How It Works
Does the PaceControls technology “short-cycle” a compressor?
No. Very short run times that do not permit lubricant to circulate fully are called “short-cycling” and can be harmful to a compressor. PaceControls actually prevents short-cycling because it is always set for a run time longer than the minimum established by manufacturers to avoid harmful short-cycling. Because the PaceControls energy efficiency technology control sequence always begins with an “OFF” interval, the compressor or furnace will never be restarted immediately after it has been turned off, even if the thermostat says run. (MORE)
What are the benefits of the PaceControls’ synchronized cycling?
Synchronized cycling has many benefits. The total effect is to capture the period of highest volumetric efficiency in each compression cycle. Specfic benefits include: • Reduced electric demand (kW) charges • Demand charges for a load are typically based on the highest number of kW averaged over a 15- or 30-minute interval • Reduced energy consumption (kWh) • The HVACR equipment components are de-energized for a given interval • Reduced compressor run time • Improved average volumetric efficiency and lubrication effectiveness, thus improving overall compressor life and reduced coil freeze-over (MORE)
Why is synchronized compressor cycling important?
Compressors run most efficiently with a full load. The denser the entry gas, the greater the load. PaceControls energy efficiency technology runs the compressor for the minimum “on” interval needed to cause gasification of the maximum quantity of liquid refrigerant per unit of compressor run time. The rapid and effective (MORE)
What is the typical PaceController cycle?
After the initial “off” period, a typical PaceController compressor cycle is: ON CYCLE Before being activated by the PaceController, gas is collecting on the suction side of the compressor. When the PaceController is activated, the compressor initiates its pumping process with an increasing density of refrigerant gas and encapsulated oil (MORE)
How can the PaceController improve compressor performance and life?
The PaceController can contribute both to improved compressor performance and extended life in five different ways: 1. Prevents short-cycling 2. Reduces total compressor run-time, which also provides much of the savings 3. Improves lubrication efficiency during compressor operation by allowing more lubricating oil to be carried in the denser refrigerant gas 4. Allows the compressor electrical windings to cool during the enforced off cycle 5. Reduces coil frosting and freeze-over, and reduces or eliminates slugging (MORE)
Does the PaceController affect appliance maintenance or operations?
The PaceController has no impact on appliance maintenance or operations. There are no known instances of the PaceController damaging a compressor or appliance. (MORE)
Can the PaceController improve comfort?
In many heating and air-conditioning applications, the PaceController can improve user comfort. It minimizes overshooting of the temperature called for by the thermostat. It provides heated or cooled air more constantly at a more moderate temperature closer to the desired level. (MORE)
Does the PaceController affect end-use performance?
The PaceController always can be set to maintain desired end-use performance. If desired end-use performance is not initially achieved, settings should be adjusted or a temperature sensor should be added, and the equipment should also be checked for other possible sources of reduced performance. (MORE)
How is the PaceController powered?
The PaceController uses virtually no power (usually less than 0.05 amperes). It is installed in the control lines of the controlled device and takes what power is used from the control lines, just like a thermostat. (MORE)
Can the PaceController be used with a sophisticated monitoring system?
The PaceController can be fully compatible with most monitoring systems. While not necessary, a good monitoring system can provide operational data to help the PaceController optimize performance. (MORE)
How is the PaceController different from a large energy monitoring and control system?
Energy management systems have various capabilities, such as recording energy consumption, detecting system malfunctions or adjusting settings based on operating conditions. But none do what the PaceController can do. Many large and sophisticated control systems are designed to prevent short-cycling or harm from poor electricity quality. Other systems that improve (MORE)
How is the PaceController different from a duty-cycling controller?
The PaceController is manufactured under two broad method patents that incorporate an algorithm to establish an optimal run time. The PaceController does not just establish an on and off cycle but an optimal run time sequence that uses energy more efficiently while maintaining end-use performance. (MORE)
How does the PaceController make natural gas- or oil-fired heating more efficient?
The PaceController effectively converts an older, less-efficient unit into a modern pulse system at a fraction of the cost. Instead of using energy to reach very high temperatures, with much of the heat wasted, the PaceController uses energy in much shorter pulses. Very warm but not overheated temperatures are reached, with much more of the heat effectively transferred to the air or water being heated. (MORE)
How does the PaceController make a compressor more efficient?
Cooling does not depend on the amount of time the compressor is running, but rather on the amount of refrigerant being moved. The PaceController moves more refrigerant per unit of energy-consuming compressor run time. The density of the refrigerant is greatest during the first few minutes of compressor run time, (MORE)
How reliable is the PaceController unit?
The PaceController has been proven extremely reliable in thousands of installations. It has no moving parts other than the DIP switches used for settings. The PaceController comes standard with a 5-year limited warranty. (MORE)
What kinds of applications can use PaceControls energy efficiency technology?
PaceControls technology was designed with significant input from the HVACR maintenance industry to provide a highly flexible retrofit solution to a wide range of equipment. It is ideal with air conditioning and refrigeration larger than five tons. It is also very effective with heat pumps and with less-efficient electric resistance, natural gas and oil heating applications, as well as other kinds of energy-consuming appliances. (MORE)
How is the PaceController different from other controllers?
Seemingly competitive products may use temperature sensors to fine-tune thermostat direction and may require expensive computer controls. The PaceController adds a new dimension with the most efficient timing sequence that also can reduce demand, delivering a quick payback at a low installed cost. (MORE)