Chiller and fan coils: what it is, how it works and where it’s used

A chiller and fan coil system is a centralised solution for cooling and heating buildings, where the chiller produces chilled (or, when needed, hot) water and fan coils distribute it across the rooms. It is the standard choice for hotels, offices and retail buildings — anywhere many rooms must be served from a single central source. For the basics of the device itself, see What is a fan coil unit.

What a chiller and fan coil system is

It is a water-based climate system with two main parts:

• Chiller — a refrigeration machine that cools water;
• Fan coils — in-room units that use that water to cool (or, in winter mode, heat) the air.

The chiller sits outdoors or in a plant room; the fan coils are in the served rooms, connected by a pipe network carrying cold (or hot) water.

How it works

1. The chiller cools the water to the required temperature (typically +7 °C).
2. A pump delivers the water through pipes to fan coils in different rooms.
3. Each fan coil blows room air across a heat exchanger filled with cold water — the air is cooled.
4. The warmed water returns to the chiller and the cycle repeats.

In winter the cold source can be replaced by a boiler or heat pump — the same pipes then carry hot water and the fan coils heat the rooms.

What the system consists of

A chiller, a winter heat source (boiler/heat pump), a pump group and pipework, fan coils in the rooms, and controls (thermostats, valves, actuators).

Which fan coils are used

• Ducted fan coils DF — concealed above the ceiling;
• Cassette fan coils CF — recessed into the ceiling;
• Wall-mounted fan coils HWF — on the wall;
• Trench fan coils FCH/FCHV — in the floor along glazing.

Advantages

One central source serves many rooms; heating and cooling in a single system; individual climate per room; cost efficiency and scalability; durability (stainless-steel casings, EC fans).

Where it’s used

In hotels, office and administrative buildings, retail and business centres — facilities with many rooms where individual climate control matters.

Konveka fan coils for chiller and fan coil systems

Konveka is a European manufacturer of water-based fan coils and convectors since 2005. Our fan coils use EC fans, a stainless-steel casing and are tested to EN 442 and EN 16430 — an ideal match for chiller and fan coil systems. Contact us or browse the range.

Frequently asked questions

What is a chiller and fan coil system in simple terms? A system where the chiller cools water and in-room fan coils use that water to cool (or heat) the air.

Can such a system also heat? Yes. In winter a boiler or heat pump becomes the source, supplying hot water through the same pipes.

What is the difference between a 2-pipe and a 4-pipe system? A 2-pipe system carries either heating or cooling at a time; a 4-pipe system can heat and cool different rooms simultaneously.

Which fan coils should I choose? It depends on the room: ducted and cassette for ceilings, wall-mounted for walls, trench fan coils along glazing.