Chilled Beam Systems for Heat-Driven Laboratory HVAC Applications
Ken Loudermilk, P.E., TROX USA, Inc.
In order to minimize laboratory energy requirements while maintaining a safe environment in a laboratory, the HVAC system design should be thoroughly examined. Laboratory applications have stringent requirements in terms of space air change rates in order to protect the health and safety of the staff. While fume hood make-up air requirements often dictate the laboratory air change rates, the space sensible cooling load usually determinants the airflow requirement for heat driven applications common to biomedical, pharmaceutical, and other research laboratories. In these spaces, the air change rate for safety purposes may be only six to eight air changes per hour, but space sensible loads require all air systems to deliver airflow rates that are up to three times greater. Active chilled beams are capable of removing 60 to 70 percent of that sensible heat through room air reconditioning, enabling the ducted (100 percent outside air) delivery to the space to be reduced accordingly. This leads to substantial reductions in fan energy and cooling/heating requirements of the outside air.
Each laboratory application has its own unique requirements and purpose that must be considered. Though reducing the energy costs of laboratory operation and providing occupant comfort are both important endeavors, the top priority remains the safety of the laboratory occupants.
The speaker will briefly discuss the energy and first-cost impacts of using chilled beams in heat-driven laboratories and provide reference information regarding laboratory installations at leading research universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, Dartmouth University, Stanford University, Cornell University, and the recently opened University of Miami Health Science Center. The speaker will also briefly discuss research findings by the National Institutes of Health.
In conclusion, with dozens of effective applications of chilled beams in North America, the system is a proven and effective way to ventilate and condition laboratory spaces while achieving significant energy and cost savings.
Ken Loudermilk is a renowned expert in room air distribution with more than 30 years experience in research, development, and sales. He is an active member of numerous ASHRAE technical committees and has authored content in the ASHRAE Handbook, ASHRAE Design Guide for Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems, and is currently a leading writer for the soon to be published ASHRAE/REHVA Chilled Beam Design Guide. As a leading expert in chilled beam technology, Mr. Loudermilk has presented to ASHRAE and its affiliates around the world. He has authored numerous professional articles and industry white papers for the ASHRAE Journal and other leading trade publications and is sought after for his knowledge and expertise of new and emerging energy-efficient HVAC technologies. Mr. Loudermilk has played an integral part in educating industry professionals on chilled beams, UFAD ,and innovative air distribution solutions. TROX is credited with introducing chilled beams in North America and is a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient HVAC solutions.