Full-scale operation of a novel two-pipe active beam system for simultaneous heating and cooling of office buildings

This paper presents an investigation on the operation of a novel active beam system installed in an office building located in Jönköping, Sweden. The system consists of two parts: a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to satisfy latent loads and ventilation requirements, and a water circuit to meet sensible heating and cooling loads. The novelty of the system is in relation to the water circuit, which is able to provide simultaneous heating and cooling through a single water loop that is near the room temperature. The energy performance of the system is currently being monitored through a number of sensors placed along the water circuit. Relevant physical parameters are being measured and data are available through a monitoring system. A preliminary analysis shows that the system is performing as designed. Results are shown for a typical week in winter, spring and summer. In particular, the supply water temperature in the circuit was between 20°C (in summer) and 23.2°C (in winter). The maximum supply/return temperature difference was found in summer and it assumed a value of 1.5 K. It is noticed that in spring supply and return water temperatures almost overlap.