We're getting enough of a critical mass of SCUPers in SCUP's LinkedIn group that a question or issue occasionally catches fire. On Thursday, October 28. Chris Whitney, of URS Corporation posted this question: "We are studying using Chilled Beams as a alternative HVAC system in a Residence Hall. Has anybody else installed this equipment? Looking for feedback for both the school and our engineering team." By mid-day on Friday, there were several useful comments.

For those who may not know anything about chilled beams, here's the Wikipedia page on chilled beams as a starter. Apparently, "multiservice chilled beams" have been in use in Europe for a while and are catching on in the US: "A multiservice beam seeks to combine building operations into a single unit. These beams can contain lighting fixtures, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, security sensors, motion detectors, intercoms, power distribution centers, fiber optic distribution centers, and much more."

In reply to Chris, I noted that a past SCUP Link had mentioned the use of chilled beam technology at Furman University to overcome some issues with short floor-to-floor heights. I also noted that the folks from KAUST had talked about this during their presentation at the recent North Central Region annual conference in Cincinnati, which Chris chaired. (A very good conference, BTW. That region is meeting at Iowa State in October 2011. Plan to be there.)

Jill Morelli of the University of Washington shared that she had used it, very successfully, in the union at the University of Washington Medical School: "It provides even cooling and heating, i.e. we get few complaints and we believe we have saved about $1M in utility bill payments this past winter."

Karen Cribbins-Kuklin of Anshen+Allen shared that she has used chilled beams in an historic building at UCLA back in the late '90s. And recommended a mock-up approach, if possible. Morelli then agreed what that.

James Goblirsch of HGA said that he was considering the chilled beam technology for an academic building in Minnesota, and further asked: "Does anyone have energy use data on chilled beams vs. air-side economizers in heating load dominant climate zone."

Do you have that data, or links to it. Do you have anything else to share, or ask, about this topic. If so, please go to the SCUP LinkedIn group and join the conversation!

Recently added:

Laura Werniak of HCFH Architects noted:

Active chilled beam combines ventilation with cooling. Fresh air from a centralized air handling unit will enter the space via the chilled beam. The design of the chilled beam induces the air circulation within the room. The resulting system is often smaller compared to the passive units and better integrated. 

The smaller ductwork makes this system advantageous for older buildings with smaller or more obstructed ceiling plenum space, and buildings with heavy steel or concrete structural frames that constrain the installation of larger ductwork. Because the air velocities are lower and there is no motor nor other moving parts within the space, a chilled beam system is quieter than most other systems, this is particularly helpful in learning environments but maybe less critical in living situations. 

Typically, the system is used with a 100% outside air unit, together with an energy recovery system, further increasing the overall energy efficiency of the building.