The air-conditioning system consists of a heat pump air-conditioning unit fitted with an internal seawater heat exchanger that cools (or heats, in winter mode) freshwater in a closed circuit. This unit is used to cool water used as a thermal exchange with the air of the rooms to be cooled down.
In winter the inversion of the cooling circuit (by heat pump) allows the water heating instead of the cooling, in this way the rooms get warmed up.
The fresh water, by means of a circulation pump, delivers cooled (or heated) water to the fan-coils until it reaches the set temperature.
WARNINGCheck that fresh water circulates regularly.
Because of a pressure drops or of a long period of inactivity, stop the system and top up water through supply valve until the requested pressure is achieved, this will be indicated by proper pressure switch installed on the unit. After this, close the supply valve.
The entire system is powered by 230 VAC, and is controlled by a magneto-thermal switch on the engine room electrical panel.
The compressor unit is located in the engine room on the starboard side.
Each fan-coil is independent and is controlled by an associated control panel provided with independent temperature sensor.
Before starting the system, check the sea-water and circulation pumps for free rotation, by rotating the cooling fan of the electric motor with a screwdriver.
Rotation should be free, in case the pump is locked, do not start, but eliminate troubles first (dirt, rust, scraps, etc..).
Check that sea-water intake and outlet valves are both open. Switch on the refrigerator by means of selector placed on the machine front side or on the separated electrical panel.
Check the correct rotation of sea water and treated water pumps, by looking at the arrow that is marked on the pump body.
It is advisable to check the power absorbed by the pumps and to compare it with the plate data.
The unit will work normally if the circulation of sea water and treated water is correct. After a few seconds the compressor will start.
At the compressor start the running light will switch on together with the hour meter.
Its operation will stop when reaching the temperature of chilled water 7 (45°F) to 8°C (46°F).
The temperature of the chilled water can be checked by suitable thermometers placed on the unit.
The cooled water temperature can be set by means of the thermostat on the unit’s control panel.
The chilled water circulation pump will circulate water to the different fan-coils. Fancoils will exchange heat with surrounding ambient, the return water will be heated and the thermostat will automatically start the compressor, in a differential range of 3 (37°F) to 4°C (39°F), thus keeping the chilled water temperature in the range from 7 (45°F) to 11°C (52°F).
CAUTIONThe excessive use of conditioned air may cause infirmities due to the great difference of temperature between the yacht inside and the outside.
CAUTIONClean the strainer of the sea cock according to the time interval of the system use and to the pollution conditions of the sucked waters (seaweeds, mucilage’s, etc..).
CAUTIONBefore cleaning the strainer, remember to close the sea cock valve, to stop the generator and then proceed with maintenance.
Once this operation is finished, remember to open the valve which supplies the cooling circuit.
CAUTIONMake sure before every start of the system, which is the valve seacocks and those of the overboard discharge are fully open and check the cleanliness of the strainer.
CAUTIONAlways leave the temperature sensors in each air-conditioned room unobstructed; obstructing them impairs the proper functioning of the system.
For further information on use and maintenance, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
Air conditioning system diagram:
