Exposed active chilled beam with heating cooling and ventilation
The ADRIATIC VF is an enclosed climate beam with integrated recirculated air opening in the face plate. Air is discharged into the room along the ceiling on both sides. Integrated VariFlow air flow distribution allows for simple adjustment at the site. An attractive climate beam designed for undersurface or suspended installation.
Primary Airflow | Up to 125 CFM |
Pressure Range | 0.12 to 0.28 in WG |
Cooling Capacity | Up to 8200 Btuh |
Heating Capacity | Up to 11600 Btuh |
Lengths | From 48 to 142 in. (nominal); increments of 24 in |
Widths | 14.3 in. |
Heights | 6.8 in. |
The ADRIATIC VF is a closed, active climate beam with two-way air discharge. Cooling and ventilation or cooling, heating and ventilation. The units do not contain a fan of its own but is driven by the pressure and flow generated by a centrally located air handing unit, which means low sound level and excellent comfort in the room. The ADRIATIC models are designed for dry systems, i.e. without condensation and therefore does not require any condensate drainage system or any filter. The minimum number of moving parts and lack of filter guarantees very little need for maintenance.
The ADRIATIC VF chilled beams operate according to the induction principle. A centrally located air handling unit distributes primary air via the duct system into the plenum of the unit and creates excess pressure. The plenum is equipped with a number of sliding strips that in turn contain a row of nozzles of various sizes. The excess pressure in the plenum forces the primary air through the nozzles at relatively high velocity. When the primary air is distributed at high velocity through the nozzles, negative pressure is created in the space above the built-in heat exchanger (coil). The negative pressure draws (induces) the room air up through the heat exchanger where the air is treated as required.
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Active chilled beams utilize the induction process to cause room air to pass through the chilled beam to heat and cool the air and create a comfortable environment.
Active Chilled Beam Cross Section
An active chilled beam is basically a cabinet with a water coil. There are no moving parts such as a fan and motor (i.e. fancoil). To get air in the space to pass through the coil, the induction principle is applied using primary air from a main air handling unit. The room air is “induced” to pass through the coil by creating a low pressure zone above the coil. As air passes through the coil, it can be heated or cooled using hot or chilled water. The induced air and the primary air mixed and delivered to the room via diffusers that are designed into the chilled beam to optimize mixing and take advantage of the coanda effect.
Induction Ratio
The ratio of induced air to primary air is the Induction Ratio. For example, if 1 cfm of primary air induces 3 cfm or room air to pass through the coil, the induction ratio would be 3 to 1 and 4 cfm would be delivered through the diffuser to the space.
Induction Process
The reason the induction process works can be seen in Bernoulli’s principle.
Said in words, if you increase the kinetic energy (the speed) of a fluid then its pressure must go down. In a chilled beam, the primary air passes through a nozzle bank and its speed increases, thus its pressure goes down and low pressure area is created downstream of the nozzle bank (above the coil).
This principle is how perfume atomizers and carburetors work, why sail boats can sail into the wind and of course, why airplanes fly.
To get room air to pass through a coil, work is being done and energy used. In a fancoil, the energy is electricity that the fan motor consumes to operate the fan. In a chilled beam the energy source is the primary air handling unit. The primary air must be delivered to the chilled beam and overcome the pressure drop of the nozzle bank. The nozzle bank requires more external static pressure at the air handling unit. Typically the fans and motors in air handling units are much more efficiency that mall fans and motors used in terminal products.
One way to look at the energy usage in a chilled beam is to consider the air flow rate (cfm) as equal to electrical current and the pressure drop of the nozzle bank as equal to voltage. Some combination of airflow are and pressure drop (i.e. voltage and current) will provide the necessary energy to draw room air through the coil.
Modern chilled beam design has advanced to the point where the pressure drop across the nozzle bank is less than a 0.25 inches w.c. and typically around 0.5 inches w.c. for the whole chilled beam (which includes the diffuser components.)
