After reading the Cost Model on office air- conditioning (BSj 02/06), I think it is worth discussing the benefits of the four-pipe fan coil against chilled beams or chilled ceiling panels.
It was interesting to see that the author excluded the VRV (or VRF, depending on the manufacturer) type of system, which would use a ducted style of above-ceiling fan coil unit or a cassette style. Fresh air in both cases can be added quite simply.
Perhaps an underlying cause for the non-inclusion may be that, as a Consulting Engineer, the resultant snagging from a VRV/F system involves much less work to criticise than a four-pipe system?
The design team may also find it worth advising their clients that the majority of VRV/F systems attract the ECA allowance for the end user - which may be more attractive to the client's accountant.
Lester M Abrahams I Eng ACIBSE MASHRAE MCMI
Source
Building Sustainable Design
