United CoolAir 2–5-Ton Narrow Portable Air Conditioning & Optional Heating Unit User Manual
- June 8, 2024
- United CoolAir
Table of Contents
- User Manual
- IDENTIFICATION OF YOUR UNIT
- TECHNICAL DATA: PAC3GN1ASA[kW]
- PAC5N1AS* – PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- UNIT SETUP
- DUCT CONNECTIONS
- SYSTEM OPERATION
- UNIT SAFETY DEVICES
- UNIT COMPONENTS
- REFRIGERATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS
- ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
- WIRING DIAGRAM
- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
User Manual
United CoolAir 2–5-Ton Narrow Portable Air Conditioning & Optional
Heating Unit
IDENTIFICATION OF YOUR UNIT
The Data Tag contains important information on how identify your United CoolAir Unit. See Figure 1 for more information on locating tag.
Subject to change without notice.
TECHNICAL DATA: PAC3GN1ASA[kW]
[1] Indoor Entering Air 80o F DB / 67o F WB with 95o F Outdoor Ambient
[2] Outdoor Entering Air 47o F DB / 43o F WB with 70o F Indoor Return Air
[3] Operating range is dependent on airflow, and Return Air Temperature.
[3] kW at 0.8 Power Factor and 220 Volts
[4] Electric heater FLA listed at 220 volts.
[5] Does not include options.
PAC5N1AS* – PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
The PAC2–5NAS is a portable air conditioning unit designed for cooling of spaces such as tents, construction sites, and remote buildings. This product may also have optional electric heaters. If supplied with the electric heat option, refer to the specifications and operating sections provided for the electric heaters.
IMPORTANT – Read this instruction manual carefully before attempting to install, operate, or perform maintenance on this unit. This unit must be installed and maintained by qualified service technicians.
WARNING: BODILY INJURY CAN RESULT FROM HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND FAST MOVING FAN DRIVES. FOR PROTECTION FROM INHERENT HAZARDS DURING INSTALLATION AND SERVICING, THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY MUST BE DISCONNECTED. IF CHECKS MUST BE PERFORMED WITH THE UNIT OPERATING, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TECHNICIAN TO RECOGNIZE THESE HAZARDS AND PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
NOTE: “Warnings and Cautions” appear at the appropriate places throughout this manual. Your personal safety and the proper operation of this unit require that you follow them carefully. The manufacturer assumes no liability for installations or servicing performed by non-qualified personnel.
UNIT INSPECTION
Upon receiving the unit, inspect for damage to the unit structural interior
and exterior components that may have happened during transit. Immediately
notify the carrier of damage to the unit. Verify the unit is the correct unit
ordered by looking at the unit’s data plate. Figure 1
– Data Plate is located on the right hand side of the electrical box section. The main power source must be capable of delivering the required amount of power to the unit. Refer to the installation instructions for connections.
UNIT SETUP
Location and Clearances
Select a location that permits unobstructed airflow into the condenser coil
and out of the condenser fan discharge air outlet.
Placement and Rigging
When using a forklift to set the portable air conditioning unit into place,
ensure the forks are directly centered into the openings in the base frame of
the equipment.
CAUTION: Use appropriate spreader bars and ties if lifting with a crane. DO
NOT LIFT BY HANDLES.
Pre-Installation Inspection
It is recommended that the following be inspected to insure internal components have not vibrated loose during shipment or transit from job site to job site.
- Open the condenser blower/motor access panel. Check the condenser blower assembly, motor mounting hardware, pulley, belt, blower shaft, blower bearings, and blower wheel for proper tightness.
- Open the evaporator blower/motor access panel located to the right of the control panel. Check the condenser blower assembly, motor mounting hardware, pulley, belt, blower shaft, blower bearings, and blower wheel for proper tightness.
- Close and lock all panel doors.
Electrical Connection
Refer to the unit data plate for main power requirements. Electrical wiring and grounding must be installed in accordance with The National Electrical Code NEC/NFPA Latest Revision. Refer to the electrical wiring diagram for Main Power connections also shown in Figure 2 – Camlock Power Connections which are located directly below the control panel. Unit may be configured with a variety of options.
Figure 2A – Power Connections (Shown in Three Phase)
Figure 2B – Power Block
CAUTION: Only qualified electrical technicians should perform the electrical installation.
- An envelope containing the electrical schematic is located in the electrical control box section for reference.
NOTES:
- Do not operate this unit if any of the voltage readings from line to line are more than ±10% of the rated voltage.
- Review the following steps to insure that electrical phasing and voltage setup is correct prior to initial start-up and unit operation. Single phase units require a voltage check and all three phase units require a check of both proper phasing and voltage.
- On Three Phase Units, proper phasing of the electrical power wiring is critical for proper rotation of the motors and operation of the compressor. Electrical phase sequence monitors are standard on all three-phase 5 Ton Portable A/C units.
(a) Connect the power cable to the correct power source as verified by the unit’s data plate shown in Figure 1 or also labeled at the Camlock connection fittings. (b) Turn ON the main power to the unit.
(c) As soon as power is applied to the unit, check two items immediately.
(d) Read the voltage on the Voltage Meter.
(e) Next, verify the Red Out-of-Phase Indicator (OPI) (Three Phase Units) located on the front of the control panel is not illuminated as viewed from the control panel.
(f) At this point, TURN OFF POWER to the unit at the main power source.
(g) If the Red OPI light is illuminated, switch any two leads of the three main power wires
connected from the main power source. CAUTION: Do not switch Green. Green is Ground. (h) Turn main power ON again. When the Red OPI indicator light is off, the phase sequence is correct.
(i) Turn OFF main power at this point and lockout the disconnect switch until the supply and return air ducting is connected.
DUCT CONNECTIONS
Supply Air Duct
The supply air duct connections are labeled “AIR OUT”. The connection size is
14″ in diameter. Connect the flexible air ducting as follows:
- Attach the flexible air ducting to the unit’s duct collars making sure that air will not leak past the connection collar by using appropriate round flexible ducting clamps.
- Route the ducting as straight as possible to the space being conditioned avoiding excessive turns and pinches in the ducting.
- Terminate the ends of each duct to the space being conditioned making sure that supply air does not have the possibility of short cycling back into the return air.
- Verify the termination points are not restricted meaning no objects are directly in front of the Supply Air Grille (termination).
Return Air Duct
The Return Air duct connections are labeled “AIR IN”. Follow the same
procedures as the Supply Air Duct Connections. If outdoor air is required for
specific applications use only one (1) Air In duct collar to pull in fresh
outdoor air. The other must be ducted to the return air from the space being
conditioned. Determine which Return Air Duct will be connected and terminate
the return air ducts to that particular duct collars.
CAUTION: Do not operate the unit without duct(s) attached to the return air side of the unit. If operated without duct(s), the evaporator blower motor overloads will cut out on thermal overload due to the motor operating higher than design Full Load Amperage.
Condensate Drain
There are condensate drains on both sides of the unit. There are two drain
connection options:
-
Drain to the ground. The drain line must be trapped and filled with water before operating the unit. Filling the trap with water prevents negative air pressure inside the unit cabinet from holding the condensate internal to the drain pan which may eventually overflow if a trap is not installed.
If drain to ground is not a desirable option, connect the drain to a suitable drainage point such as a storm drain using a hose. The hose must still have a form of trap to allow the water to drain. Fill the trap with water before operation to form an air seal. Or -
Install a condensate pump allowing the water to drain into the condensate pump then pumping it to the location of condensate disposal.
SYSTEM OPERATION
Getting Started
- Connect the 5 Ton Portable Air Conditioning unit to the correct power source.
- Turn power ON at the main power source.
- For three phase units, verify the Red Out-of- Phase Indicator (OPI) is not illuminated.
- Verify the applied power “Voltage” is within ±10% of the specified voltage of the unit.
- Install and secure all access panels before operating the unit.
Figure 3 – Control Panel
FAN Mode
Turn Selector Switch (SS) to the FAN position. The Evaporator Motor Contactor
(CEM) will energize to start the Evaporator Motor (ME) and the Fan Indicator
(FI) will illuminate. The Evaporator Fan will operate continuously in the Fan
and Cool modes of operation. It will also operate continuously during optional
Heat Mode.