Induction Process in Swegon PACIFIC Chilled Beam
Induction Process in Swegon PARASOL Chilled Beam
Chilled Beam Slot Nozzle
Chilled Beam Round Nozzle
Nozzles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. A orifice plate is a nozzle. Nozzle design in chilled beams has evolved to create the best induction result with the lowest pressure drop and noise level.
Nozzle selection is based a specific operating conditions and is very sensitive to changes in the design conditions. As primary air passes through a small opening it accelerates. In a very complicated fluid dynamics process, the shape of the jet profile, plenum geometry, jet velocity and other properties will create a low-pressure area I the plenum that will cause room air to be drawn into the plenum via the coil and then pass out through the diffuser slots back to the room.
If the building design requires a small amount of primary air (i.e. “low current”) then the chilled beam selection will use small nozzles to induce more room air but requiring a larger pressure drop (i.e. “high voltage”) to get enough room air to pass through the coil to meet the cooling and heating demands. In short, the induction ratio will go up.
Nozzle K Factor
Changing the nozzle size and properties is known as changing the k factor. k factors are listed on the chilled beam printouts and can be used by the balancing contractor to measure the amount of primary air entering the chilled beam.
Where
q = (primary) airflow in cfm or l/s
K = k factor (note the k factor has a different value for SI or IP units)
P = the pressure drop across the nozzle bank in Pa or inches w.c.
If the chilled beam is manufactured with a fixed nozzle size (fixed k factor), then any changes in the design conditions in the future will be very limited. For example if the space ventilation rate, cooling or heating loads change appreciably, adjustments in the beam performance will be very restricted to the point where the beam may need to be replaced.
Adjustable Nozzles
Adjustable nozzles solve this issue by allowing the nozzle design to changed as the needs of the space evolve. You can change the K factor in the field. Adjustable nozzles must be built into the product at time of manufacture. Most nozzle adjustments can be achieved by hand or with hand tools.
Modulating Nozzles
The ultimate form of adjustability is a Demand Control Ventilation or VAV chilled beam where the nozzle adjustment is motorized and varies based on the amount of primary air entering the chilled beam. DCV chilled beams have variable k factors than maintain the induction process over a large primary airflow rate. As the primary airflow rate is reduced to save energy, the k factor changes and the induction process continues allowing space control. Click here to learn more Chilled Beam Design.
Induction Principle
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Delivering a comfortable environment is more than just heating and cooling the space, it requires well distributed air. Swegon Anti Draught Control (ADC) helps change air flow patterns for the best comfort level.
Swegon Test Lab set up to check air distribution mimicking computer and occupant heat sources
Chilled beams not only provide heating, cooling and ventilation air, they are the air distribution component that delivers good thermal comfort. Being able to adjust the airflow pattern from the chilled beams is critical to delivering optimal occupant comfort. As the building use evolves (re-purposing) the space loads and layouts change often requiring air pattern adjustments to maintain thermal comfort.
ADC in Swegon PARASOL Chilled Beam
To achieve air pattern control Swegon chilled beams can adjust the airflow pattern by means of Anti Draught Control (ADC). ADC consists of a number of sections with adjustable fins arranged in the outlet of the unit with a simple grip of the hand, the fins can be set to an appropriate angle in 10 degree increments to direct the discharge air and in this way create the desired air distribution pattern.
ADC in PACIFIC Chilled Beam
ADC in ADRIATIC Chilled Beam
ADC in PARAGON Chilled Beam
The ADCs are adjusted to spread the primary and induced airflow evenly in all directions across the ceiling for maximum even air distribution.
The ADCs deliver an X pattern airflow that avoids the airflows from to adjacent beams running into each other and breaking away from the ceiling resulting in “dumping”. The X pattern allows more chilled beams in the ceiling for increased cooling capacity (i.e. a computer classroom) without compromising thermal comfort.
