Underfloor moduflex

Projects with raised access floors and underfloor air systems typically require flexibility, energy efficiency and improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ); ModuFlex’s zone solutions have been strategically designed to provide a modular solution that optimizes energy usage and IEQ. ModuFlex leverages Price’s rigorously tested Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) products to ensure occupant comfort, and native BACnet microprocessor controllers to ensure proper control. Together, these components provide a modular system that is easy to remodel and reconfigure and can communicate with the existing building management system.

KEY BENEFITS OF MODUFLEX

INTERIOR ZONES - cooling only: constant volume (IZ1)

This control zone is formed using manually adjustable constant volume diffusers with air being supplied from the pressurized floor plenum. Pressure nodes placed strategically throughout the plenum monitor the plenum pressure. The Underfloor Pressure Controller (PCU) maintains desired plenum pressure and airflow through signalling the main fan to modulate or adjust the plenum dampers.

INTERIOR ZONES - COOLING ONLY: VARIABLE VOLUME (IZ2)

This control zone is formed using variable volume round floor diffusers controlled from the room thermostat. A thermostat monitors the room temperature, while the PCM adjusts the dampers to meet the cooling requirement of the space.

PERIMETER ZONES - TROUGH HEATING AND COOLING (PZ1)

An efficient mode of conditioning perimeter zones is by placing drop-in plenum heaters within the perimeter grilles to heat and cool. Cooling is handled through variable air dampers in the trough, and heating is used when the thermostat notes a drop in temperature below the set point. This removes the need for ductwork and fan terminals along the perimeter, reducing noise and energy consumption. A thermostat monitors the room temperature, while the PCM adjusts the dampers to meet the space requirements. This minimizes fan energy usage and noise generated by the terminals.
Natural Convection Heat
Occurs when the plenum damper is closed and room air is heated through natural convection in a heater trough and reintroduced into the space. A thermostat monitors the room temperature, while the PCM adjusts the dampers to meet the cooling requirement of the space.
Forced Heat
Occurs when plenum air is forced across the heater with the plenum damper open. This is typically only required when high heating capacities are demanded.

PERIMETER ZONES - DUCTED FAN HEATING AND COOLING (PZ2)

Traditionally, fan terminals have been used to provide variable heating and cooling to the perimeter. The fan terminal is equipped with either a hot water coil or an electric heater. Air is forced through the fan and then introduced into the space through floor grilles. A thermostat monitors the room temperature, while the PCM onboard the fan terminal modulates the fan and heating device to meet the space requirements.

PERIMETER ZONES - DUCTED FAN HEATING AND PLENUM COOLING (PZ3)

In areas where plenum cooling can be implemented the LFG-HC has a damper which modulates between cooling and heating positions. In this application, a fan terminal is only required in heating mode. Cooling is provided through the plenum while the fan is off, and heating is provided through the ducted fan terminal with a hot water coil or an electric heater. A thermostat monitors the room temperature, while the PCM onboard the fan terminal modulates the fan space and heating device to meet the space requirements.

SPECIAL ZONES - SUB-PLENUM COOLING ONLY: VARIABLE VOLUME (SZ1)

This control zone is formed using fixed damper position round floor diffusers. The pressurized plenum for the space is divided from the rest of the floor plate. This sub-plenum is pressurized by a fan terminal. A thermostat monitors the room temperature and occupancy, while the PCM adjusts the fan to meet the cooling requirement of the space. This strategy is useful for rooms with large temperature swings and higher occupancy, versus smaller break-out style conference spaces.

SPECIAL ZONES - PERIMETER HEATING AND INTERIOR COOLING (SZ2)

The cooling for this zone is handled by using variable volume round floor diffusers controlled by the room thermostat. Heat is provided by heating room air through natural convection in a heater trough and reintroducing it into the space. A thermostat monitors the room temperature and occupancy, while the PCM adjusts the dampers or heaters to meet the space requirements.

SPECIAL ZONES - MECHANICAL ROOM (MR1)

The Price Fan Column is a bottom discharge vertical unit specifically designed for underfloor air systems. It is intended to minimize the mechanical room and air shaft footprint to maximize the usable floor space. Return air will enter the mechanical room at top level and mix, either through a cooling coil or bypass section, with fresh air delivered through outdoor air only risers. Discharge air temperature can be used to module the return air cooling. The fan can be modulated to maintain plenum pressure at all load conditions. CO2 sensors can be used to modulate the fresh air VAV box to provide demand control ventilation.

SPECIAL ZONES - PLENUM PRESSURIZATION (PP1)

Price's unique solution provides pressure monitoring and control while maintaining the aesthetics of the space. Pressure nodes that are concealed with the floor diffusers are used to monitor the pressure in the space. Underfloor pressure controllers must be capable of handling very low pressure resolution, on the order of 0.001 in.w.g. or less. Typically common plenum pressure set-points range from as low as 0.05 in.w.g. to 0.08 in.w.g..