"Chilled Beams" Are Cool
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 11. 5.05
Chilled beams are energy efficient systems that combine radiant cooling and ventilation. They are reportedly cost-effective to install, and they reduce energy usage in a building, while improving comfort levels. These systems are seen throughout Europe but are not widely known the U.S. They are mostly installed in commercial buildings, where the low investment costs and high cooling capacity is a very attractive combination. Some of companies making chilled beams are Flakt Woods and Trox Technik.
That's cool! No pun intended..
We have been using them over in the UK for years. I work for one of the leading sustainable architects in britian (called Bennetts Associates)and since 1995 we have been integrating them into all our new build projects whith great success in terms of architecture and in reducing energy use within buildings. It must be noted however that you can't just fix a chilled beam and presume everything will work as they have a relatively low cooling load (110 watts compaired to 200+ for fan coil). Ideally you must introduce mass (concrete or other structure) to ensure a useful thermal mass to 'soak up' extra heat, a ventilated facade (opening windows) to allow natural cooling through convection also allowing night purging of thermal mass, low or high fresh air supply and, if the beams are passive (allow air to move around them without using a fan) you do need to condition the air to limit condensation. You also have to try and convince clients to have open plan work spaces (minimising celular offices) to ensure there is good air movement and finally, ensure the facades work harder to reduce heat gains.
But, we should be thinking about these things anyway when designing buildings which have to potential to used lots of energy (offices, hospitals etc) and they can make for beautiful spaces and can reduce building 'in use' by up to 2/3. As nick said, they are indeed cool.