The Air Induction Chilled Beam devices are air distribution devices that provide high performance in an energy-efficient manner. They use a sensible cooling coil, through which a chilled beam reduces the volume of air required for space cooling.
They utilize very less primary air, reduce energy consumption, and also remove energy wasted by reducing cooling delivered to space without the use of parasitic reheat.
Kinds of Chilled Beam Systems
Passive Chilled Beam
Passive chilled beam system consists of a fin-and-tube heat exchanger contained in a casing over a ceiling.
When the chilled water passes through the tubes, warm air from the space rises toward the ceiling. Then the air surrounding the chilled beam is cooled, causing it to descend back toward the floor. Thus the passive chilled beam system provides space cooling without using a fan.
Passive beams have only chilled water connections, are not connected to primary air, and can only cool air.
Active Chilled Beam
Active chilled beams also consist of a fin-and-tube heat exchanger inside a casing that is over the ceiling, or fitted in, the ceiling. However, an active chilled beam contains an integral air supply.
Active beams are effectively “turbocharged” by direct air. The primary air passes through nozzles, which makes the air move from the space upward through the cooling coil. This induction process helps an active chilled beam to provide better cooling than a PCB.
Most facilities use active beams because of their higher performance.
Qualities of Air Induction Chilled Beam
Superior Performance
The nozzles inject conditioned primary air into the diffuser at high velocity. As the air expands and slows, the change in speed creates a pressure gradient along its boundary. This pressure variation induces room air across the sensible coil within the diffuser.
Low Sound and Maintenance
Active chilled beams use system pressure in their operation, removing the need for fans in the space or in the ceiling, thus reducing the noise. With no fans, active chilled beams have no parts to replace for maintenance.
Since coils provide sensible cooling, no filters need to be changed nor any drain pans to clean. However, only periodic vacuuming of the coils to remove lint and dust from the coil and general cleaning of the surface is required.
Modular Styling and Flexible Installations
The beam design is such that they integrate seamlessly into common commercial ceiling grid systems. Flexible mounting methods allow for direct attachment to the building slab through a hanging wire or threaded rods.
Guidelines Suggested for Chilled Beam Manufacturers
- The ideal zone sensible cooling load should be considered between 20 to 40 Btu/ft² average for building
- The primary airflow rate should be 0.25 and 0.75 cfm/ft² with 0.4 to 0.6 cfm/ft² the most common
- The primary air dew point for depression for any air induction chilled beam should be considered between 5 and 15 gr/lb
For expert opinion and best in market HVAC solutions, reach out to EB Air Control Inc. We are the best-chilled beam manufacturers, and our global presence and expertise ensures best in industry service and cost-effectiveness.
