CHILLED BEAMS
on routine installation instead of having to tackle complex coordination areas. Pre-assembly reduces man-hours spent working at height, which helps mitigate one of the primary safety risks for those installing on-site. On top of this, the single-point connection allows for a much more streamlined installation rather than having many diff erent trades fi ghting for ceiling space. Whilst MSCBs are multi-functional units, their backbone is their high effi ciency “Active” or “Passive” Chilled Beam Technology. The Active Beam Technology operates on the principle of induction. Primary fresh air is introduced to the beam, and fresh air is discharged through the beam nozzles. This action creates a pressure diff erential within the beam to induce room air up into the unit and through the fi nned coil heat exchanger battery to be conditioned (heated or cooled, as required). This conditioned room air then mixes with the fresh primary air before being discharged horizontally along the ceiling. This process relies on the Coanda eff ect to ensure even distribution for optimal thermal comfort levels without the noise or drafts associated with fan-assisted HVAC products.
Lighting and thermal management When high-performance LED lighting is integrated directly into an MSCB, the beam’s metal body acts as a heat sink, as this draws heat away from the LED components. By lowering the operating temperature of the LED diodes, it allows both optimal light output whilst also extending the operational lifespan of the LED lighting. Overall, these key benefi ts reduce long-term maintenance costs for the facility manager. The structure of the multi-service chilled beam allows it to act as an ideal base for sensor integration. The units can accommodate a diverse array of integrated sensors. This includes Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors for granular occupancy detection, which can trigger ‘setback’ modes for HVAC and lighting in unoccupied areas. Photocells (Lux sensors) are also frequently integrated to dynamically dim the LED output as natural daylight levels fl uctuate. Furthermore, the integration of CO2 sensors can allow for Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV), signalling the BMS to adjust fresh air rates based on real- time indoor air quality. Frenger Active Chilled Beam Technology has an inbuilt ‘Turn Down’ facility to ensure the Coanda eff ect, even when supply air pressures are reduced to just 15 Pa for low air volumes.
Safety and life safety systems Fire alarms, smoke detectors and clearance apertures for sprinkler heads can be incorporated directly into the beam. Additions like these ensure that the client can maintain a clean aesthetic without having to compromise on safety standards and eliminate the visual clutter of having multiple devices scattered across the ceiling.
Flexibility in offi ces A large challenge faced within the commercial offi ce market is the fl exibility of HVAC systems. A regular problem tenants face is the expensive task of modifying or ripping out base HVAC systems to accommodate their specifi c offi ce layouts or meeting rooms. MSCBs off er a modular solution to this costly redundancy.
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Modular fl exibility Future proofi ng and fl exibility can be accommodated at the design stage for when future partition layouts may be required by future tenants. Units can be reconfi gured or relocated to suit new layouts with minimal disruption to the building, futureproofi ng the units to meet changing needs.
Aesthetic consistency Architecturally, the MSCB boasts a large advantage within open-plan environments. By concealing all services within a sleek metal casing that can also be an ‘Architectural Feature’. The ceiling remains uncluttered and visually consistent so that no matter what the space below is used for, the overhead aesthetic remains uniform.
Bespoke design capabilities With comprehensive in-house design, manufacturing and testing capabilities, MSCB solutions can feature unique shapes, curved profi les, bespoke perforation patterns and/or acoustic- enhancing materials. The HVAC system becomes an integral part of the building design that can also allow for architectural aesthetics.
The shift towards Off -Site Manufacturing (OSM) and
prefabrication is the most logical choice in building design, and the Multi-Service Chilled Beam is the evolution of this trend. MSCBs allow for a single point of information. Reducing the number of suppliers/trades signifi cantly de-risks the supply chain. One unit means one delivery and one point of responsibility. Through this ‘plug-and-play’ method, installation is simplifi ed, on-site waste is reduced, and knowledge is condensed into a single source.
As construction deadlines tighten, the industry must adopt
more effi cient delivery models. The MSCB provides exactly that: a method to maintain quality while reducing the overall workload.
FANS
'The industry should identify methods to reduce the time spent on labour-
intensive tasks such as fi tting multiple building services.'
www.acr-news.com • February 2026 19
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