Argo iSeries Technical Data & Service Manual

Revision Notes

1 Scope

This specification document is applied to the outdoor units mentioned below used for air to air and air to water heat pump to be delivered to NIBE AB.

Unit Model Table

* cross reference with similar ARGO models.

Declaration of Conformity “CE”

Units described in this document conform with the following EU directives:

Relevant EU Directives:

• The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
• The Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
• The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
• The PED Directive 2014/68/EU
• The RoHS 2 directive 2011/65/UE + 2015/863/EU amending ANNEX II
• Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive 2009/125/EC

Applied Standards / Regulations:

• EN378-2:2008+A1:2009
• EN60335-1:2012
• EN60335-2-40:2003+A11:2004+A12:2005+A1:2006+A2:2009+A13:2012
• EN62233:2008
• EN55014-1:2006+A1:2009+A2:2011
• EN55014-2:1997+A1:2001+A2:2008
• EN61000-3-2:2014
• EN61000-3-3:2013
• EU Regulation no. 206/2012 concerning Ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans
• EU Regulation no. 626/2011 concerning of Energy labelling of air conditioners

2 Dimensional data and exterior appearance

AEI1G 42-50 EMX

A diagram shows the dimensions of the outdoor unit. Key dimensions include height (630mm), width (895mm), and depth (307mm). Various connection points and pipe diameters (32mm) are also indicated.

3 Technical specifications

AEI1G 42 EMX

AEI1G 50 EMX

4 Refrigerant circuit

AEI1G 42-50 EMX

A refrigerant circuit diagram illustrates the flow of refrigerant through the system, including components like the compressor (COM), 4-way valve (INV), electronic expansion valve (EXP), and defrost valve (DEF). Arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow, labeled as 'COOL'. A note clarifies that in heating mode, the refrigerant flow is in the opposite direction of the 'COOL' arrows.

Note:

• In heating mode the refrigerant flow is in the opposite direction of the COOL arrows
• INV: 4-way valve
• EXP: Electronic Expansion Valve
• COM: Compressor

5 Electrical wiring diagram

An electrical wiring diagram shows the connections between various components of the outdoor unit, including the power supply, control PCB (A1), expansion PCB (A2), fuses (F1, F2), compressor (CM), fan motor (FM), 4-way valve (INV), and defrost valve (DEF). Sensors such as Outdoor Air Sensor (OAT), Outdoor Coil Sensor (OCT), Compressor Discharge Sensor (CDT), and various temperature sensors (WTT, NTT) are also indicated.

Legend

Settings

Jumpers

• JP1: Factory use. Default: open.
• JP2: Defrost type selection. Default: closed.
• JP3: Heating only option. Default: open (heating and cooling).

Dip-switch:

• SW1: Factory use. Default: 1=Off, 2=Off.

Note: Jumper and dip-switch settings can be changed only when unit is powered off.

6 Principle of functioning

Operating Mode Selection

In a single split configuration, the operating mode (heating or cooling) corresponds to the mode selected on the indoor unit. In a multi-split configuration, the operating mode is selected based on the following rules:

Heating mode is selected if:

• All indoor units are in heating mode.
• One or more indoor units are in heating mode, and the others are in off mode or fan mode.

Cooling mode is selected if:

• All indoor units are in cooling or dry mode.
• One or more indoor units are in cooling or dry mode, and the others are in off mode or fan mode.

A conflict mode occurs if one or more units are in heating mode and one or more units are in cooling or dry mode. In this case:

• If the compressor is off, all units will return a “wrong mode” error.
• If the compressor is running, indoor units in a mode inconsistent with the current mode will return a “wrong mode” error.
• If indoor units are in auto mode, the first unit to select a mode will set the system to that mode, and other indoor units will adapt while maintaining their setpoint.

Heating mode

When the system is in heating mode, it regulates heating capacity to increase room air temperature (RAT) to the set point (SPT) and balance the thermal load of the rooms.

