Desert Aire GrowAire GS Series Installation And Operation Manual

Climate control systems

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• Climate control

systems that provide

cooling, dehumidifi-

cation, and optional

auxiliary heating for

Controlled Environ-

mental Agriculture in a

single, highly efficient

package.

• The GrowAire

Series climate control

system offers a

all-in-one packaged

rooftop configuration.

• The GrowAire

Series climate control

system is available in

a wide range of indoor

and outdoor configura-

tions and sizes to

match the application

requirements.

• The GrowAire

Series climate control

system is a high-quality

cost-effective system

designed for tight

spaces

Indoor Air Quality

Aura™ (QS)

TotalAire™ (QS)

VerticalAire™ (QV)

Installation and Operation Manual

GA Series™

GS Series™

GV Series™

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Summary of Contents for Desert Aire GrowAire GS Series

Page 1 Indoor Air Quality Aura™ (QS) TotalAire™ (QS) VerticalAire™ (QV) Installation and Operation Manual • Climate control systems that provide cooling, dehumidifi- cation, and optional auxiliary heating for Controlled Environ- mental Agriculture in a GS Series™ single, highly efficient package. • The GrowAire ®...
Page 3 TERMS Desert Aire warrants all components (except as noted) for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment. This warranty shall be limited to the supply of new or rebuilt parts for the part which has failed because of defects in workmanship or material, and does not include the cost for labor, transportation or other costs not herein provided for.
Page 4 N120 W18485 Freistadt Road • Germantown, WI 53022 PH: (262) 946-7400 • FAX: (262) 946-7401 • E-MAIL: service@desert-aire.com Additional copies of this manual can be purchased for a nominal fee from Desert Aire. Submit requests to the contact information listed above.
Page 5 TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE Set thermostat to lowest setting. Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed. Turn gas control knob clockwise to "OFF" position. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 6 Caution used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage. Product Warning for the State of California Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Gas Heater Start-Up (Optional) ..................3.2.1 Burner Adjustment ..................3.3 Airflow Balancing ......................3.3.1 Blower Adjustment Procedure ................ 3.3.1.1 Units with Variable Airflow (EC Fan or VFD Equipped) ..... 3.3.1.2 Single Speed Units (Units without a VFD or EC Fan) ......Refrigeration Testing ...................... 3.4.1 Dehumidification / Cooling Mode ..............General Testing ......................Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 8 Suction Pressure Operation ................Component Replacement, Charge, Evacuation, & Leak Instructions ......System Rating Plate ...................... Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information ............System Start-Up Report ....................Start-Up Request Form ....................Start-Up Report ......................Compressor Replacement Form ................... Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 9: Introduction
1.1. Inspection Desert Aire inspects and tests each climate control unit before it leaves the factory so that you receive a quality piece of equipment. Unfortunately, equipment may become damaged in transit. Inspect the unit carefully before signing the receiving papers. Check for both visible and concealed damage.
Page 10 • All Products (GV, GA and GS) Personnel should avoid stepping on the top of the unit. Desert Aire units are not designed to support the weight of a person on all portions of the roof. Damage incurred through caved or distorted top panels will not be covered under warranty. If you must walk on the top panels, carefully walk on the edges where structural integrity is greatest.
Page 11 Figure 1 - Typical Rigging for a Large Unit Do not tip the unit on its side. Avoid dropping the unit down stairways or subjecting it to severe mechanical shock. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 12 Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 13: Installation
Do not install an indoor-rated unit in an outdoor or a wet environment. If you must install a system outside you must use an outdoor-rated unit. Desert Aire seals and weatherproofs outdoor units to help prevent water infiltration. You can determine whether your unit is outdoor-rated by inspecting the unit rating plate.
Page 14: Duct Installation
Note: While the supply blower runs, the drain pan area inside the unit operates at a negative pressure. Your unit requires a p-trap in the condensate drain pipe to prevent condensate from being drawn into the cabinet. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 15 Trap the condensate as shown in Figure 3. The P-trap dimensions in Figure 3 are sized for a maximum return air static of 2.0” of water. If your return air static exceeds this specification, consult Desert Aire for help in resizing the P-trap. You may also need to install a cleanout tee or plug near the trap. Note that the drain opening in the drain pan is off-center to simplify its cleaning and servicing.
Page 16: Water Piping Installation (Water-Cooled Systems Only)