The ADC biases the airflow pattern in one direction to increase throw and focus cooling or heating capacity yin a particular part of the room such as an exterior wall. Alternatively, if the space is repurposed and a new partition is built near the chilled beam, the airflow pattern can be directed away from the partition avoiding relocating the chilled beam.
To achieve the best thermal comfort and account for future changes in the space (repurposing) ADRIATIC VF Chilled beams include Flexible nozzle configuration by means of VariFlow and Anti Draught Control (ADC).
The ADRIATIC VF climate chilled beam’s adjustable nozzles allow the capacity of the chilled beam to be factory or field changed by adjusting the nozzle strips. Each nozzle strip is 24 in. long and can easily be adjusted with a supplied tool to the required position. There are three different settings on each nozzle strip:
L = Low for low airflows,
M = Medium for medium airflows,
H = High for high airflows
There are different numbers of nozzle strips depending on the nominal length:
48 in | 4 nozzle strips (2+2 strips) |
72 in. | 6 nozzle strips (3+3 strips) |
96 in. | 8 nozzle strips (4+4 strips) |
120 in. | 10 nozzle strips (5+5 strips) |
144 in. | 12 nozzle strips (6+6 strips) |
Change of nozzle configuration using an adjustment tool
Each side of the nozzle strips can also be configured for asymmetrical airflows. The number of nozzle strips for a certain length of beam is always the same.
Symmetrical air distribution with VariFlow
Asymmetrical air distribution with VariFlow
Displaced air distribution with VariFLow
The goal of a well-designed and operated chilled beam system is to obtain even temperature distribution throughout the space and avoid drafting (too fast air movement). To achieve this, The Swegon ADRIATIC VF climate chilled beams contain ADC as a standard. ADC stands for Anti Draught Control, which enables the diffusion pattern of the distributed air to be set up to avoid the risk of draft.
A ADC consists of a number of sections with adjustable fins arranged in the outlet of the beam with a simple grip of the hand. The fins are adjustable from a straight setting to 40° air deflection to the right or left in increments of 10°. In this way, the fins can be set to an appropriate angle to direct the discharge air and create the desired air distribution pattern. The static pressure is not affected by ADC. The sound level increases slightly when the air deflectors are set for “V-shape”. For more information, see the Swegon Proselect program.
The standard setting for ADC is straight but the unit can be supplied factory-preset to a V-shape distribution pattern if desired.
Flexible air discharge with ADC
1- Climate beam with ADC set to V-shape
2 – Climate Beam with ADC set to L-shape
3 – Climate Beam with ADC set for avoiding obstacles
Swegon chilled beam ADC control
The ADRIATIC VF with ADC offers many benefits:
The Swegon ADRIATIC VR is Eurovent certified, which is your guarantee that all specified data has been confirmed by tests and has been validated. This includes data provided in Swegon’s selection software, ProSelect Web.
In Addition, the ADRIATIC VF chilled beam is certified by Intertek to UL 1995- Heating and Cooling equipment and CAN/CSA C22.2.
ADRIATIC VF Chilled Beam
The ADRIATIC VF climate beam is designed to be exposed in the space. The casing is finished and can be supplied in a range of standard colors. The ADRIATIC VF is well-suited for use in all types of rooms with waterborne climate cooling:
The ADRIATIC VF finished design makes it an excellent choice for open ceiling concepts. The beam can be mounted directly to the ceiling or suspended pendant style.
ADRIATIC VF installed to ceiling
ADRIATIC VF installed pendant style
The ADRIATIC climate beam comes standard with the 5-inch diameter air and water connections stubbed out horizontally at one end. Both 2 pipe and 4 pipe beams are available.
ADRIATIC VF Climate Beam with horizontal end connections
THE ADRIATIC VF can also come with an extended finished cabinet to cover the air and water connects turned up vertically into the ceiling providing a clean look with air-water connections hidden from view. Piping and elbows can be supplied by Swegon or field supplied.
