With managing operational costs and minimising disruption key for hospital HVAC specification, Uponor says its ‘fit-and forget’ TABS – Thermally Active Building System – which ‘lasts the building’s lifetime’ is ‘the ideal solution for any new-build hospital or extension project’.
The company said: “TABS provides an environment where the temperature adjusts to remain ambient regardless of the outdoor climate, and provides a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions and energy bills.”
Suitable for use ‘standalone’, or in conjunction with natural ventilation, a passive design strategy, or mixed mode or mechanical ventilation, TABS uses pipework laid into the concrete pour for the slab to create a fixed, permanent infrastructure for water to both heat and cool the building. The system exploits the concrete’s thermal mass to store and exchange thermal energy, reducing the amount required to heat and cool the building. Uponor works closely with clients and architects to maximise the benefits by combining them with a thermally efficient building envelope. The system uses low temperature hot water (30/25 °C) for heating, and high grade chilled water (15/20 °C) for cooling. Uponor added: “Because the energy load required is so low, TABS is ideal for use with renewable energy sources.”
‘Invisible and silent’, TABS eliminates the need for wall-mounted heaters or air-conditioning units, and ‘requires almost no maintenance’.
