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Minisplits fan speeds

Hi all,

I installed a 12K LG minisplit where I work and the book is pretty much useless.

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how exactly the fan speeds inside interact with the evaporator temperature and thermostat setting.

For example, it has auto for fan which seems to suck. It ramps up and down a lot.
It then has 5 manual fan speeds.

Does it vary the evaporator temperature to meet the thermostat setting?
Does a lower fan speed result in a colder evaporator temperature or does the outdoor unit throttle back?
Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment

Comments

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,804
    The last six words said it. Without getting technical because I dont have the ability to get too deep, all those thermistors report back the the board which in turn control the speed of the fan in auto from the communication wiring, the outdoor fan speed, EEV's and pressures. All the multiple combinations between say four heads set for four different temperatures at four different fan speeds. All those thermistor inputs will regulate pressure and saturation temperature to hopefully meet all demand. If only one head is running, refrigerant is still flowing through other heads to keep pressures in check.
    Mr. Ohm would be very happy.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 4,775
    Constant ramping up and down IF the charge is correct may be a sign of over sized head for the load.

    The indoor, outdoor fans, compressor and EEV are all controlled by the computer from temperature thermistors. Always trying to match the heat load. Ill bet your seeing the refrigerant flow stopping for a few minuets before the fan ramps up.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    > @pecmsg said:
    > Constant ramping up and down IF the charge is correct may be a sign of over sized head for the load.
    >
    > The indoor, outdoor fans, compressor and EEV are all controlled by the computer from temperature thermistors. Always trying to match the heat load. Ill bet your seeing the refrigerant flow stopping for a few minuets before the fan ramps up.


    It's certainly oversized but it's an office where people are constantly coming and going. I'm assuming the charge is correct as I have more than the minimum lineset length and I one used what was in the unit.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    Seems odd, minis normally don’t do that. You’re sure the charge is good and a good vac was pulled?
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    edited July 2019
    > @GW said:
    > Seems odd, minis normally don’t do that. You’re sure the charge is good and a good vac was pulled?

    Like I said, I didn't charge it. I don't know what LG put in it. It's got a port only on the low side and that apparently shuts off when you open the service valve.

    I pulled a 200 micron vacuum and it stayed below 400 without the pump.


    The system works very well, it's likely just oversized but I knew that before I bought it.

    The head is also right by the door to the shop. Shop is hot.

    @GW I can't believe you would even suggest the possibility that I didn't pull a good vacuum.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    Lol excuse me
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
    ChrisJ
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    GW said:

    Lol excuse me

    Sorry, I was tired when I typed that, but I meant it in a humorous way.

    I pulled a 7 hour vacuum on my own system down to 100 microns, stabilized at 120 only to have the manufacturer blame non-condensibles for their grossly oversized txv. :(
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    GWratio
  • bulldoglax
    bulldoglax Member Posts: 38
    The auto will keep the indoor unit within two degrees (adjustable )of the set point this the ramping up and down.
  • mikeg2015
    mikeg2015 Member Posts: 1,194
    We’ve had a LOT of trouble with leaks at the flared connections on Fujitsu that we sell. Going to switch to using and O ring in there. Was worse we found when we actually torqued them to factory specs.

    If it’s low on charge, it could cause it to hunt or surge somewhat.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 4,775
    mikeg2015 said:

    We’ve had a LOT of trouble with leaks at the flared connections on Fujitsu that we sell. Going to switch to using and O ring in there. Was worse we found when we actually torqued them to factory specs.

    If it’s low on charge, it could cause it to hunt or surge somewhat.

    Flairs have been used in refrigeration for longer then I can remember!
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    edited July 2019
    Guys,

    It's performance is excellent. It's not low on charge and I have no reason to suspect a leak. I didn't use a torque wrench.

    95F out and unbelievably humid and it had no problem keeping the office 68 degrees with the fan on 3 out of 5.

    I should've went a size smaller. ;)

    I originally was looking at doing a 9k but was concerned with how often doors are opened so I upped it to a 12.

    It's ok, humidity control is still good and it runs nice and quiet so everyone is happy.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment