Active Chilled Beam Technology

Presented by: Matt Green

Agenda
Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology Types of Chilled Beams ACB Technology Advantages How ACBs Work How ACB Systems Compare to Other Systems Common Applications of ACB Technology Misapplications of ACB Technology Section II: ACB System Design Considerations DOAS/Airside System Design Chilled Water System Design Heating with ACBs Controlling ACB Systems Condensation Prevention

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

Types of Chilled Beams
Radiant Ceilings
Energy transfer from one object to another object by electro magnetic waves Requires separate ventilation and dry atmosphere to prevent condensation (e.g. DOAS) Output 25-50 Btu/h ft2

Passive Chilled Beams

No connection to an air supply source Requires separate ventilation and dry atmosphere to prevent condensation Primarily convective cooling Output 50-450 Btu/h lft

Active Chilled Beams

Incorporates primary air duct connection Primarily convective cooling, using energy of primary air injection Performance 100 CFM/ton possible (VAV typically 400 CFM/ton) Output 70-750 Btu/h lft

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

Types of Chilled Beams Active Chilled Beams

Cooling and Heating Fresh air supplied through beams Very low acoustic signatures Very high energy efficiency Very high levels of occupant thermal comfort

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

ACB Technology Advantages

Energy conservation Reduced space consumption Reduced maintenance costs Increased comfort levels

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

How ACBs Work

A) Primary air duct connection (.3-1.2 in. w.c.) B) Primary air plenum C) Secondary air (room air) D) Unit mounted coil (2-pipe or 4-pipe configuration)

E) Mixed air (Induction ratio range 3:1 6:1) F) Discharge air (Cooling: 63-66F / Heating 75-85F) G) Adjustable mounting brackets

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

How ACB Systems Compare to Other Systems - VAV

First costs for ACB are typically higher than VAV:

5-10% higher Copper pipe largest cost penalty for ACB systems PEX piping, good alternative, save cost on branch piping insulation DOAS/AHU & duct costs are lower in ACB systems

Equipment DOAS/AHU and Fans Ductwork Chiller Copper Piping Active Chilled Beams VAV Units Sound Dampers Temperature Controls Registers and Diffusers Total Building Sq Footage Cost/Sq Ft.

VAV $285,000 $260,000 $150,000 $55,000 $0 $75,000 $20,000 $105,000 $110,000 $1,060,000 50,000 $21

ACB $185,000 $195,000 $150,000 $315,000 $110,000 $0 $5,000 $130,000 $40,000 $1,130,000 50,000 $23

ACB first costs are trending closer to VAV Operating costs are significantly lower for ACB systems

No Maintenance Significant energy savings

Reduction in AHU horsepower Increased chiller EER

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

How ACB Systems Compare to Other Systems - FCU
First costs for ACB are typically lower than FCU:

Equipment DOAS and Fans Ductwork Chiller Copper Piping

FCU $185,000 $170,000 $150,000 $420,000

ACB $185,000 $195,000 $150,000 $315,000

5-10% lower Savings on equipment and piping favor ACB systems

Operating costs are significantly lower for ACB systems

Active Chilled Beams

Fan Coil Units Sound Dampers Temperature Controls Total Building Sq Footage Cost/Sq Ft.

$0
$185,000 $5,000 $115,000 $1,230,000 50,000 $25

$110,000
$0 $5,000 $130,000 $1,090,000 50,000 $22

Fan energy savings No maintenance Significant energy savings Chiller EER

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

How ACB Systems Compare to Other Systems Energy Efficiency
The energy that 1 ft3 of water removes requires 3,400 ft3 of air!

18 x 18 Air Duct

diameter Water Pipe

Flow Cross Section Ratio 1:550

Figure from: Centre For Building Science News, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Hydronic Radiant Cooling Systems, Fall 1994. * Figure does not include additional fan energy associated with developing pressure for active chilled beam operation.

