Operation
The AdeRo climate system is based on the transfer of heat between the ceiling panel and a finely distributed network of plastic capillary pipes, where untreated water of drinking-water quality flows as energy carrier. The ceiling panel then extracts this heat from the underlying space (cooling function). The inner diameter of capillary pipes is so small, and they have all been connected parallel, that water flow is always laminar. This means noise production or cavitation will not be encountered, with relative low resistance in the system. The pipes also work as capillary vessels, which means the AdeRo mats also have a ventilating effect. This system's excellent heat transfer is realised by combining the low wall thickness of capillary pipes with the panel's large contact surface. The small distance between the pipes also helps to realise very uniform temperature distribution across the panel.
Oxygen diffusion takes place in the system due to the use of polypropylene for AdeRo mats and the distribution pipes. The absence of oxygen does not become a problem because only non-corrosive materials are used in the climate ceiling circuit, and because it has been separated from the primary circuit using a stainless steel heat exchanger. The use of non-corrosive materials and the presence of oxygen in the water makes sure untreated water remains clear and safeguards effective system operation.
The permissible system pressure amounts to approximately 4 bar. At the factory, each climate mat is checked for tightness by applying pressure of 20 bar. In addition, another pneumatic tightness check is carried out after installation in the building.
The AdeRo element only has low water content and therefore low heat content. The AdeRo climate system therefore quickly responds to temperature and/or volume fluctuations in the water supply. This means the AdeRo climate system is ideal for change-over systems.
Technical specifications
Capacity
External factors like sunlight, transmission data for windows, walls and roofs, and internal factors like heat development via e.g. other people, electrical equipment and lighting, are used to define cooling and heating capacity per area when designing the climate system. The designer also determines the benchmarks implemented for comfort. Inteco uses the design benchmarks to determine how many AdeRo climate mats need to be incorporated into the ceiling, or to determine rate of displacement. The displacement or activation rate is expressed by the number of water supply particles in relation to the gross ceiling surface area. Due to effective heat exchange and the large heat exchange area, the cooling capacity for the active panel surface area amounts to approx. 67 W/m2; (ΔT = 8K according to EN 14240).
Mats and distribution pipes
AdeRo mats and distribution pipes are extruded from PP Random copolymer. This raw material is particularly well suited to water pipes that are regularly exposed to operating temperatures of 60 deg. C and has been used in floor heating systems and drinking water pipes for many years. The material offers extra certainty and a longer life-span because lower operating temperatures (up to 45 deg. C) are encountered in climate ceilings.
Manifolds
AdeRo climate mats and distribution pipes feature integrated manifolds. The manifolds are made from brass/plastic, have stainless steel toothing and feature an O-ring for a long-lasting seal.
Connection hoses
The used flexible connection hoses are made from EPDM rubber, are protected on the outside with nylon or stainless steel braiding , and feature nickel-plated and grooved brass ends. These hoses are very flexible, are able to resist high pressure and have a long life-span.
Loss of pressure
During the execution phase of projects, pressure loss is measured at each connection point in the climate ceiling. In this case, the following data is important:
- The water flow and the area temperature in the design.
- The dimensions of climate elements.
- The hydraulic connections in climate elements (series / parallel)
The design of series/parallel connections aims to keep pressure loss at connection points to between 5 and 40 kPa.
AdeRo climate elements
- Climate mat: Polypropylene capillary pipes; 3.4 x 0.55 mm, c.t.c. distance 10 mm.
- Mounting: Inserted into ceiling panel.
- Fixation: via mineral wool blanket and special compression springs or via optional gypsum panel.
- Series connection: Flexible hoses with braiding and manifolds.
AdeRo distribution pipes
- Material: PP (polypropylene); 20 x 2 mm.
- Branching: PP fittings featuring integrated 10 mm manifolds suitable for connecting to flexible hoses with tubular 10 mm groove connection at the end.
- End surface: Smooth end.
- Mounting: Plastic pipe brackets together with metal half-shells.
Hydraulic data (cooling and heating)
- Water quality: Water treatment is unnecessary for the AdeRo climate system and the materials implemented by Inteco.
- Operating pressure: Maximum operating pressure amounts to 4 bar.
- Pressure loss and volume: Between 5 and 40 kPa, volume determined by design temperatures and the balance between series/parallel connections.
Acoustic performance
- Noise absorption: The NRC value for a perforated panel with glued acoustic layer amounts to at least 0.70 over the perforated surface depending on the plenum height.
- Noise absorption: The NRC value gfor a perforated panel with mineral wool blanket, with a density of 35 kg/m3 and a thickness of 35, amounts to at least 0.90 over the perforated surface depending on the plenum height.
- Noise insulation (optional) : The noise insulation value of the whole enclosed ceiling amounts to approx. 51 dB. When the gypsum panel is implemented, the NRC value amounts to approx. 0.75 over the perforated surface.
