Step 1: Determine the thermal load of your wine cellar
All Thenow cooling units have recommend sizes corresponding to generic cellar volumes, details in the below sheet.
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Model
|
Unit
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JC3
|
J15-Z
|
J15
|
J30
|
J60
|
J90
|
J150
|
|
Cellar Size (Up to)
|
m³
|
3
|
5
|
15
|
30
|
60
|
90
|
150
|
However, these sizes are based on our field experience and user experience, many factors you have to consider, such as: insulation work of the cellar, ambient temperature outside the cellar, glass, length of ducting etc.
A better approach to choose a unit size based on is your cellar's thermal load—the amount of energy required to cool a given space to the desired temperature in an hour, measured in W or BTUH. Contact with Thenow or its authorized distributors, providing some key pieces of information requested, they will help you to figure out your cellar's thermal load for free.
Once you know the thermal load of your wine cellar, you'll be able to select the best cooling unit for your project.
Step 2: Choose the applicable type according to the site installation environment
Thenow has two type of cellar cooling unit now: self-contained and split system, both of these two types are available for limited duct work(detailed length has to contact with manufacturer).
Different types of cooling units offer varied solutions to deal with hot air exhaust, as follows:
Self-contained, non-ducted systems: With self-contained units, the hot and cold sides of the cooling unit are combined in one package, normally on opposite sides of the cooling unit. The cold side will face into the cellar, the hot side into a space adjacent to the cellar. On this case, this adjacent space normally 2~3 times bigger than the cellar or with very good ventilation so that the exhaust heat can be dissipated successfully.
Split systems: These devices are "split" into two sides-the condensing unit and the evaporator, which are linked by means of copper tubing, also called the line. Cost of installing a split system is much more expensive than self-contained units. However, split type making it possible to put the condensing unit in a remote location, even outdoors. On this way, the hot exhaust can dissipate without mixing with the fresh air intake. Also can keep the noise out of the living space.
Ducted systems: Thenow's self-contained type HSN-J15-Z and split models also can be ducted on the reasonable length. Ducting allows the air to be moved to and from the cooling unit to a remote location. With cold-side ducting, the cooling unit could be located away from the cellar. With a hot-side ducting, the cooling unit can be located in a small space with limited airflow. Ducting will bring remote air to and/or from the cooling unit. On this case, you have to contact with manufacturer or its distributors to confirm the possibility before installation.
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Recommened distance between evaporator and condenser：
|
|
Model
|
Horizontal Distance
|
Vertical Distance
|
|
HSN-J15
|
≦10m
|
≦3m
|
|
HSN-J30
|
≦15m
|
≦3m
|
|
HSN-J60
|
≦18m
|
≦5m
|
|
HSN-J90
|
≦22m
|
≦6m
|
|
HSN-J150
|
≦25m
|
≦6m
|
|
If indeed distance exceed our recommendation, please contact with us, you may have to change models.
|
After completing the above two steps, you have basically been able to choose a suitable cooling capacity and type conditioner of your wine cellar. However, there are many wine cellar air conditioner brands on the market. How to choose a brand? The following points are for reference.
Factor #1: Noise Level
If with same cooling power, then the lower of the noise the better.
Of course, if you had chosen a self-contained type unit but the cellar is close to the living space, you may prefer a ducted or split system that can keeps the noise away.
Factor #2: Unit Cost
Usually, self-contained types are the most affordable to purchase and install. Secondly is the split system, and the most expensive device is the ducted split system. They do require professional HVAC technician to do the installation work.
Factor #3: Humidification
If your cellar is in a low-humidity locale, you may need to add humidity to your cellar. Most of Thenow cooling units have build-in humidifier(wet-film humidification), you just need to connect to a water line, it adds and maintains humidity inside the cellar based on humidity settings.
Factor #4: Heating
If the space around your cellar isn't temperature-controlled and drops below your desired cellar temperature, you may need a cooling unit that can also produce heat.
Thenow cooling units have inside heater which will add heat when ambient temperatures drop below your desired cellar temperature.
Factor #5: Maintenance
Remember always look for cooling system that can be repaired or replaced easily.
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