30 Chilled Beams
Chilled beams reach new popularity heights
Dene Kent, managing director of Fläkt Woods Air Climate Solutions, looks at the chilled beams market and the potential for its integration into wider commercial uses.
IN AUGUST 2013, the Chilled Beam and Ceiling Association (CBCA) commissioned an independent study from EDSL to show the energy benefits of the technology. Its findings revealed potential energy savings of up to 22% with chilled beam technology against VAV fan coils with EC motors. As many in the industry expected, this proved somewhat controversial, with HEVAC’s Fan Coil Group disputing the results and claiming the study had failed to use identical design criteria.
But, despite this war of words, chilled beams are growing in popularity in the UK. Given their inherent energy savings, ability to provide comfortable indoor environments with lower air movement and low noise levels, their progress in the market is hardly surprising.
And, where the technology has often been pigeonholed for use in offices, it is now breaking into other types of commercial premises and is fast becoming a first choice for many specifiers. The implementation and ever tightening requirements from Part L of the Building Regulations has encouraged building designers to improve a building’s thermal envelope, as well as optimise the latest energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems.
The effect has been a reduced peak cooling demand, which brings chilled beam technology to the fore and makes it an excellent choice for a wider variety of applications.
In addition, for buildings that require a high BREEAM rating, chilled beams have emerged as a leading source of cooling technology. They can boost points through reducing the use of refrigerants, plus complying with set parameters of fresh air delivery – two factors that suit chilled beam designs.
This increased specification of chilled beam technology has driven manufacturers to develop the technology ensuring that a system is optimised for the application. One sector that has expanded in recent years is healthcare, in particular hospitals. The adoption of the technology in these applications has been widespread and, as described by the CBCA, can be attributed to several key factors: maintenance costs, infection and control life span. With no moving parts, the ongoing
ACR News February 2014
maintenance of chilled beams is minimal, with less likelihood of breakdown or reduced functionality. Subsequently, the planned preventative maintenance required for units is relatively simple, consisting of a periodic clean to the face plate and removal of dust from the heat exchanger.
Chilled beams also have the added benefit of not causing any condensation on the coil, which helps prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. Infection control is a priority in healthcare, and the closed-case design of chilled beams is well-suited to preventing cross contamination from the room into the ceiling void. All these factors combine to provide chilled beams with an impressive lifespan, which is especially important for healthcare facilities where access to patient rooms and operating areas can be restricted or subject to occupation levels.
To optimise a chilled beam setup, it is essential to consider the control systems in place, not only at room level but throughout the ventilation and cooling system. Using an office block as an example, there are a number of factors to bear in mind that will affect the amount of cooling required, including: the levels of occupancy, room layouts, number of floors and individual zones. Such a situation requires a more holistic approach to the whole system, encompassing the air handling unit (AHU), air terminal devices and sensors. This not only ensures the lowest possible operating costs are achieved, but also, by linking controls systems with the AHU and other components, it is possible to ensure air-based cooling is used before liquid-based cooling – again optimising running costs. As chilled beam
technology has evolved, many models can also be supplied ‘demand controlled ready’, and can track occupancy with a
combination of CO2 and occupancy sensors. Such
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setups can reduce costs by up to 25% compared to traditional constant air volume systems. Another feature that is becoming more common on chilled beams – and should be considered by consultants – is the adjustment of air throw. This helps to provide an even flow to all areas of a building and optimise occupants’ comfort. So, with the technology for chilled beams continuing to evolve and mature, their specification for a wider range of commercial uses is sure to gather momentum. Of course, the Building Regulations will be a determining factor in the adoption of the technology, especially as the thermal envelope of a building is due to be tightened further in the April 2014 revisions. But overall, the inherent benefits of chilled beams, combined with the need for reduction in running costs, will make them a firm favourite for commercial applications in years to come.
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