Main installation and configuration
Climate system controls
Configuring capacity
The cooling and heating capacities of the ceiling can be set per configuration zone. The configuration zone is that part of the ceiling which has connected controls for realising the required capacity. Configuration can involve a whole building, part of the building (e.g. north/south side), a room or even a fixed pattern, and therefore offers great flexibility. The controls can be arranged centrally via the building management system or via a regulator in the relevant space.
Control based on variable volume flow
This control method assumes a constant temperature in the water supply. Room temperature is regulated by reducing or closing water supply via a two-way, three-way or six-way valve.
Control based on variable temperature
This control method assumes constant water volume. Room temperature is regulated by centrally varying the water supply temperature via the building management system.
Dew point protection
Central dew point protection
Various parameters, like the dew point temperature measured for outdoor air, return air and air in reference rooms, are used to centrally regulate water supply temperature via the building management system.
Passive dew point monitoring
A dew point sensor, which is installed in the ceiling, detects potential condensation at an early stage; in this case, control valves will shut off water supply to the relevant configuration zone. If the building has windows that can be opened, dew point sensors are often incorporated into window contact surfaces.
Active dew point monitoring
A room-based regulator continuously calculates the dew point per configuration using relative humidity and room temperature. The water supply temperature is varied per configuration zone, which stops condensation from occurring. The water supply temperature can, for example, be differentiated using a mixing switch between return and supply in the relevant area. This type of monitoring means an extra pump is needed per configuration zone. Active dew point monitoring is often combined with central monitoring, which means only critical areas are actively regulated.
Structure climate system
Cooling and heating can be realised as follows:
Using a completely separate system for cooling water and central heating water
- Separate elements
Different panels are used for cooling and heating in energetically favourable, completely separate hydraulic systems. This means one panel is connected to the cooling circuit, while the other is connected to the heating circuit. This system is effective for buildings where lower capacities are required.
- Combi elements
A good alternative for MeandRo combi elements, where special cooling and heating meanders are interwoven to create a single element. Cooling and heating pipes are therefore located interchangeably. Each active panel can therefore serve for cooling and heating purposes. This means combi elements are suitable for offices where higher capacities are required.
Via a change-over system
- 2-pipe system
The whole pipe network and climate elements will therefore be flushed with cold water during cooling; with hot water during heating and with a mixed flow during a change-over period (transition between cooling and heating or vice versa). In this system, a lot of water needs to be heated to heating temperature (and vice versa) during the long change-over period, which consumes energy. This easy to install system is therefore particularly suited to smaller circuits.
- 3-pipe system
In this system, the main pipes for cold and hot water supply are separated until immediately prior to the climate ceiling in the relevant space. That is where both pipes are combined using a three-way valve. The distribution pipes, climate elements and return pipes are all shared. This concept enables high reaction speed and shortens the change-over period, while a lot less water needs to be heated and cooled.
- 4-pipe system
This system involves double supply and return. They are only shared in the climate ceiling. The two supplies are joined at the three-way or six-way valve, just like the 3-pipe system. However, in this case, the return flow is also separated via a similar three or six-way valve. The 4-pipe system combines high reaction speed with a short change-over period, where almost no energy destruction is encountered.
Ventilation
Inteco has compiled a ventilation protocol for ventilating climate ceilings. This is discussed with construction partners during execution of the project so the climate ceiling can be ventilated in an appropriate manner. After all the preparation activities (filling, etc.), the prescribed flow must be conventionally ventilated per section. Because the internal diameters of climate elements and flexible hoses are relatively small, there is no chance of air being left behind in upright elements or hoses if there is sufficient water flow. Air bubbles are easily propelled and eliminated by the water flow. However, each section must be ventilated separately in order to ensure sufficient flow in each series connection. This is possible, for example, by implementing central ventilation whereby only one section is opened at any given moment. Followed by the next section, etc..
Sustainability, fire safety & certification
Production and environment
All ceiling products are produced in accordance with the TAIM norm (Technischer Arbeitskreis Industrieller Metalldeckenhersteller). Only a small amount of production waste is produced during the production process for climate elements, while 100% of the basic material is utilised. During soldering activities for the MeandRo element, released gases are carefully extracted and filtered in accordance with the strictest norms. All parts of the ceiling and climate element can be easily sorted by material type, and can be recycled into high quality raw materials. Inteco's climate ceilings are ideal for projects where certification in accordance with BREEAM, for example, is required.
Fire safety
A safe feeling. Inteco advisors are familiar with international requirements implemented for fire resistance, flammability and fire stability. They are perfectly placed to know which provisions are needed in order to comply with these requirements. Inteco's products and systems have been tested for their fire behaviour in accordance with the EN standard 3694.
Certification
Inteco is synonymous with quality and reliability. That is why we think it is important for our products and processes to comply with the strictest norms and certifications.
- Inteco is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
- Our employees are VCA certified
- Inteco climate systems are tested in accordance with applicable European norms, e.g.: EN 14240 / EN 14037 / EN ISO 7730
- Inteco ceiling systems feature CE markings, including Reaction to Fire Classification (SBI test)