TROX CHILLED BEAMS ARRIVE AT TERMINAL 5
18/10/2007
Multi Service Chilled Beams (MSCB) from leading air distribution system provider TROX UK has been selected by Heathrow Terminal 5 after rigorous analysis of the benefits. The energy efficient and sustainable MSCB system will provide the best possible levels of comfort for both passengers and staff in the main arrivals corridors. Active and passive TROX beams are also being integrated into the ceilings in other critical areas.
In late 2004, TROX Design Bureau was invited by Terminal 5’s M & E consulting engineers to provide engineering advice on the benefits of incorporating a chilled beam solution to the new Heathrow satellite building. After the initial proposals had been accepted by the client, BAA, TROX was invited to competitively tender a Design Development and Supply package, which was secured early in 2005.
The design and development of the MSCB rafts was delivered by the TROX Design Bureau. It was resourced by a dedicated team of TROX designers and project managers, who became an integral part of the BAA design and contracting team based on site at Heathrow. The design process for the MSCB rafts impacted on all other construction disciplines, especially with the BAA architects and interior designers.
The MSCB raft was the widest beam TROX had designed and manufactured at an impressive 2.5m wide by 4.5m long. The modules comprised active chilled beams using a standard derivative of the TROX DID induction engine configured as ‘outriggers’ to the ceiling raft.
The internal interface edge of the rafts was manufactured to incorporate a patented edge extrusion under specific licence from the BAA specified ceiling contractor, enabling ‘tilt and lift’ access to the ceiling tiles to be formed as an integral part of the TROX raft.
Each MSCB raft was installed with lighting and lighting control equipment, together with chilled water control valves, air supply ductwork and pipework to enable the modules to be simply ‘plugged’ together on site to form a continuous ceiling raft.
Chilled beams were also designed and supplied to other areas within the terminal. All equipment underwent extensive testing by TROX in its specially designed test facilities to ensure that, when fully integrated within the building, their performance was not compromised.
“The success of this highly complex, fully integrated MSCB project is due to the opportunity taken to become part of the client’s design and development team at the very earliest stage of the project” said Graham Burley, Strategic Accounts Manager, TROX UK.