Do not exceed these guidelines as excessive flow rates will erode the condenser and piping. GS Series™ and GV Series™ Products Flow Rate The flow rate and antifreeze concentration (if used) will depend on the application. Please refer to Figure 4 and 5 for the required flow rate and temperature limits for the given application and unit type. If the application deviates from these conditions, please contact Desert Aire Service at 262-946-7400 for further review. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 17: Remote Condenser Installation (Air-Cooled Systems Only)
Refer to the separate Air Cooled Condensers Installation and Operation manual for additional details on line design, traps, clamping, and other condenser installation requirements. GS Series™ and GV Series™ units installed with remote condensers may require additional oil and refrigerant charge at the time of field installation. Refer to the submittal documentation or label adjacent to the remote condenser connections to confirm the charge and connection tube sizes. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 18: High Voltage Wiring
Supply from Supply from Disconnect Box Disconnect Box Main Power Main Power Block in Unit Block in Unit Ground Ground Factory Supplied Factory Supplied Wiring Wiring Figure 6 - Single-Phase and Three-Phase System Power Connection Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 19: Wire And Fuse Sizing
Intrinsically Safe circuit shall not overload the rating of the Intrinsically Safe barrier. The standard Desert Aire Grow Room environmental control systems are controlled by a microprocessor controller. This controller is designed for precise monitoring and control of air temperature and relative humidity (RH) within a conditioned environment.
Page 20: Supply Air Duct-Mount Temperature Sensor
Install upstream of any duct tees that may connect two or more systems together. If auxiliary heating is installed in the ducts and is to be controlled by the Desert Aire enviromnental control system, the supply air sensor must be installed downstream of the heater.
Page 21: Photo Sensor
Additionally, the unit will respond more quickly to changes in inputs immediately after the transition from lights-on to lights-off or vice versa. Since the load changes rapidly on these transitions, the quicker response allows for better control in the room during this transition, limiting the amount of temperature fluctuation. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 22: Remote Display Terminal (Optional)
IDT would prove hard to view or use. The RDT is also available as an option for applications desiring remote access to the unit(s). See the controller manual for details on wiring and environmental limits. Figure 11 - Remote Terminal Display Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 23: Co Enrichment (Optional)
Sensor • The unit is supplied with controls to inject CO into your grow room space. When optioned, a bulkhead fitting is installed on the Desert Aire unit. In addition, Desert Aire provides the following for field installation: a pressure and gas flow regulator , hose for connection to the CO container and a wall mount sensor.
Page 24 Use only one washer and retain additional washers for later use if the original becomes worn or damaged. • Desert Aire has provided a connection hose . This needs to be installed in the field to connect the customer supplied CO tank to the Desert Aire unit at the label “CO...
Page 25: Auxiliary Heating Control Wiring
Auxiliary Heating Control Wiring Note: You must use the Desert Aire control system to control or interlock with the room heating system. This prevents wide fluctuations in room air temperature. It also prevents the heater from trying to heat the room while the unit is running in cooling mode. 2.8.1 Auxiliary Heating – Dry Contact Closure Desert Aire will provide a dry contact closure to interlock with the building heating system.
Page 26: Gas Heater Installation
Dry moisture from all leads and terminals if minor wetting occurs. Wait at least 24 hours for the circuit to fully dry before energizing the burner circuit. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 27: Gas Piping
Use the table below as a guide to capacity. Note that each gas heat module in a GS Series™ unit will have an independent connection. GA Series™ units have a single gas heat connection. Ensure that any branch connection is also properly sized for a minimal pressure drop. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 28 Note: When sizing supply lines, consider possibilities of future expansion and increased requirements. Refer to National Fuel Gas Code for additional information on line sizing. Figure 14 - Gas Pipe Capacity in Cubic Feet per Hour Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 29 Piping from the LP tank to the furnace must follow the recommendations of the gas supplier. • A readily accessible, certified manual shut off valve with a non-displaceable rotor member should be installed within six feet of the gas equipment it serves. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 30 Second Stage L. P. Gas NFPA-54 And NFPA-58 Regulator Tank 11"-14" Water Column Pressure At All Times. (Check Pressure At Burner) Typical 2-Stage L. P. Gas Piping Figure 16 - Recommended LP Gas Piping Method Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 31 11” wc. GA Series™ units – maximum supply pressure for liquefied petroleum (LP) gas is 13.5” wc and minimum supply for purpose of input adjustment is 11” wc. Before attempting to measure or adjust high fire manifold gas pressure, the inlet (supply) pressure must be within the specified range for the gas being both used when the heater is in operation and on standby. Incorrect inlet pressure could cause excessive manifold gas Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 32: Gas Heater Location
