Fan coil units (FCUs) have been providing air conditioning to thousands of buildings since the 1970s, but it could be time to consider an alternative that delivers both energy efficiency and flexibility – namely the chilled beam.
Yan Evans, vice president of the UK Sales Unit at Fläkt Woods, explains more.
Yan Evans, vice president of the UK Sales Unit at Fläkt Woods, explains more.
One of the key drivers for air conditioning in recent years has been the need to create ‘comfort cooling’ in occupied buildings where the use of IT equipment has increased. This has come at a cost to both business and the environment.
The Carbon Trust has stated that air conditioning can increase a building’s energy costs and associated carbon emissions by up to 100 per cent, and it is estimated that cooling consumes up to 14 per cent of UK electricity. As the EU has set a target for a 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2020, the focus on air conditioning efficiency is likely to increase.
The Carbon Trust has stated that air conditioning can increase a building’s energy costs and associated carbon emissions by up to 100 per cent, and it is estimated that cooling consumes up to 14 per cent of UK electricity. As the EU has set a target for a 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2020, the focus on air conditioning efficiency is likely to increase.
