Question: Why does the leaving precooling coil air temperature not match the entering primary coil air temperature on the coil schedule submitted for my project?

Answer: The primary cooling coil selection is based on peak cooling load criteria. The matched precooling coil and reheat coil selections are based on dehumidification criteria. Typically, more reheat is required for dehumidification at partial cooling load conditions then at peak cooling load conditions. Increasing the reheat will increase the potential for recuperative precooling. The leaving precooling coil dry bulb temperature will be lower at the part load condition then at the peak load condition. The ambient dew point temperature at some partial cooling load conditions will be higher then at the peak load condition. The leaving precooling coil wet bulb temperature will often be higher at the part load condition then at the peak load condition.

Question: Who provides the TRICOIL® precooling, primary cooling, and the reheat coils?

Answer: When we provide a package TRICOIL® air conditioning unit or a package air handling unit or when we provide a TRICOIL® coil module, we provide the coils as an integral part of the unit or module. When we provide a TRICOIL® Kit or a TRICOIL® Pump/Valve Assembly any one of the major air handling unit manufacturer's can provide the coils as a part of their central station air handling unit or their package air conditioning unit. The coils can also be furnished loose for supply and/or return air duct mounting.

Question: How does the TRICOIL® method differ from a heat pipe system?

Answer: The TRICOIL® method uses water as the heat transfer medium instead of refrigerant as does the heat pipe system. Because our TRICOIL® method does not require additional refrigerant over that required for the primary cooling system, our method is more environmentally friendly. Unlike heat pipes we can easily vary the water flow rate and/or change the temperature of the water in the recuperative loop while the system is in operation. This allows us to provide various control strategies to optimize the system performance for increased energy savings and improved indoor comfort. Another benefit of the TRICOIL® method not available with the heat pipe method is the ability to use multiple reheat coils and multiple precooling coils in the same recuperative loop. The coils can be separated by some distance because the TRICOIL® method is not dependant to the geometry of the system as is the heat pipe system.

Question: How does the TRICOIL® method save energy?

Answer: The TRICOIL® method reduces the amount of new energy required to provide reheat for humidity control and reduces the amount of cooling that is required of the primary cooling source coincident with the demand for reheat. Also, with the addition of a coil in the exhaust air steam, the TRICOIL® loop can be used as means of preheating make-up air. This can save a substantial amount of energy in the winter season of cold climates. The TRICOIL® method does not have the cross contamination problems of the air streams associated with heat and enthalpy wheels.

Question: What do you use for freeze protection of the coils?

Answer: In applications where coil freezing is a potential, the water in the TRICOIL® loop can be treated with glycol for freeze protection or a water heat source can be used to keep the water temperature above freezing.