COOL Mode
Turn the Selector Switch (SS) to the Cool position. If the Return Air
Temperature “AIR IN” is greater than the Thermostat setting sensed by the
thermostats temperature measuring bulb, the compressor contactor (CCR) will
energize the Compressor (CR) and the Amber Cool Indicator light (CI) will
illuminate. When the compressor energizes, condenser fan contactor (CCM) will
energize and condenser fan motor (MC) will start. As soon as the return air
temperature falls below the thermostat setting, the compressor and condenser
motors are de-energized.
To stop the unit, turn Selector Switch (SS) to the OFF position.
HEAT Mode (Electric Heat Option)
If this is a heat pump system with optional electric heat, an additional
toggle switch shall be provided for the Heat Mode to allow for Heat Pump Only,
Electric Heat Only, and Heat Pump plus supplemental Electric Heat. The applied
power must be capable of handling the load of the system. Set the toggle
switch to the appropriate position.
Turn the Selector Switch (SS) to the Heat position. If the return air temperature is below the unit’s thermostat setting, the heating contactor (CHT) will energize the Electric Heating Elements and the Amber Heat Indicator light (HI) will illuminate. As the return air temperature rises above the Thermostat’s setting, the heater(s) are deenergized.
To stop the unit, turn Selector Switch (SS) to the OFF position.
REMOTE THERMOSTAT CONTROL – RTC (Option)
These units are pre-wired for Remote Thermostat Control. When the remote
thermostat is desired, insert the plug at the end of the cord into the unit’s
adapter located on the control panel side of the unit at the evaporator
sections corner post. See Figure 4 – Remote Thermostat Connection below for
location. After the plug has been inserted and properly tightened follow the
procedures listed below:
(a) Press the ON/OFF button shown in Figure 5 – Remote Thermostat Control. ON
will display in the LCD. To turn off, press the ON/OFF button again and OFF
will appear on the LCD.
(b) Press the (+) or (–) sign and the Digits on the LCD will flash. Press and
(+) to increase the temperature set point. Press the (–) to decrease the
temperature set point.
Figure 4 – Remote Thermostat Connection
Figure 5 – Remote Thermostat Control
(c) Press the SELECT button and adjust the COOL/HEAT setting using the (+,–)
to the COOL mode.
(d) Press the SELECT button again and adjust the fan to Continuous Mode using
the (+,–). Using continuous fan mode will allow for more accurate readings at
the temperature sensor.
UNIT SAFETY DEVICES
Evaporator Motor Overload
The evaporator and condenser motors are protected by thermal overloads. The
evaporator blower motor protection is internal and automatically resets once
the temperature inside the windings of the motor falls below the temperature
trip point.
Condenser Motor Overload
The condenser blower motor is external and protected manually with an overload
block. This overload block is tied directly to the condenser motor contactor
(CCM). This is a manual reset overload. If the condenser motor for any reason
should cut out on overload, disconnect power using the unit’s circuit breaker
then open the main control box. Press the reset button on the CCM overload
block. Refer to the troubleshooting guide section for information on
troubleshooting.
High Pressure Switch
The compressor system has a manual reset High Pressure Switch. If the unit is
not providing cooling as evidenced by the Return Air Temperature “AIR IN”
being approximately equal to the Supply Air Temperature “AIR OUT”, the
compressor system may have tripped on high refrigerant pressure. Disconnect
power using the unit’s circuit breaker. Remove the Access Panel to the
Compressor Compartment and locate the Manual Reset High Pressure Switch. Press
the button downward to verify if the switch tripped. If the button clicks the
unit tripped on high pressure. Replace the access panel then reapply power
using the unit’s circuit breaker.
Set the unit to Cool Mode. Refer to the Troubleshooting section for causes and
corrective actions. It may require a service technician to check system
pressures if the switch trips more than 1-2 times.
Low Pressure Switch
The compressor system has an automatic reset low pressure safety switch. If
the unit trips on low pressure, the compressor will shut down but
automatically restart once the switch resets. The low pressure switch shuts
down the compressor system if the refrigerant pressure falls below 70 psig and
automatically restarts the compressor once the pressure rises above 100 psig.
Compressor Internal Overload
Each compressor has an internal motor overload switch. This switch opens to
protect the compressor motor when the temperature within the windings of the
compressor motor exceeds the high temperature trip point. When this switch
opens, the compressor motor will continue to operate but the compressor
pumping mechanism “scroll” will become disconnected. To reset this condition,
the power must be disconnected from the compressor contactor. Set the unit
back to the FAN position and allow the unit to operate in the FAN position for
approximately 30- 45 minutes.
