Chilled beam systems—Quiet, but need fresh air

Chilled beam systems can have several formats, most of which are very quiet, but there can be accompanying noise concerns. In some systems, small tubes carrying cooled water are attached to metal panels, which act to transfer thermal energy from rooms; this is very quiet, plus the metal panels can be perforated and provided with sound-absorptive backings for room treatments. Some systems use fins that both carry the water and transfer the thermal energy. However, occupied spaces need fresh air, whose delivery can result in unexpected levels or undesirable qualities of noise. Several examples of chilled beam systems will be discussed, including “active” chilled beams, which integrally also provide fresh air.