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We are all familiar with the Frico range of products which are well known within the industry and which they have been developing and manufacturing since 1932. Today they are the leading supplier of air curtains, radiant heaters and fan heaters in Europe and provide a comfortable indoor climate for a variety of different buildings.
Their latest product launch, a heat pump version for their popular Comfortline air curtain looks set to be a valuable new addition to their range providing huge energy savings at a time when the industry needs them most.
Reducing heat loss
Suited to all applications, including retail, business and industry, the system can achieve an energy reduction of up to 70% in running a heated air curtain, in addition to the overall energy savings gained by reducing heat loss across the doorway. This product comes at a perfect time for an industry which is striving to meet Government energy reduction targets and could provide the perfect answer to banishing doorway draughts in an energy efficient manner.
The Frico Comfortline Competence HP is a fully packaged heat pump/air curtain that can be located vertically where it can be integrated onto the top of the air curtain column, blowing across the doorway to present a more powerful curtain of air. Alternatively, the heat pump element can be sited remotely with an umbilical connection to the air curtain. Integrated heat pumps work via air to water, while remotely sited options can use a variety of sources including ground.
Absorbing energy
The heat pump reduces input energy, required to heat the air curtain, by up to two thirds, by absorbing energy from the warm surroundings close to the ceiling, or in a nearby location and supplying it to the air curtain. This in turn will direct a warm air stream across the doorway.
Phil Alcock, Managing Director of Frico Limited, says: "The development of combination heat pump/air curtain technology marks a significant development in energy efficient entrance protection. By offering the opportunity to include heat pump technology within an air curtain, we are providing our customers with the most energy efficient solution to eliminating heat loss from an open doorway."
Control Systems
The Comfortline Competence HP utilises Frico control systems, enabling the air curtain to run on full output if the door is open and the low-heat comfort heating mode if the door is closed. This ensures the heat pump compressor is protected from constant start-ups and operating lag is prevented.
The unit offers a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.45, providing 15kW heating from 4.5kW input. This level of output is appropriate for units 1.5 - 2.0m wide for doors up to 3 metres high. If necessary, heating can also be supplemented by an additional water or electric heater in the air curtain, a level of performance which makes it suitable for all entrances.
Easy installation
The system is quick and easy to install using plug and play supply and control cables. It also offers low noise operation, is maintenance free and incorporates components and controls for automatic operation.
Entrance protection has long been a problem in buildings where the doors are constantly being open and closed and while there are a number of solutions on the market, this particular product is sure to be popular because of its energy efficient credentials.
As more and more building owners look for a better solution to their doorway draught problems manufacturers are increasingly looking for new ways to provide the ultimate solution - this looks like it could be the answer.