Rules for heating mode functioning:

• Compressor and fan start when RAT is 1°C or more below SPT in any room.
• Compressor and fan stop when RAT is 2°C or more above SPT in all rooms, or when RAT is 1°C above SPT for more than 1 hour.

During the first 3 minutes of operation:

• Compressor and fan run at a fixed speed (2 minutes at low speed, 1 minute at intermediate speed).
• EEV is open at a fixed value.

After the first 3 minutes of operation: Compressor and fan speeds are regulated by thermal load calculation and system protection levels.

During heating mode, the 4-way valve is active.

Cooling mode

When the system is in cooling mode, it regulates cooling capacity to decrease room air temperature (RAT) to the set point (SPT) and balance the thermal load of the rooms.

Rules for cooling mode functioning:

• Compressor and fan start when RAT is 1°C or more above SPT in any room.
• Compressor and fan stop when RAT is 2°C or more below SPT in all rooms, or when RAT is 1°C below SPT for more than 1 hour.

During the first 3 minutes of operation:

• Compressor and fan run at a fixed speed (2 minutes at low speed, 1 minute at intermediate speed).
• EEV is open at a fixed value.

After the first 3 minutes of operation: Compressor and fan speeds are regulated by thermal load calculation and system protection levels.

During cooling mode, the 4-way valve is deactivated.

Dehumidification (dry) mode

When an indoor unit is in dry mode, the unit operates according to the following table:

Notes:

• When dry mode is active, the temperature of the room could decrease below the setpoint temperature if the thermal load of the room is low.
• During dry mode, 4-way valve is deactivated.

Auto mode

When an indoor unit is in auto mode (auto cooling or auto heating), the unit switches between heating and cooling mode to maintain the room air temperature (RAT) at the set point temperature (SPT). The unit switches modes based on the following conditions:

• Cooling ⇨ Heating if at least 3 minutes have passed since the unit was stopped and ΔT ≤ -3
• Cooling ⇨ Heating if at least 1 hour have passed since the unit was stopped and ΔT ≤ -1
• Heating ⇨ Cooling if at least 3 minutes have passed since the unit was stopped and ΔT ≥ 3
• Heating ⇨ Cooling if at least 1 hour have passed since the unit was stopped and ΔT ≥ 1

where: ΔT = RAT – SPT

Fan mode

When an indoor unit is in fan mode:

• The thermal load of the indoor unit is 0 (no heating or cooling capacity demand to the outdoor unit).
• The system operates for the other indoor units.
• If the system is in cooling mode or stopped, the indoor fan runs at the selected speed.
• If the system is in heating mode, the indoor fan stops to avoid overheating of the room.

7 Components operation

Compressor

The compressor runs if the following conditions are met:

• At least 3 minutes have passed since power supply was switched on.
• At least 3 minutes have passed since the compressor was stopped.
• At least 6 minutes have passed since the previous compressor start.
• No active alarm on the outdoor and indoor units.
• No active protection.
• A capacity demand exists in the rooms.

The compressor stops if:

• At least 3 minutes have passed since compressor start and there is no capacity demand.
• At least 3 minutes have passed since compressor start, protection level is too high, or any alarm is active.

Fan

The fan runs only when the compressor is running and starts immediately after the compressor. The fan can also run without the compressor in the following conditions:

• Overheating on the outdoor heat exchanger (cooling or dry mode).
• Overheating on the power electronics.

Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV)

EEVs are managed based on system conditions to meet maximum efficiency and ensure safe operation. In cooling mode, EEVs for indoor units without capacity demand are closed. In heating mode, EEVs for indoor units without capacity demand remain open at a minimum value to allow refrigerant to flow back to the compressor, potentially causing minor heat loss in the heat exchanger of off units. Each time power is supplied, or once daily if the compressor is not running, the EEV performs a reset cycle to find its correct position. During this cycle, the EEV is fully closed and then reopened to a fixed value.