It must be installed so that the electrical components are protected from water. If the area becomes wet or damp at times, the unit should be raised above the floor using concrete blocks or steel dunnage. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 33 Remember, chlorine is heavier than air. This fact should be kept in mind when determining installation location of these heaters and building exhaust systems. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 34 Desert Aire units are not designed or approved for use in atmospheres containing flammable vapors or atmospheres highly laden with chlorinated vapors. The following requirements must be followed when connecting this furnace to a vent system: • The connection of this burner to the vent system shall be in accordance with the local building codes, the vent manufacturer’s instructions and Part 7,...
Page 35: Electric Heater (Optional) For Ga Series™ Products
2.11 Auxiliary Heat Coil Piping (Optional) The Desert Aire unit may be equipped with an optional hot water or steam air heating coil. This coil, when properly sized, will provide space heating during the winter months. Use proper practice when designing and installing the coil piping to prevent poor coil performance, shortened service life, or damage to the coil.
Page 36: Smoke Alarm Interlock
Align the cover plate with the channel stiffener as shown in Figure 18. Place the cover plate on the channel stiffener, ensuring that the holes in the cover plate coincide with the four blank holes in the stiffener. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 37: Roof Curb W/ Wood Nailer (If Applicable)
Certain options for curbs shipped with the GA Series™ units include a treated wood nailer and flashing installed on the side of the curb. This allows for draining of the pan installed under the condenser section. The nailer and flashing should be carefully inspected on final installation of the roof material. Any separation of the flashing from the curb due to transportation and lifting will cause water to penetrate behind the flashing and past the roof materials. Re-caulk as required to close any gaps that may have occurred. Figure 20 - Wood Nailer Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 38 12 x 1" HARDENED HOT DIPPED GALVANIZED STEEL SCREW SHANK NAILS AT 12" O.C. & COUNTERSUNK NOMINAL 1" x 4" PRESSURE TREATED SOFTWOOD NAILER 14 GAUGE GALVANIZED STEEL WALL Figure 21 - Wood Nailer Detailed Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 39: Start-Up Procedures
Energize any external auxiliary heaters before start-up so that the air is at the design temperature. Preliminary Inspection Verify that all contractors have completed their work. Find the Desert Aire Start-Up Report for GrowAire Models, which is near the end of this manual. You must fill out the start-up report ®...
Page 40 The controls will be pre-configured to coordinate the units setpoints and zone temperature readings. This is imperitive to ensure proper operation. Should units need to be reconfigured, contact the Desert Aire Service department for reprogramming instructions. • Ensure that the internal network connection is pulled and properly landed on every unit. Each separate internal network will have one Ethernet connection. Ensure that each Ethernet connection is connected to a router on the customers LAN.
Page 41: Gas Heater Start-Up (Optional)
EXAMPLE: (1025 BTU/ft3 x 2 ft3 x 3600) / 74.8 seconds = 98,663 BTU Input Check for the input of the burner, the type of gas, and the required manifold pressure on the rating plate located on the exterior of the unit. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 42: Burner Adjustment
After 15 – 20 minutes of continuous operation, the air temperature rise across the burner must be no higher than 85°F. If the outlet or supply duct temperature is too high, you must balance the supply airflow. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 43: Airflow Balancing
CAUTION: When modifying the VFD settings, the minimum speed is factory set. This should not be modified as it can cause improper operation of the unit. The maximum frequency setting of the blower motor assembly is 75 Hz. Units are designed for full recirculation without outside air have a single flow path for supply air. Before starting the balancing process check that Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 44: Single Speed Units (Units Without A Vfd Or Ec Fan)
Also, be sure to verify unit airflow with test and balance. If issues persist, consult the Desert Aire Service Department 262-946-7400. Prior to any calls to the Desert Aire Service Department please have the unit serial number and model number available.
Page 45: Refrigeration Testing
This is a critical component to the longevity of the system. Some Desert Aire systems are shipped in sections to allow for installation of some of the sections in a location much different than another. An example is a unit with a remote condenser ready circuit.