This should be enough time to cool the windings of the compressor motor which will allow the switch to reset (re-engaging the scroll). Set the Selector Switch back to COOL mode and the compressor should re-start. If this compressor goes out on internal overload condition, check the voltage. Since the compressor motor windings are cooled by the refrigerant gas as it enters the compressor, the unit may also be low on refrigerant.
UNIT COMPONENTS
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Contactors
Contactors are used to energize the evaporator and condenser blower motors and
compressor motor. Contactors have a set of high current carrying contacts for
conducting line voltage to the load (device) and a magnetic holding coil which
closes the line voltage contacts whenever control voltage of 24 VAC is applied
by the control panel devices. The evaporator blower and compressor motors have
built in internal overload protection to protect against high current draw.
They automatically reset when the motors have cooled down.
Defrost Control Board
Should the Defrost Switch open to the Defrost Relay, the system shall start
the defrost process. A defrost cycle shall be initiated 30 minutes from the
time the defrost switch opens unless the defrost switch automatically resets
during the defrost timing period. If the switch resets, the timing sequence is
stopped.
The defrost cycle shall operating in defrost mode for 10 minutes or until the defrost switch resets. During the defrost cycle, the system will switch from heat pump mode to cooling mode to send hot gas into the condenser coil to warm up the defrost switch causing a reset. Typically the system should only be in cooling for a few minutes or less to cause the switch to reset so the amount of time in cooling will be very brief.
High Pressure Safety Switch
The high-pressure switch is designed to protect the compressor circuit from
unusually high refrigerant pressures. If the refrigerant pressure rises above
600 PSIG, the pressure switch will open causing the compressor to shut off and
the switch prevents it from re-starting until the manual reset button is
pressed. Refer to the troubleshooting section for resolutions to the problem.
Low Pressure Safety Switch
The low-pressure switch is designed to protect the compressor circuit from
unusually low refrigerant pressures. If the refrigerant pressure falls below
70 PSIG, the switch will open causing the compressor to shut off. As the
pressure starts to rise above 100 PSIG, the switch will reset and allow the
compressor to restart.
Thermostat
The unit has thermostat for one stage of cooling. Rotate the dial to set to
the desired temperature set point.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Compressor
The compressor is scroll hermetic type. The function of the compressor is to
create a differential in refrigerant pressure. It converts low pressure, low
temperature refrigerant vapor entering the suction side of the compressor into
a high pressure, high temperature gas at the discharge side of the compressor.
The function of the compressor also pumps the refrigerant through the piping
and components within the refrigeration system.
Condenser Coil
The condenser receives the high-pressure high temperature gas from the
compressor after it passes through the vibration eliminator. As the condenser
blower draws the ambient air across the fins and tubes of the condenser coil
and the high-pressure high-temperature gas enters
the condenser coil, the gas starts to condense back into liquid state. At the
outlet piping of the condenser coil, the gas has been turned back into liquid
refrigerant and flows toward the receiver.
Evaporator Coil
As the liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, the liquid
refrigerant’s pressure is regulated downward. This significant change in
pressure causes a drop in temperature of the refrigerant. When the warmer
ambient air is drawn over the cooler evaporator coil, the warmer or latent
heat is exchanged. As the heat is being exchanged, the exchange of heat energy
causes the liquid refrigerant to boil into a vapor and greatly reducing the
temperature of the air on the outlet side of the coil. The liquid refrigerant
is converted into the lower temperature, lower pressure refrigerant causing it
to changing into a vapor state.
Filter Drier
The filter drier, filters loose particles, moisture and possible brazing
residue from the system. If the unit starts tripping on low pressure cutout
and the refrigerant line is frosted up to the outlet of the filter drier,
check the refrigerant pressure drop across the filter drier and replace the
filter drier if necessary.
Sight Glass
A liquid sight glass is located before the liquid line solenoid valve. During
the cooling mode of operation, pure liquid should flow through the liquid
sight glass. The liquid refrigerant will appear clear enough to see the back
of the inside of the sight glass. Flashing (bubbles) will appear in the sight
glass during the first minute or two of operation until the expansion valve
fully adjusts. If flashing is constant during the cooling mode, it may be an
indication the unit is short of refrigerant. There may also be some flashing
during hot gas bypass operation. See the Troubleshooting Chart for further
details.