4-way valve

• The 4-way valve is activated when the system is in heating mode.
• The 4-way valve is deactivated when the system is in cooling, dry, or fan-only mode, is off, or defrost is active.

8 Defrost

A defrost cycle starts if one of the following conditions is met:

• OCT falls below the L1 line and the compressor has been running for at least 35 minutes without defrost.
• OCT falls below the L2 line and the compressor has been running for at least 60 minutes without defrost.

A graphical representation shows the defrost starting threshold based on Outdoor Air Temperature (OAT) and Outdoor Coil Temperature (OCT).

The defrost cycle ends if one of the following conditions is met:

• OCT rises above the L3 line and defrost has been active for at least 2 minutes.
• Defrost has been active for 12 minutes (or 15 minutes if OAT is below -15°C).

A graphical representation shows the defrost exit threshold based on OAT and OCT.

Before reversing the cycle at the beginning and end of defrost, the compressor ramps down to decrease pressure in the circuit.

A graph illustrates compressor speed during defrost, showing a decrease in speed when defrost is active.

There are two possible defrost types: hot gas bypass defrost and reverse cycle defrost.

• If jumper JP2 is closed, the unit automatically selects the defrost type.
• If jumper JP2 is open, hot gas bypass defrost is disabled, and only reverse cycle defrost is used.
• Hot gas bypass defrost is also disabled if OAT falls below 2°C.

When defrost is active:

• 4-way valve is deactivated (reverse cycle type) or defrost valve is opened (hot gas bypass type).
• Compressor runs at a fixed speed (if no protection is active).
• EEVs are open at a fixed value.
• Fan is off.

When defrost ends:

• 4-way valve is reactivated (reverse cycle type) or defrost valve is closed (hot gas bypass type).
• EEVs are opened at a fixed value for 5 minutes.

9 Protections

The unit has an automatic protection system that limits compressor speed to ensure safe operation. If a protection is active, the compressor speed is reduced linearly to its minimum. If the protection level is too high, the compressor stops until the protection is deactivated.

Overheating on outdoor unit heat exchanger

Monitors the outdoor coil temperature (OCT) to prevent overheating and overpressure. Active in cooling or dry mode; limits compressor speed when OCT is higher than 55°C.

Overheating on indoor units heat exchanger

Monitors the indoor coil temperature (ICT) to prevent overheating and overpressure, and reduce high-pressure noise. Active in heating mode; limits compressor speed when ICT is higher than 48°C.

Notes:

• ICT threshold may vary depending on the indoor unit model.
• If High Power option is active, protection starts at higher ICT values, increasing heating capacity.

Freeze-up on indoor unit heat exchanger

Monitors the indoor coil temperature (ICT) to prevent freezing. Active in cooling or dry mode; limits compressor speed when ICT is lower than 8°C. If the unit stops due to this protection, it will not restart until ICT is higher than 8°C to allow condensed water to drip away.

Overheating on the compressor

Monitors the compressor's discharge temperature (CDT) to prevent overheating. Always active; limits compressor speed when CDT is higher than 80°C.

Overheating on the power electronic

Monitors the temperature of the electronic power module. Always active; limits compressor speed when power electronic temperature is higher than 90°C.

Overpower consumption from the power supply

Monitors the power consumption of the outdoor unit to prevent damage. Always active; limits compressor speed to keep power consumption below 1800W.

Overcurrent of the compressor

Monitors the compressor's current consumption to prevent damage. Always active; limits compressor speed to keep current consumption below 11A.

10 Component description

Compressor AEI1G 42 EMX

Compressor AEI1G 50 EMX

Fan Motor

4-way Valve

Electronic Expansion Valves

Defrost Valve

Crankcase Heater

Drip Tray Heater

Sensors

• OCT: Outdoor Coil Temperature. Used for: EEV management, Fan management, Protection against overheating of the heat exchanger (cooling or dry mode), Defrost cycle management (heating mode).
• OAT: Outdoor Air Temperature. Used for: EEV management, Fan management, Defrost cycle management, Crankcase heater management, Base heater management.
• CDT: Compressor Discharge Temperature. Used for: EEV management, Protection against overheating of the compressor, Crankcase heater management.
• WTT: Wide Tube Temperature. Used for: EEV management.
• NTT: Narrow Tube Temperature. Used for: EEV management.