Page 46: 3.4.1 Dehumidification / Cooling Mode
If the humidity setpoint was adjusted, return it to its original value. General Testing After you balance the airflow and test the refrigeration circuits, verify that the other equipment and accessories connected to the unit work properly. Although this may be difficult, since the unit is usually interlocked with a variety of equipment installed by different contractors, you must not skip this step. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 47: Routine Maintenance Schedule
Make sure that the fans cycling switches, which are mounted on the condenser, are correctly piped and have been set according to the Desert Aire condenser wiring diagram. Verify that the fans are blowing air vertically upward when they run.
Page 48: Service Every Year
See the separate gas heater manual for detailed service information. Note: Please have the following information available if you need to call the Desert Aire Service Department: • Model Number • Serial Number • Room Temperature Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 49 • Relative Humidity • Operating Refrigeration Pressures • Water Temperature • Compressor Amperage • Blower Motor Amperage(s) Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 50 Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 51: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Although Desert Aire units have been designed for reliable and trouble-free operation, you may occasionally encounter a service-related problem. If you cannot immediately diagnose and fix the problem, do not be intimidated by the apparent complexity of the units. Your common sense and experience can help you solve the majority of these problems.
Page 52: High Pressure Alarms / Readings Above High Pressure Trip Setpoint
Evaluate filter pressure drop and replace if necessary Defective expansion valve Evaluate expansion valve performance and replace if necessary Restriction in refrigeration piping Check coil for kinks in tubing and check for debris in distributor Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 53: Appendix
You must clean the system thoroughly to prevent repeated compressor burnouts. 5.1.1 Compressor Replacement Desert Aire units are designed with scroll compressors. Scroll compressors are known for operating more reliably than other compressors in air conditioning and dehumidification applications due to their ability to cope with occasional periods of liquid refrigerant return. There are fewer moving parts in a scroll compressor subject to wear compared to alternative compressor designs.
Page 54 The following procedures must be used depending on the results of the test above: Any Compressor Service • A new filter dryer must be installed when the system has been opened. If there is no acid or particulates indicated, the new compressor can be installed and run. Proceed to Testing and Final Diagnosis. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 55 Other compounds may be present in additives as carriers. Long-term effects of specific additives or compounds with a particular system or design are unknown without significant controlled testing. Particulate Indicated • Install a replaceable core liquid line filter shell. Note that larger Desert Aire systems will have replaceable core liquid line filter shells installed from the factory. The pressure drop levels will be monitored and several core changes may be required. Install ball valves on either side of the filter shell to facilitate these changes. • Install a secondary filter such as Sporlan FS-series or equivalent 20 micron filter in a replaceable core. • Ensure there are access fittings directly upstream and downstream of the liquid filter. There is typically one fitting installed on the filter shell. There is Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 56 It is possible that there was an internal defect in the compressor or normal mechanical wear occurred over time. Compressors longevity generally is a function of load, lubrication, electrical input conditions, and temperatures. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 57: Recommended Duct Design
Recommended Duct Design You must use proper duct design to ensure that the unit operates efficiently and without problems. Undersized or restrictive ducts reduce the system airflow, which can cause premature compressor failure. Use the following diagrams as a guide when you design the duct system. Figure 24 - Recommended Duct Designs for Desert Aire Units Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 58: Recommended Controller Settings
The mode of operation is determined from the intake air temperature and relative humidity sensor as compared to the calculated reset setpoints. Desert Aire has standardized a control program that features two subroutines. These two subroutines act independently of each other, but together provide for precise humidity and temperature control. The first subroutine determines the basic mode of operation – heating, cooling, or dehumidification, based on the setpoints and intake...
Page 59: Blower Operation
Simultaneously, on a call for dehumidification, the blower will modulate to the low airflow setting to increase latent removal capacity. Also, while it is recommended to utilize one zone sensor per conditioned space, one sensor can be used per unit, to provide multi-climate control in the space. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 60: Cooling Operation
