Chilled Beams
Chilled Beams are sensible only terminal devices and do not have the ability to handle latent conditioning in the occupied space. In Chilled Beam designs the latent load in the space must be handled by the primary air source. Chilled beam systems offer energy savings for little additional costs over conventional systems.
Traditional (sensible only) chilled beams utilize water with temperatures that are above the dew point of the space, maximizing chiller efficiency becomes possible. Using dedicated chillers that produce water temperatures typically from 56°F to 60°F can increase efficiency dramatically in a building. These elevated water temperatures can also lead to other benefits, such as the option to use water-side economizer or free cooling. In some moderate climates, electric chillers can even be eliminated and chilled water can be produced directly from a cooling tower with a storage tank. For heating, the use of condensing boilers that produce lower water temperatures (i.e. 100°F to 120°F) can be used to efficiently and effectively meet the heating load in the space.