Chilled water fan coil system vs refrigerant based system
Contents |
Introduction
When choosing between a chilled water fan coil solution or a refrigerant based system, there are a couple of key factors which will ultimately affect your specification choice. These include restrictions around refrigerants in buildings, safety, sustainability and building size.
Building restrictions
Within new developments, there can be a restriction on how much refrigerant a building contains. In these cases, chilled water fan coils are a viable specification option. They are able to provide a comfortable environment using a water-based system.
Safety
F-Gas regulations require either regular inspection of joints or a leakage detection system, both of which can be quite costly. In comparison, chilled water systems use an inert liquid, eliminating the need for these additional requirements.
Sustainability
Refrigerants have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). As we drive for more sustainable buildings within the construction industry, using systems that help reduce this are important. Chilled water systems only utilise refrigerant in the main plant and therefore use much smaller quantities.
Building size
Refrigerant based systems require a plant room once they meet their maximum distance for a single pipe run. Medium to large systems may require multiple condensers which can require additional internal space and roof space. A hydronic system, however, can operate from a single chiller unit piped centrally to the roof, which can be a consideration where space is a commodity and maximising each square metre is essential.
Chilled water fan coil systems
Although a refrigerant-based system may be suitable for some projects, where they are not chilled water systems can offer a viable alternative.
With a chilled water fan coil system everything is connected to a centrally located hydronic chiller and heat pump or boiler – often situated on the roof to increase the amount of usable space. This type of system requires a two-pipe model for cooling only, or a four-pipe model for a heating and cooling systems. This allows for smaller riser space and fewer if slightly larger pipes.
As indoor air quality and occupant comfort becomes a wider topic within the construction sector, cooling is becoming increasingly necessary, especially within new and existing commercial developments. When specifying a system, it is increasingly important to select solutions which are futureproof, carry reduced risks and support the drive toward more sustainable buildings.
For more information on chilled water fan coils or to discuss a specific project in more detail, please contact our team of industry experts. GDHV also offer a range of CIBSE accredited CPDs relevant to commercial developments on products such as fan coils and heat pumps, contact us to make a booking.
This article originally appeared under the headline, 'Why pick a chilled water fan coil system over a refrigerant based system?' It was published on 20 March 2020.
--Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation 13:05, 31 Mar 2021 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.