(adjustable) hour delay. This controller reset will be tried only 4 (adjustable) times in a 36 (adjustable) hour period. After the fourth controller reset, if the multiple suction pressure alarm occurs again, an operator initiated reset will be required to restart the unit. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 61: Component Replacement, Charge, Evacuation, & Leak Instructions
Desert Aire units have different receiver sizes depending on the model and size. Condenser sizes and configurations may also vary. In general, larger receivers will come equipped with isolation valves that will allow for a portion of the charge to be contained in the receiver during servicing.
Page 62 As the last joints of a system are made, additional thought must be made on the location where the nitrogen can escape. Schrader valves are placed throughout the system. These valves can be opened to allow for nitrogen to flow without generating pressure behind the braze joint that is being created. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 63 Pressure rising above 500 microns and tending to stabilize at a higher pressure indicates the system has moisture above specifications. Continue evacuation until 500 microns or lower can be held for a minimum of 10 minutes. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 64 If the unit is equipped with an accumulator, the charge needs to be added to the port upstream of this location. The bulkhead fittings on the side of the unit should not be used for charge addition. Monitor superheat at the compressor suction inlet Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 65 Test component replaced and function of the system. Many times a separate component in the system may have set a condition that causes a failure of another. Thoroughly test systems to ensure repeat failures do not occur. Note: Compressors supplied with an oil sight glass should be viewed and filled to 50% capacity. Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 66: System Rating Plate
System Rating Plate The system rating plate is attached near the electrical enclosure of the unit. GV30P4E82367A Figure25 - System Rating Plate Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 67: Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information
Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information A Desert Aire factory start-up is an option which is normally purchased with the equipment. A factory start-up includes several key services: • The expertise of an accomplished, factory-trained mechanic who will supervise the commissioning of the equipment.
Page 68: Start-Up Request Form
CST Start-Up is performed by a local Certified Service Technician who has been trained by Desert Aire. The CST performs all duties listed above. In addition they will supply the “items to be supplied for start-up” as listed below. Please note charges for refrigerant will apply if refrigerant is necessary to complete the start up.
Page 69: Start-Up Report
_____________________________________________________________ Controls Contact: ________________________________ Cell #: ___________________________ Test and Balance Company: ____________________________________________________________ Contact: _______________________________________ Cell #: ___________________________ Factory use only – To be filled out by Desert Aire Scheduled Start-up Date: __________________ Unit Controls Protocol: JCI Metasys JCI FX Carel...
Page 70 GrowAire Series Start-up Report With Remote Condenser ® Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 71 GrowAire Series Start-up Report With Water Condenser ® Unit Model #: Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 72 Additional Comments: Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 73: Compressor Replacement Form
Runs without pumping: Pressures: _____ / _____ Other (describe): Continuity (0 resistance) to Ground on one or more legs Compressor drawing higher current than design Continuity (0 resistance) between two or more legs Compressor drawing locked rotor current (3 phase units) Runs without pumping: Pressures: _____ / _____ Other (describe): Final Determination of Failure Liquid Floodback Low Superheat Debris Defective Expansion Valve Low Sump Oil Insufficient Motor Cooling Other (Describe): Diagnostic/Corrective Action Summary Describe what corrective action was taken to prevent a repeat failure. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 74 PSIG PSIG (At access fitting nearest TXV) Suction Pressure PSIG PSIG PSIG PSIG (At compressor) Liquid Line Temperature °F °F °F °F (At access fitting nearest TXV) Suction Temperature °F °F °F °F (At Compressor) Refrigerant Sight Glass Condition (Clear, Intermittent Vapor, Flashing) Comp. Oil Level Sight Glass ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F (Shut down comps., wait 5 minutes) Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 75 Desert Aire - GS/GA/GV Manual...
Page 76 PTIMIZING OLUTIONS HROUGH UPERIOR EHUMIDIFICATION ECHNOLOGY N120 W18485 Freistadt Road • Germantown, WI 53022 • E-mail: info@desert-aire.com Ph: (262) 946-7400 • Fax: (262) 946-7401 • Website: www.desert-aire.com 445 2020/03...

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