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Inverter:

The Endeavor mid-tier inverter platform uses a hybrid technology that allows the system to operate at variable capacity where it counts most.

The system will operate on the inverter at low cool up to about 70% capacity, however when it needs more, the system will synchronize the inverter with line voltage and will switch from the inverter to a double pole contactor allowing the compressor to run at full capacity and speed.  By doing this, we can reduce the power needed to operate the drive package and keep product costs down while providing all the benefits of variable capacity.

The outdoor unit must ALWAYS communicate through the EcoNet bus with the indoor unit.  The indoor blower CFM is controlled by the outdoor unit and will adjust up or down with the compressor.  An EcoNet Smart Thermostat is the preferred control strategy allowing for better operation and diagnostics, but a standard, two stage 24V (Legacy) thermostat may be used and connected to the indoor air handler or furnace. Regardless, the indoor to outdoor MUST communicate.

EcoNet Smart Thermostat:

When an EcoNet Smart Thermostat is used, the system will operate on a call and will adjust the compressor and blower speed based on the amount of demand. It will most likely slowly adjust on a natural call and if the load is great enough, it will jump to line voltage and operate at full capacity if needed to satisfy the call.  Of course alerts and alarms anywhere in the system will be displayed and stored in the Thermostat

Legacy Thermostat:

Besides the inability to read and store fault codes at the thermostat, a legacy or standard 24V thermostat does not have the capability to take full advantage of the variable speed.  Instead, when Y1 is energized the unit will start on the inverter at 40% capacity.  Assuming the thermostat doesnt satisfy in a learned period of time, usually 8-15 minutes, the inverter will increase the compressor and both outdoor fan and indoor blower to about 70% capacity.  The system will run at 70% until either the thermostat satisfies or Y2 is energized at the thermostat.  If it satisfies, the system will shut down as expected.  If Y2 becomes energized, the system will switch from the inverter to the line voltage contactor and run at full capacity.

Contactor

Unlike other air conditioners or heat pumps with a contactor, it will cause serious damage if the contactor is pushed in to test the unit. Many of us are used to manually engaging a contactor in troubleshooting normal system but this is unacceptable with this system as it may cause drive or compressor failure that is NOT covered under warranty.  For this reason, the contactor is equipped with a cover over the double poles.  At first, one may think if the drive were to somehow fail, the contactor could simply be wired to run on a 24V signal from another source such as a thermostat.  Keep in mind, this will not work because the drive still controls the fan speed and the EcoNet bus is still required to set the indoor airflow appropriately.  The OD fan motor is a BLDC fan motor and cannot be wired to run like a normal PSC fan.

Capacitor

You will see a capacitor in the system. This is a run capacitor for the compressor only when it is operating on line voltage via a high cool or high heat call. It does not participate in the operation of the compressor when it is on the drive.

Compressor

The compressor in these units is an AC, single phase, dual rotary compressor.  Unlike other inverter products on the market that may use a three phase compressor. It is NOT a DC driven compressor.

Shut Down

As earlier described, when ramping up and switching to line voltage, the inverter must read and synchronize with the line voltage to make the change. Once the system jumps to the line voltage via the contactor, it will remain on high speed until the thermostat, regardless of type is satisfied.  It cannot make the change from the contactor back to the inverter drive package.

Training

Technicians are required to attend training on these products through the local distributor. Contact your local branch to request training. While the EcoNet help pages are available, they are designed to supplement knowledge gained in a training class.