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

How ACB Systems Compare to Other Systems Energy Efficiency
Operating cost of the chilled water system can significantly be lower for ACB systems due to the ability to use higher leaving chilled water temperatures

Improved chiller EER at higher leaving water temperatures Allows for downsizing the nominal tonnage of the chiller while maintaining similar output tonnage

Chiller Nominal Tonnage 250 210 190

LWT 45 55 60

Output Tons 257 257 250

kWi 319.4 296.2 276.1

EER 9.6 10.4 10.8

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

Common Applications of ACB Technology

High sensible cooling load applications

Heat driven laboratories, offices, etc.

Sound sensitive applications

Libraries, hospitals, universities, etc.

Retrofit applications (CAUTION)

ACBs require minimal overhead clearance

LEED Applications

Superior energy efficiency, individual temperature control, and innovation

Section I: Introduction to ACB Technology

Misapplications of ACB Technology

Spaces with high ceilings (above 14)

Manufacturing, warehouses, etc.

Spaces with high latent loads

Indoor pools, gymnasiums, etc.

Spaces with uncontrolled humidity

Atriums, vestibules, hallways, etc.

Spaces with restrictions on recirculated air

Class I and Class II hospital areas

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

DOAS/Airside System Design
A DOAS is required for the following:

Dewpoint control to prevent condensation on the ACBs Provide minimum ventilation requirement (ASHRAE Std. 62) Must handle 100% of the OAs latent and sensible load Must handle 100% of the zones latent load Induce sufficient airflow through ACBs to satisfy zone sensible load Positively pressurize building envelope to prevent infiltration

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

DOAS/Airside System Design
There are (2) common DOAS discharge air temperature strategies:
1.

Low temperature / low dewpoint strategy (type III desiccant)

Not always recommended due to risk of overcooling the space and/or requiring reheat. Consider in applications high space latent loads.

2.

Neutral air strategy thermally neutral but dry air (68-72F db / 50-55% RH)

Maximizes system efficiency, ACBs handle 100% of space sensible load Free reheat should be incorporated into DOAS unit (i.e. alpha plate, sensible wheels, wrap around heat pipe, hot gas reheat) At summer design conditions, discharge air temperature can be reset colder to satisfy increased loads

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design
The ACBs chilled water supply temperature is dependent on the spaces design dewpoint

Supply water temperature should be at least 2-3F above the spaces design dewpoint to prevent condensation. Supply water temperature should be as high as possible to take advantage of increased chiller EER and ability to downsize nominal chiller capacity without reduction in output tonnage. Utilizing higher supply water temperatures allows for more available hours for water side economizer. ACB chilled water system temperature rise is lower (typically 6-8F) compared to traditional hydronic systems (typically 10-12F). The system designer should pay close attention to ACB coil water pressure drop to avoid excessive pump head.

Chiller Nominal Tonnage 250 210 190

LWT 45 55 60

Output Tons 257 257 250

kWi 319.4 296.2 276.1

EER 9.6 10.4 10.8

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design

DEDICATED CHILLER(S)

Two independent chilled water loops Allows higher supply water temperature for ACB chilled water loop Increased chiller EER for ACB water loop Ability to downsize nominal chiller capacity without reduction in output capacity for ACB water loop Higher first cost due to multiple chillers
.

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design
COMMON CHILLER(S) / MIXING VALVE

One common chilled water loop Mixing valve controlled by sensor installed downstream of the discharge of the secondary pump(s) Does not allow for higher supply water temperatures Decreased chiller EER Cannot downsize nominal chiller capacity Should only be considered when ACB chilled water load is significantly less than DOAS load
.

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design
COMMON CHILLER(S) / HEAT EXCHANGER

One common chilled water loop Modulating control valve controlled by sensor installed in outlet side of the water to water heat exchanger Does not allow for higher supply water temperatures Decreased chiller EER Cannot downsize nominal chiller capacity Should only be considered when ACB chilled water load is significantly less than DOAS load; and there is a requirement to isolate primary chilled water loop from the secondary water loop
.

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design
TRADITIONAL CHILLER(S) / DECOUPLED DOAS

DOAS decoupled from chilled water loop Allows higher supply water temperature for ACB chilled water loop Increased chiller EER for ACB water loop Ability to downsize nominal chiller capacity without reduction in output capacity for ACB water loop
.

