Active chilled beams are HVAC devices composed of primary air ducted supply, hydronic coils, and diffuser slots that provide localized sensible cooling to the space1. Primary air is induced through nozzles, which creates a negative pressure to force room air convection across the coils1. Active chilled beams can be applied in various building types to achieve a wide range of sustainability goals. Active chilled beams also are adaptable to different climate characteristics, although additional attention may be required for infiltration and humidity control in hot and humid regions.
In this article, three industry practitioners and mechanical consulting engineers from Affiliated Engineers Inc. (AEI) — Robin Graves, Jessica Mangler, and Melody Wang — share their experience and key lessons learned with active chilled beam design from different regions of the U.S.