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What does “Mechanical Cooling” really mean in Building Automation
In many HVAC project specs, we see phrases like:
The room sensors shall control heating, mechanical cooling, and economizer operation...
But what exactly is mechanical cooling?
Mechanical Cooling refers to any cooling method that uses powered refrigeration systems—like:
DX Units (Direct Expansion)
Compressors
Chillers
VRF/VRV Systems
Rooftop Packaged Units
These systems kick in when economizer (free cooling) isn’t enough to maintain the space temperature setpoint.
🔄 The BMS takes smart decisions:
If outdoor air is suitable → economizer mode.
If not → engage mechanical cooling to keep comfort in check.
📍Knowing these terms helps us bridge the gap between design, controls, and real-world energy optimization.