Trane VAV-SLM002-EN, VariTrac Changeover-Bypass VAV Systems manual VariTrac History

The VariTrac History

Trane brought their expertise in variable air volume (VAV) controls into the changeover-bypass zoning market with the introduction of VariTrac in 1989. The concept of changeover-bypass zoning brings the flexibility and comfort of VAV systems into the light commercial unitary market, at an affordable price.

The first generation of VariTrac was a 16-zone pressure dependent system. The zone dampers featured the same electronic zone controller Trane developed for its VAV boxes, operating in the pressure dependent mode. The heart of the system was the Comfort Manager™; a panel which was designed to manage the HVAC unit, bypass damper functions, and changeover decisions. The functional concept of this original system continues to be the backbone of today’s zoning system.

In the early 90s, two important enhancements were added to the system:

•Trane’s new Comm 4 communications link for the damper controllers

•The ability to directly communicate with Trane’s new Voyager UCP electronic rooftop unit controls

In 1995, Trane introduced the second generation of VariTrac. This generation featured the central control panel (CCP) as the functional replacement for Comfort Manager. The new panel featured a resin enclosure, optional relay board for 24 VAC unit control, and the move to static pressure for bypass control. Improved changeover control was added to the operating system, and the zone damper controls were upgraded to UCM Version 3.

Now, in 2002, Trane introduces the next generation of VariTrac controls which includes all the great features of the original VariTrac system, plus new features and enhancements. The enhancements are designed to make this generation of VariTrac the simplest changeover-bypass zoning system to install, commission, and service of any light commercial controls system available today.

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