior wall of the suite.

26. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more thermostats is located away from exterior walls of the suite.

27. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydronic fluid is a composition comprising water and one or more of an antifreeze, a corrosion inhibitor, and a microbial growth inhibitor.

28. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydronic fluid is a composition comprising water and propylene glycol or ethylene glycol.

29. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fan coil units each comprise a heat exchanger assembly operatively connected to the hydronic distribution network, a fan assembly positioned and configured to draw air through the heat exchanger assembly, and a condensate tray positioned in a direction of air flow between the heat exchanger and the fan.

30. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more brackets mounted within the suite in proximity to anexterior wall of the suite, and wherein the one or more fan coil units are configured to be releasably attachable to the one or more brackets.

31. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the fan speed of the one or more fan coil units at more than zero when the measured temperature is within the predetermined range.

32. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydronic distribution network comprises: a supply line connected to the one or more fan coil units; a supply temperature sensor located in the supply line upstream of the one or more fan coil units; a return line connected to the one or more fan coil units; a return temperature sensor located in the return line downstream of the one or more fan coil units; a flowmeter located in one of the supply line and the return line; and wherein the suite management system comprises a suite metering module, the suite metering module configured to calculate a thermal energy consumption of the hydronic system using a supply temperature detected by the supply temperature sensor, a return temperature sensor detected by the return temperature sensor, a flow rate of the hydronic fluid, and a specific heat capacity of the hydronic fluid.

33. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydronic distribution network comprises:a supply line; a supply flow meter operatively connected to the supply line and configured to measure a flow rate of the hydronic fluid entering the hydronic distribution network; a supply valve connected between the distribution header and the supply line; a return line connected to the one or more fan coil units; and a return flow meter operatively connected to the return line and configured to measure a flow rate of the hydronic fluid leaving the hydronic distribution network; and wherein the controller is configured to close the supply valve when the flow rate of the hydronic fluid leaving the hydronic distribution network is less than the flow rate of the hydronic fluid entering the hydronic distribution network.

34. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydronic distribution network comprises: a supply line; a hot fluid supply connected to the supply line; a hot supply line valve operatively connected between the hot fluid supply and the supply line; a cold fluid supply connected to the supply line; anda cold supply line valve operatively connected between the cold fluid supply and the supply line; and wherein the controller is configured to: operate the hydronic system in a heating mode by opening the hot supply line valve and closing the cold supply line valve; and operate the hydronic system in a cooling mode by closing the hot supply line valve and opening the cold supply line valve.

35. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the suite is divided into a plurality of zones; the one or more thermostats comprises a plurality of thermostats, each thermostat of said plurality positioned and configured to measure a local zone temperature of a respective zone of said plurality of zones; the one or more fan coil units comprises a plurality of fan coil units, each fan coil unit of said plurality positioned within a respective zone; and the controller is configured to receive the measured local zone temperatures from each zone and in response to the measured local zone temperature deviating from a predetermined range of zone temperatures, modify the fan speed of the fan coil unit associated with the zone until the measured temperature is within the predetermined range of zone temperatures.

36. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more fan coil units is positioned and configured to produce an air curtain over a door or a window at a boundary of the suite, the air curtain configured to inhibit heat transfer into or out of the suite via the door or the window.

37. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fan coil units are operatively connected to the controller via one or more respective quick-connect cables.

38. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more external temperature sensors positioned outside of the suite and operatively connected to the controller.

39. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fan coil units include a passive noise detector and the controller is configured to, in response to detection of elevated noise levels by said passive noise detector, modify the fan speed of the fan coil units to avoid resonant frequencies of the fan coil units.

40. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passive noise detector includes an accelerometer or sound level meter.

41. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fan coil units include an active noise cancelling device and the controller is configured to drive the active noise cancelling device to mitigate noise resulting from operation of the one or more fan coil units.

42. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active noise cancelling device includes a speaker and an accelerometer or sound level meter.

43. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more thermostats include a user interface configured to allow selective changing of one or more of the predetermined temperature range for the suite, the fan speed of the one or more fan coil units, and amode of operation of the hydronic system between the cooling mode and the heating mode.

44. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is provided on one or more of a personal computing device, a tablet computer, and a smartphone in communication with the one or more thermostats and / or the suite management system.

45. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more thermostats include a display configured to display information indicative of one or more of: the measured temperature of the suite; the predetermined temperature range for the suite; the date and / or time; the mode of operation of the hydronic system; and the fan speed of the one or more fan cooling units.

46. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is contained within the one or more thermostats.

47. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building comprises a plurality of suites and a building management system located outside of each of said plurality of said suites, and wherein the hydronic system comprises a plurality of fan coil units, each associated with a respective suite of said plurality of said suites, and a plurality of controllers, each associated with a respective suite of said plurality of said suites.

48. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the building management system operates the hot fluid supply, the hot valve, the cold fluid supply, and the cold valve; and the plurality of controllers operate the one or more fan coil units in their respective suite.

49. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a suite metering module operatively connected to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to transmit to the suite metering module data indicative of one or more of: a fan speed of the one or more fan coil units; the measured temperature of the suite; the flow rate of fluid entering the hydronic distribution network; the flow rate of fluid leaving the hydronic distribution network; a temperature of the hydronic fluid entering the hydronic distribution network; a temperature of the hydronic fluid leaving the hydronic distribution network; and a noise level in the suite.

50. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suite metering module and / or the controller is configured to perform operations on data received by the suite metering module from thecontroller, the operations including calculating an energy consumption of the ductless hydronic system.

51. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to operate ancillary equipment.

52. A ductless hydronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ancillary equipment comprises one or more of a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, a ceiling fan, an electric resistance heater, a heat recovery ventilator, a hydronic valve, and an in-floor heater in the suite.

53. A method of controlling an air temperature in a suite, the method comprising: measuring, via one or more thermostats positioned in the suite, an air temperature of the suite; communicating said measured temperature to a controller in operative connection with the one or more thermostats; comparing, via the controller, the measured temperature to a predetermined range of temperatures stored in the controller; and in response to the measured temperature being outside of the predetermined range of temperatures: operating, via the controller, a hydronic distribution network to distribute hydronic fluid to one or more fan coil units positioned in the suite; and operating, via the controller, one or more fans of the one or more fan coil units to provide heated or cooled air to the suite.

54. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, in response to the measured temperature being inside thepredetermined range of temperatures, operating, via the controller, the one or more fans at a fan speed greater than zero.

55. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, when the measured temperature is below the predetermined range of temperatures, operating the hydronic distribution network comprises distributing heated hydronic fluid to the one or more fan coil units.

56. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, when the measured temperature is above the predetermined range of temperatures, operating the hydronic distribution network comprises distributing cooled hydronic fluid to the one or more fan coil units.

57. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, when the one or more fan coil units are positioned in a suite in proximity to a fenestration, operating the one or more fans to provide suite heating and / or cooling via an air curtain passing over fenestration.

58. A method of performing maintenance on a building envelope, the method comprising: providing within the building envelope one or more fan coil units, one or more thermostats in operative connection with the one or more fan coil units, and a controller in operative connection with the one or more thermostats and in operative connection with the one or more fan coil units; measuring, via environmental sensors associated with the one or more thermostats and / or the controller, one or more environmental parameters within the building envelope; measuring, via operational sensors associated with the one or more fan coil units and / or the controller one or more operational parameters of the one or more fan coil units;storing, via the controller, said measurements of said one or more environmental parameters; storing, via the controller, said measurements of said one or more operational parameters; and in response to said stored measurements meeting one or more predetermined thresholds, performing maintenance on the building envelope.

59. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more environmental parameters includes one or more of temperature, pressure, humidity, and make-up air flow rate.

60. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more operational parameters include one or more of fan speed, fan power consumption, hydronic fluid supply flow rate, hydronic fluid supply temperature, hydronic fluid return flow rate, hydronic fluid return temperature, and condensate flow rate.

61. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein performing maintenance includes one or more of repairing or replacing one or more doors, repairing or replacing one or more windows, repairing or replacing one or more door seals, repairing or replacing one or more window seals, and repairing or replacing one or more of said one or more fan coil units.

62. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: calculating, via the controller and / or a suite metering module, and using the stored measurements of the one or more environmental parameters and the one or more operational parameters, one or more calculated parameters; andin response to said the one or more calculated parameters meeting one or more predetermined thresholds, performing maintenance on the building envelope.

63. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more calculated parameters include one or more of energy loss of the building envelope, energy loss over time of the building envelope, and air flow rate out of the building envelope.

64. A method of performing maintenance on a building envelope of a multi-suite building, the method comprising: for each suite of the multi-suite building: providing one or more fan coil units located in the suite; providing one or more thermostats located in the suite; providing a pre-determined air temperature for the suite; measuring, via the one or more thermostats, an actual air temperature of the suite; operating the one or more fan coil units to bring the actual air temperature to the pre-determined air temperature range; while operating the one or more fan coil units: measuring, via a flowmeter, a flow rate of hydronic fluid supplied to or returning from the suite; measuring, via a supply temperature sensor, a supply temperature of the hydronic fluid supplied to the one or more fan coil units in the unit;measuring, via a return temperature sensor, a return temperature of the hydronic fluid returning from the one or more fan coil units in the suite; calculating a thermal energy consumption of the unit based on the flow rate, the supply temperature, the return temperature and a specific heat capacity of the hydronic fluid; and when the thermal energy consumption over time for each suite increases past a pre-determined threshold, performing maintenance on the building envelope.

65. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, when the thermal energy consumption over time increases past the predetermined threshold for only a subset of the suites in a portion of the building, performing maintenance on only a portion of the building envelope corresponding to said portion of the building.

66. A fan assembly for a fan coil apparatus, the fan assembly comprising: a first fan configured to draw air through a heat exchanger of the fan coil apparatus; and a second fan positioned so that an inlet of the second fan is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first fan; wherein the second fan is configured to draw air from the outlet of the first fan and from surroundings of the second fan.

67. A fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet of the second fan has a first cross-sectional area covered by the outlet ofthe first fan, and wherein the first cross-sectional area is in the range of 10% to 100% of a total cross-sectional area of the inlet of the second fan.

68. A fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cross-sectional area is in the range of 30% to 40% of the total cross- sectional area of the inlet of the second fan69. A fan coil apparatus comprising: a fan assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; and a condensate tray positioned in a direction of airflow between the heat exchanger and the first fan, the condensate tray including one or more airflow passages extending therethrough.

70. A fan coil apparatus comprising: an intake; a heat exchanger assembly positioned downstream of the inlet; a heating fan assembly configured to draw air through the intake and through the heat exchanger and discharge said air through a heating discharge positioned proximate a floor; and a cooling fan assembly configured to draw air through the inlet and through the heat exchanger and discharge said air through a cooling discharge positioned above the heating discharge; wherein: when the heat exchanger assembly is in a heating mode the heating fan assembly is active and the cooling fan assembly is inactive; and when the heat exchanger assembly is in a cooling mode the cooling fan assembly is active and the heating fan assembly is inactive.

71. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heat exchanger assembly is positioned between the heating fan assembly and the cooling fan assembly.

72. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the intake is positioned vertically between the heating discharge and the cooling discharge.

73. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cooling discharge is positioned at a distance above the floor equal to or higher than an average height of an adult person.

74. A fan coil apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a condensate tray positioned below the heat exchanger.

75. A fan coil system for a suite comprising a large fenestration, the fan coil system comprising: a first array of fan coil units positioned along an upper edge of the fenestration, each fan coil unit of the first array configured to produce an air curtain directed generally downwards across the fenestration; and a second array of fan coil units positioned along a lower edge of the fenestration, each fan coil unit of the second array configured to produce an air curtain directed generally upwards across the fenestration.

76. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first array is configured to operate in a cooling mode.

77. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second array is configured to operate in a heating mode.

78. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first array and the second array are configured to operate simultaneously.

79. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fan coil unit of the first array is generally aligned with a respective fan coil unit of the second array.

80. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fan coil unit comprises: an intake; a discharge; a heat exchanger; and a fan assembly configured to draw air through the intake and the heat exchanger and discharge said air through the discharge; wherein: a ratio of an intake area of the intake and a discharge area of the discharge is in the range of 4:1 to 12:1.

81. A fan coil system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fan coil unit of the first array includes a condensate tray positioned in a direction of air flow between the heat exchanger and the fan assembly, the condensate tray including one or more airflow passages extending therethrough and one or more collection troughs shaped and located in relation to the one or more airflow passages such that condensate is retained in said one or more collection troughs and inhibited from entering said one or more airflow passages by surface tension of the condensate.

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