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Chilled Water System Design
GEO CHILLER(S) / DECOUPLED DOAS

DOAS decoupled from chilled water loop Allows higher supply water temperature for ACB chilled water loop Increased chiller EER for ACB water loop

Ability to downsize nominal chiller capacity without reduction in output capacity for ACB water loop
Can utilize advanced geothermal water to water heat pump technology for exceptional energy efficiency Recommended for LEED projects

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Heating with ACBs

ACBs available in 2-pipe in 4-pipe configurations Use of ACBs for heating is dependent on the building envelope

For internal zone or zones with <300 BTU/ft ACBs are an excellent option For zones between 300-400 BTU/ft, ACBs can be effective

Air directed at 75fpm horizontally towards the window .

For zones above 400 BTU/ft, ACBs are not effective

Risk of drafts Should use finned tube radiation

For low temperature / low dewpoint primary air systems zone reheat should be incorporated to prevent overcooling the space.

Typically a reheat coil is installed in the zones primary air ductwork

Alternate option is to utilize a 4-pipe ACB design

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Controlling ACB Systems Zone Manifold Zone Controls

Chilled water flow control

Each zones flow is controlled by a single thermostat and a single control valve

2-position zone valves (i.e. on/off control) are typically used

Manual isolation valves should be installed

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Controlling ACB Systems

Primary air flow control can be balanced with the following:

Manual balancing damper (i.e. iris type) are used on constant primary airflow systems VAV boxes are used on variable primary airflow systems

Should be considered in zones with highly variable latent loads. Demand control ventilation can also be integrated into a VAV control strategy Occupancy sensors can be integrated into a VAV control strategy. When zone is unoccupied, VAV box closes.

Section II: ACB System Design Considerations

Condensation Prevention

Dewpoint control should be primary consideration in the condensation prevention control strategy Additional control strategies include:

The DOAS system should be cycled during unoccupied mode to maintain setback temperature and dewpoint set points. In addition, a dry out cycle should be implemented after long periods of unoccupied mode operation (i.e. weekends) Dewpoint sensors can be used to detect then disable the ACB system when a condition where condensation could occur is present. Alternately, moisture sensors on water piping can be used. Window switches can be used to disable the ACB system when a window is opened and ambient conditions will result in condensation

Section II: Summary

Benefits of ACB Technology

Energy conservation

40-70% less primary air, compared to all air systems 75-100% of the space sensible cooling delivered by water Significant reduction in fan energy Increased EER of chiller

Reduced space consumption

Smaller overall mechanical footprint, reduced duct work size

Increase of space ceiling height

Reduced maintenance costs

No moving parts No filters at the beam required, beams vacuumed every 510 years

Increased comfort levels

Excellent air distribution, Secondary air temperature close to room temp. Lowe noise level, beam systems typically operate with around 10 dB(A) less noise than traditional VAV systems

Section III: References

Dadanco Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from: http://www.activechilledbeam.com/chilled_beam_questions.asp Darren Alexander and Mike ORourke. Design Considerations for Active Chilled Beams (ASHRAE Journal, 2008, September). Geoffrey P. McMahon. Chilled Beams: The Science of Lab Cooling. Retrieved from: http://www.aeieng.com/downloads/articles/ES%20Jan%20%2009%20Chilled%20Beams.pdf Maija Virta, David Butler, Jonas Graslund, Jaap Hogeling, Erik Lund Kristiansen, Mika Reinikainen, and Gunnar Svensson. REHVA Chilled Beam Application Guidebook (Federation of European Heating and Air-Conditioning Associations, 2004). Peter Rumsey and John Weale. Chilled Beams in Labs: Eliminating Reheating & Saving Energy on a Budget (ASHRAE Journal, 2007, September) Trox Chilled Beam Design Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.trox.us/usa/service/download_center/structure/technical_documents/air_water_systems/usa _products/leaflets/Chilled_Beam_Design_Guide.pdf

Section III: Summary

THANK YOU
Questions?
Primary Contact Matt Green, Sales Engineer Office: 630-693-0926 Cell: 630-730-4917 Fax: 630-693-0931 mgreen@thermosystemsinc.com Secondary Contact Jordan Stiebel, Inside Sales Engineer Office: 630-693-5876 Fax: 630-693-0931 jstiebel@thermosystemsinc.com www.thermosystemsinc.com