emco Klima at the ISH 2017: ceiling outlet with induction cooling for greater comfort in office and administration buildings

The unit combines an air outlet and a water-based cooling system

emco Klima presented a cooling panel with highly inductive air delivery for ceilings at the ISH 2017 in Frankfurt. The DIKAL was specially developed for the needs of modern office and administration buildings. The unit combines an air outlet and a water-based cooling system that is able to remove internal energy loads from buildings through the simultaneous use of both air and water. Greater cooling capacities without the requirement to increase volume flows beyond the those that are hygienically required may be realised using this method. Low sound power levels, uniform temperature distribution and draught-free air delivery into the occupied zones help realise high levels of acoustic and thermal comfort. The integration of all components into a compact unit that is only 320 millimetres wide and 145 millimetres high makes for space-saving installation and flexible room design. The new product also boasts a factory-fitted installation bracket that permits quick and easy installation in all common false ceiling designs.

The ceiling outlet with induction cooling has been designed as a two-pipe system that comes with a meander fitted on the rear of the cooling ceiling. It is used to thermally activate the aluminium fins that have been positioned underneath and that act as heat-transferring elements. The primary air is admitted through a connection box that has been joined to the aluminium fins via extruded profiles. The high outlet velocity causes the secondary air from the room to be induced after which it is directed in conjunction with the primary air along the aluminium fins and thus cooled in this way. The so-called Coanda effect also occurs as the air exits, which ensures that the flow of cooled air remains stable under the ceiling and only sinks slowly after it has travelled a certain distance. This feature effectively prevents draughts, while the high induction of secondary air simultaneously causes temperatures to be reduced rapidly and the air in the room to be mixed evenly.

The total cooling capacity is achieved through the removal of loads using cold water and pre-cooled primary air. The utilisation of free cooling when outside temperatures are low helps significantly reduce energy consumption and the costs associated with such consumption. The cooling capacity achieved on the water side is 250 watts per metre at design temperatures of 15 / 17 / 26 °C (flow / return / room temperature). Air flows of between 25 and 70 cubic metres an hour per running metre may be realised at the same time. A specially developed nozzle bar is responsible for ensuring that the air is discharged in even and fine jets and that sound power levels remain low. The ceiling outlet with induction cooling possesses a sound power level of just 35 dB(A) at a volume flow of 45 cubic metres an hour and a cooling capacity of 300 watts that is achieved with the water system. This new product is therefore particularly suitable for use in rooms with high cooling requirements and low to medium air-exchange rates.

An installation distance between units of at least two metres in the direction of the air jet is recommended to ensure high levels of comfort even when several units need to be operated in parallel. The very low overall height of 145 millimetres means that the units deliver the further benefit that they may be easily installed in pure acoustic ceilings. A version with integrated inspection opening for use in closed ceiling systems is also optionally available. Integrated brackets are responsible for creating a secure fastening to ceiling structure. They have been positioned at the factory in such a way that it’s possible to insert the induction cooling outlet into the ceiling grid from below without difficulty. The brackets may then be slid over the supporting profile and screwed to the unit. This method of installation additionally permits several ceiling outlets with induction cooling to be joined to create a continuous belt. Only the aluminium fins that feature an architecturally sophisticated design remain visible after installation.