Trox creates special fan-coil unit for London development
Trox fan-coil units have been selected for the striking Central Saint Giles mixed-use development in central London. The high performance requirements of the consultant are met by a combination of energy-efficient motors and customised jet-nozzle and grille designs — at the same time as achieving the architect’s intentions for the visual impact of the space.
This development provides 35 000 m2 of office space, 56 private apartments and 53 affordable home, in addition to restaurant and retail units. There is also an outdoor public piazza and impressive reception area.
The unusual dimensions of the reception presented specific air-distribution challenges. Arup, consultant for the project, wanted to prove empirically that the air-handling equipment would perform exactly as anticipated before moving forward with the installation. Finally, the HVAC systems needed to meet low-carbon requirements and be suitable for integrating with a biomass boiler.
Trox was able to meet the specification with its ability to manufacture customised grilles, its technical expertise and facilities at its Thetford site for laboratory testing of equipment.
The architect’s requirements were met by specially designed linear bar grilles. The architect did not want spacing bars next to the jet nozzles and wanted all blades to line up — requirements which were met by machining customised grilles with circular holes into which the jet nozzles fit.
Trox also worked with the consultant to determine the optimum design of jet nozzle to create the required comfort conditions. The performance was then proved under laboratory conditions.
To meet the low-carbon requirements, energy-efficient EC motors are used. The FCUs are also sized to work effectively with the high water temperatures delivered by the biomass boiler.
