Function
An active chilled beam, or induction unit, is used in an air transport system to ventilate, cool and possibly heat a room. The energy transfer to cool or heat the air in the unit takes place by means of water.
Material quality and thicknesses
For normal comfort ventilation, active chilled beams are manufactured from the following materials:
- Casing: Sendzimir galvanised steel;
- Front sheet: Sendzimir galvanized steel;
- Plenum: Sendzimir galvanized steel;
- Cooling and heating element:
- Pipes: copper
- Slats: aluminium;
- Other choice of material, depending on the application, in consultationwith the supplier.
Connections
The active chilled beam has a circular connection.
Dimensions
The nominal connection diameters available for active chilled beams are standardised to NEN-EN 1506 (circular connections) and can be selected as shown in the tables for standard dimensions given in this guide under section 2.1.3.6 (circular connections). They refer to the internal dimensions with a tolerance of +0 to -5 mm. The available connection diameters depend on the manufacturer. The length of an active chilled beam depends on the manufacturer. The most common units are available in lengths of 600, 1200, 1800, 2400 and 3000 mm.
The width of an active chilled beam depends on the manufacturer. The most common units are available in widths of 300 and 600 mm.
Inspection possibilities
It must always be possible to inspect intermediate active chilled beams for function and contamination. For this purpose, it must be possible to easily open or remove the front sheet.
Assembly instructions
Active chilled beams must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If present, they must at least comply with the requirements of section 3.1.4.
There are various options for installing chilled beams, both freely suspended and built into a suspended ceiling. However, this is dependent on the manufacture and type. On the units, however, mounting possibilities must be provided to attach the box (using, for example, threaded rods) to the architectural ceiling above.
Internal cleanliness
It is recommended to install the active chilled beams that are equipped with removable front sheet and hinged battery.
Assembly instructions
Active chilled beams must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If present, they must at least comply with the requirements of section 3.1.4.
There are various options for installing chilled beams, both freely suspended and built into a suspended ceiling. However, this is dependent on the manufacture and type. On the units, however, mounting possibilities must be provided to attach the box (using, for example, threaded rods) to the architectural ceiling above.
Internal cleanliness
It is recommended to install the active chilled beams that are equipped with removable front sheet and hinged battery.
Sustainability aspects
Active chilled beams with circular connections, fitted with rubber sealing rings, can be connected to air ducts efficiently and make a contribution to the airtightness of the air duct system, if the fittings have sufficient airtightness in accordance with NEN-EN 15727.
Active chilled beams contain no filters or moving parts. The units are therefore virtually maintenance free.
Active chilled beams also offer a number of advantages over all-air systems:
- The energy transfer, to cool or heat the air in the unit, takes place by means of water. Energy transport by means of water is moreenergy-efficient than all-air systems;
- Less primary air is required from the air handling unit, because of the induction in the room and the sucking in of air from the room;
- The units are very suitable for the application of variable (VDV) or demand-dependent (DDV) ventilation. The VDV principle, and to an even greaterextent the DDV principle, is used to save energy. The air quantity and thusthe required energy consumption of the air handling system is determinedon the basis of the demand from the building or space. This is done on thebasis of a measured value from the room, such as CO2, temperature,presence, etc.
