How It Works
Concealed systems designed around the property and the selected solution.
Most ONYX NOVA solutions are concealed ducted systems installed separately from the air-conditioning system. ONYX Zenith may also be integrated into an air-conditioning or wider HVAC system where the project design allows.
Installation architecture
Typical ONYX Core installation concept
In a Core installation the air-conditioning system continues to control temperature through its own ductwork, while ONYX Core draws air through its own dedicated return-air path, treats it in a concealed unit and delivers it back through its own dedicated supply-air path. Where the interior design allows, each path may use a separate section of the same visible grille.
- ONYX Core air path
- Condensate / fresh air
- Air-conditioning circuit
ONYX Core uses its own engineered return and supply ducts. Where the interior design allows, the ONYX NOVA and AC air paths may use separate sections of the same visible grille, helping preserve a clean ceiling appearance while keeping the systems functionally separate.
Installation architecture depends on the selected ONYX NOVA solution. Zenith may use an integrated HVAC arrangement following professional engineering review.
Step by step
What happens to the air.
- 01
Humid air collected
Indoor air is drawn through the dedicated ONYX Core return-air path. This path may use a separate section of the same visible grille as the AC return, while the ducts and connections remain separated.
- 02
Air dehumidified
Air travels through dedicated ductwork to the concealed ONYX Core unit, where moisture is condensed out of the air stream.
- 03
Moisture sent to drain
Condensate is discharged continuously through a drainage line planned during design.
- 04
Air filtered and treated
Air passes through the filtration and treatment stages included in the selected configuration.
- 05
Dry, cleaner air returned
Dry, treated air returns through the dedicated ONYX Core supply-air path. A separate section of the same visible grille may be used where appropriate.
By product family
Installation architecture depends on the selected solution.
Most ONYX NOVA solutions are concealed ducted systems installed separately from the air-conditioning system. ONYX Zenith may also be integrated into an air-conditioning or wider HVAC system where the project design allows.
ONYX Core
Core 48, Core 70 and Core 120 — separate concealed ducted systems with an engineered return-air and supply-air arrangement. Controlled fresh-air introduction is possible.
ONYX Aero
ONYX Aero 70 combines filtered fresh-air supply, exhaust air, dehumidification and total-heat recovery in one concealed ducted unit.
ONYX Zenith
ONYX Zenith is a higher-capacity dehumidification family for larger residential, hospitality, commercial and selected specialised projects. Depending on the project design, Zenith may be integrated into an air-conditioning or wider HVAC system following professional engineering review.
ONYX PolarStar
Ducted dehumidification within the ONYX NOVA range, described according to approved information.
ONYX Alpha
ONYX Alpha supplies filtered outdoor air and extracts stale indoor air in balanced volumes, with total-heat recovery between the separated air streams. It is a ventilation product and does not dehumidify.
ONYX Aura
ONYX Aura is an active electrostatic purification module installed at the return-air side of a compatible fan-coil or air-conditioning unit. It purifies circulating air and does not dehumidify.
Installation reality
Concealed, accessible and planned around the interior.
- ONYX Core units are installed above the ceiling or in an appropriate dedicated service space.
- The system uses its own engineered return and supply air paths, separate from the AC ductwork.
- Where appropriate, separate ONYX NOVA and AC sections may be incorporated into the same visible architectural grille.
- Condensate is discharged through a planned and insulated drainage line.
- Service access is positioned so filters and internal components can be maintained without unnecessary disturbance to the finishes.
- Duct dimensions, routing, external static pressure and airflow distribution are verified during system design.
Two systems, two jobs
Air conditioning and ONYX NOVA are complementary, not alternatives.
ONYX NOVA does not replace air-conditioning. The AC continues to control temperature; ONYX NOVA independently manages moisture and treats the air.
Air conditioning
- Primarily controls temperature
- Dehumidification depends on cooling operation
- May cause overcooling when used to fight humidity
ONYX NOVA
- Independently monitors and manages moisture
- Operates based on humidity demand
- Filters and treats circulated air
- Can support controlled fresh-air introduction when properly designed
ONYX NOVA does not replace air-conditioning. The two systems perform different but complementary functions.
Why professional design matters
Equipment cannot be selected on floor area alone.
Two properties of the same size can behave very differently. Selection follows an assessment of the factors below, and is confirmed during design.
- Moisture load
- Outdoor temperature and relative humidity
- Quantity of introduced fresh air
- Property infiltration
- Ceiling height and room volume
- Occupancy
- Kitchens, bathrooms, spa and pool areas
- Exhaust systems
- Zoning
- Duct routes
- Available ceiling or service space
- Static pressure and airflow
- Target humidity and temperature
- Operating schedule
- Integration with AC, FAHU and ventilation systems
Working with ONYX NOVA
From first conversation to commissioning and service.
- 01
Consultation
We discuss the property, what you are experiencing and what you want to achieve.
- 02
Site inspection and measurements
Conditions are measured on site and the property is reviewed room by room.
- 03
System selection and engineering concept
Equipment, airflow, duct routes, grille positions and drainage are proposed.
- 04
Installation and commissioning
Installation by our team or a partner contractor, followed by commissioning and setpoint configuration.
- 05
Service and filter replacement
Scheduled service, filter replacement and support after handover.
Technical note: Final equipment selection and expected performance depend on site conditions, system design, outdoor-air conditions and professional assessment.
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