Sensor Resistance and Voltage Table

A table provides resistance and voltage values for various sensors (OCT, CDT, OAT, NTT, WTT) at different temperature ranges from -40°C to 100°C.

11 Diagnostic table

A diagnostic table lists error codes, their meanings, and corresponding system behaviors, causes, and solutions. It also indicates the status of diagnostic LEDs (DL3-DL7) when the unit is working properly.

When unit is working properly:

• DL3 is solid ON.
• DL4 is solid ON if any indoor unit is switched ON, otherwise it's OFF.

12 Troubleshooting

This section provides a list of errors, their meanings, system behavior, causes, and solutions. It includes troubleshooting steps for communication errors, errors on indoor units, PFC protection, overheating, fan motor issues, and sensor faults.

13 Component replacement

This section provides instructions and diagrams for replacing various components of the outdoor unit, including panels, the control and expansion board, compressor, expansion valve, and fan motor. Each step is accompanied by visual guidance.

Front, Right, Left and Rear Panel

Diagrams show how to unscrew the valve covering and remove it, and how to unscrew the right and left panels and remove them.

Control and Expansion Board

Instructions detail removing panels, unhooking the spring hook, lifting the cover, disconnecting cables (fan motor, compressor, inductor, ground), unscrewing screws from the heatsink and plastic box, disconnecting cables from the control PCB, sliding and lifting the control PCB, extracting the control PCB, disconnecting cables from the expansion PCB, unscrewing screws from the plastic box, and extracting the expansion PCB.

Compressor

Instructions describe removing putty from the cable gate, unscrewing the flange nut, removing the terminal cover, disconnecting the cable, removing the gasket, releasing and removing the body compressor insulation, unhooking and removing the compressor heater spring, unscrewing flange nuts, draining the cooling circuit, ensuring no refrigerant remains, disconnecting pipes, and removing the compressor from its bolts.

Expansion Valve

Instructions include removing the coil from the valve body, removing vibration insulation from valve pipes, draining the cooling circuit, ensuring no refrigerant remains, and disconnecting pipes from the filter.

Fan Motor

Instructions detail unscrewing the screw and removing the fan, disconnecting the cable connector, and unscrewing the 4 screws of the motor body to remove it.

14 Packaging

A diagram illustrates the packaging components for the outdoor unit, including carton boxes, PS shields, polyethylene sheets, staples, scotch tape, and PP bands. Each component is labeled with a number corresponding to a list below the diagram.

15 Labels

Energy labels

AEI1G 42 EMX

An energy label shows the energy efficiency rating for cooling (SEER) and heating (SCOP) for the AEI1G 42 EMX model. It displays ratings from A++ to E, with specific values for kW, SEER, and kWh/annum. Sound power levels for indoor and outdoor operation are also indicated.

AEI1G 50 EMX

An energy label shows the energy efficiency rating for cooling (SEER) and heating (SCOP) for the AEI1G 50 EMX model. It displays ratings from A++ to E, with specific values for kW, SEER, and kWh/annum. Sound power levels for indoor and outdoor operation are also indicated.

Rating labels

Rating labels provide detailed specifications for the AEI1G 42 EMX and AEI1G 50 EMX models. This includes power supply information (voltage, frequency, input power), operating modes (cooling, heating), maximum capacity, IP protection rating, time delay fuse rating, operating pressure, refrigerant type and quantity, net weight, serial number, and production date. It also notes that the units contain fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Argoclima S.p.A. Contact Information

Argoclima S.p.A. is located at Via Alfeno Varo, 35 - Alfianello (BS) Italy.

For product improvement, specifications and appearance in this manual are subject to change without prior notice.