There are two types of chilled beams typically used in an HVAC system. They are:

Active Chilled Beams

Active chilled beams are those that have ductwork supplied to them providing a specific amount of primary air to the pressurized plenum within the device to be discharged through induction nozzles, mix with entrained air, and ventilate the room

This induction process allows the active chilled beams to provide the sensible cooling, heating and ventilation air as required. Classrooms, Offices, Healthcare facilities that may have moderate to high sensible heat ratios and buildings where space for mechanical equipment may be limited are among the well-suited applications for Active Chilled Beams.

Passive Chilled Beams

A passive chilled beam is one that is not ducted, does not supply primary air, and does not utilize fan powered equipment for any portion of the air that crosses the coil. They rely on induction air being drawn across the coil by the natural gravitational forces and buoyancy of air. Warm air rising to the ceiling enters the beam from above as the chilled air that has passed through the coil drops down; the motion of the cool air dropping creates a pressure drop behind it that draws more warm air through the coil