Swegon’s T-KA connection casing can be mounted in the extended section of the ADRIATIC VF beam and beyond to a wall designed to conceal horizontal pipe and duct connections. The T-KA has the same finish as the climate beam providing a clean installation.
T-KA Connection Casing Extension
ADRIATIC VF Climate Beams in series with T-KA cover kits
In some applications, it may be possible to connect two ADRIATIC VF climate beam is series to reduce installation costs and deliver a cleaner installation. This will depend largely on the airflow and capacity requirements. Contact your Swegon Representative to ascertain if this is possible for your project.
ADRIATIC VF chilled beam performance can be calculated using Swegon’s ProSelect Software. The Swegon application team can assist with your chilled beam applications ranging from selections to full system design review with DesignEdge.
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Web-based software for easy dimensioning and selection of room products: induction units, air diffusers, displacement units and products for demand-controlled ventilation.
The cooling capacities have been measured in conformance with EN 1516 Standard. Detailed performance data are available in ProSelect with the following info:
The total cooling capacity (sensible) is the sum of the airborne and waterborne cooling capacities.
Cooling Capacity (BTUH), Natural convection
The heating function is intended for use only as a supplement if surplus heat is available; however, during shorter periods (like in the evening and at night), a certain amount of surplus heat will be needed. The supply air fan must be in operation for the additional heat to reach the room. The supply air is used for mixing the warm air with chilled primary air, which is why the temperature distribution in the room is completely dependent on the ratio between supply air and the capacity taken from the chilled beam. The heat is conducted along the ceiling. A temperature gradient of 9.7 °F is normally obtained between floor and ceiling.
Recommended for heating operation
Max coil entering water temperature: | 140 F |
Min. hot water flow rate : | 0.21PM |
Nozzle pressure | >0.12 in WG |
Min. permissible heating water flow*: | 0.21 GPM |
For Perimeter walls with large glazed surface, it is recommended that radiant heating in the ceiling or radiators along the perimeter wall be used for compensating the radiant cooling energy of the glazed surface. Contact Swegon for details. | |
Recommended limit values – water
Max. recommended coil operating pressure | 230 PSI |
Max. Recommended test pressure for testing a complete installation | 350 PSI |
Recommended min. cooling water flow: | 0.5 GPM |
Increase in temperature, cooling water: | 3.6 – 9 F |
Min. primary air temperature: | Should always be sized to avoid any condensation |
Decrease in temperature, heating water: | 3.6 -18 F |
Max. coil entering water temperature | 140 F |
Recommended min. hot water flow | 0.21 GPM |
The min. recommended water flow per circuit ensures evacuation of any air pockets in the circuit. | |
ADRIATIC Climate Beams installed pendant style
ADRIATIC VF installation directly against the ceiling
The ADRIATIC VF climate beam is designed to be mounted flush to the ceiling or hung pendant style below the ceiling.
ADRIATIC VF installation suspended below the ceiling
For flushing ceiling mounting the MD4S brackets can be used.
TK-A connection cover kit installation
For pendant style installations, the MS M8 kit can be supplied. It includes threaded rods of various lengths(7.9, 19.7 and 39.4 in.). Specify the length required as needed. The set contains plastic caps designed for concealing the threaded rods and giving the beam a more attractive appearance. Ceiling mounting brackets, nut and washers are included in the set.
Circular commissioning damper with a Perforated damper blade designed for climate beam installations and a manual actuator with knob.
Flexible hose with stainless steel braided jacket. Choice of lengths and threaded or push-fit connection to building water supply system.
Connection piece for vertical connection, 90°
Connection casing to be mounted in the extended section of the ADRIATIC VF beam and beyond to a wall designed for concealing pipe and duct connections.
Special assembly piece for installation directly against the ceiling.
Assembly piece for suspended installation containing threaded rods of various lengths (7.9, 19.7 and 39.4 in.). Specify the length required as needed. The set contains plastic caps designed for concealing the threaded rods and giving the beam a more attractive appearance. Ceiling mounting brackets, nut and washers are included in the set.
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