Reversing Valve
The reversing valve reverses the flow of refrigerant causing the outdoor coil
to become the cooling coil and the indoor coil to become the heating coil so
that heat energy can now be provided to the space being conditioned.
Thermostatic Expansion Valve
The expansion valve regulates the amount of liquid refrigerant entering into
the evaporator. As the liquid enters into the expansion valve, the valve will
start to change the state by changing the pressure of the liquid refrigerant
as it passes through and starts to enter the evaporator coil. When the
environments load conditions start to change, the bulb recognizes a change in
temperature at the outlet piping of the evaporator to the suction side of the
compressor and automatically adjusts the valve to maintain the correct flow
into the evaporator coil.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
To keep the Portable Air Conditioner operating
safely and efficiently, it is recommended that
a qualified service technician check the entire
system at least once a year. Check the system
more frequently depending on use and surrounding
conditions.
Filters
It is very important to keep the air filters clean. Be sure to inspect them at
least once each month when the system is in constant operation. If the unit is
equipped with disposable type air filters, replace them with the same type and
size.
NOTE: Do not attempt to clean disposable air filters
Condenser Coil
Inspect the condenser coil. If the condenser coil is dirty, clean with a
stream of cold water, or pressurized air not exceeding 50 psig, or vacuum
cleaner. Do not use hot water or steam, which can cause excessive high
pressure in the refrigerant system. Clean the condenser coil in the opposite
direction of the airflow.
Motor And Drive Components
Blowers and Motor bearings are pre-lubricated and sealed from serviceability.
They do not require maintenance.
Belt Tensioning
Excessive belt tension is the number one cause for blower bearing failure.
Proper belt tension and pulley alignment are essential for trouble free
operation. Insufficient deflection indicates that the belt tension is entirely
to tight, and if not loosened somewhat, noise due to excessive vibration,
premature bearing failure, shortened belt life, and a reduction in fan
performance may result. Deflection is the amount the belt gives when force is
applied, usually by finger, to the belt at the approximate center point to the
belt span. Tight belts may also overload the motor and cause the efficiency
drop considerably or even premature motor failure as well. Belt Span is the
distance in inches between the drive shaft center point and the fan shaft
center point. Refer to Figure 6 – Belt Tensioning.
Figure 6 – Belt Tensioning
Excessive deflection is an indication that the belt is not tight enough. If not corrected, the belts will slip causing loss of blower speed, the belts will glaze due to excessive slipping and heat leading to premature belt failure. Belts may slip during start-up, but slipping should stop as soon as the fan reaches full speed. Please use the chart below for recommended deflection amount for the measured Belt Span.
Check the sheave alignment to make sure that the sheave faces are in the same plane. Check this by placing a straight edge across the face of the sheaves. Any gap between the edge and sheave faces indicates misalignment.
CAUTION: This method is only valid when the width of the surfaces between the belt edges is the same for both sheaves. When they are not equal or when using adjustable pitch pulleys, adjust so that the belts have approximately equal tension. Both shafts should be at right angles to the belt. Check the setscrew and/or bushing bolt tightness.
Belts tend to stretch somewhat after installation. Recheck belt tension after several hours of operation.
WIRING DIAGRAM
United CoolAir provides a wiring schematic for each unit produced. To retrieve the diagram for your unit please visit www.unitedcoolair.com, on your computer or mobile device, scroll to the footer section or Home/industry-resources, enter your serial number in the Serial Search field and press return to retrieve your product-wiring diagram.
Your serial number is a combination of the year, month and sequential order of build date.
This action will return the Model number, Job Number and the wiring diagram for viewing as well as downloading.
NOTE: Only units shipped since November 2016 are available on the site, for older units please contact the factory directly at 717-843-4311.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING: BE AWARE OF HIGH POWER SITUATIONS WHILE TROUBLESHOOTING. THERE ARE ALSO MOVING BELTS, BLOWERS, AND MOTORS WHILE POWER IS CONNECTED TO THE UNIT. WHEN REACHING INTO ANY OF THE UNIT SECTIONS TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNIT. PLEASE DISCONNECT POWER FROM THE UNIT.
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