The Building Research Establishment has developed a test rig which physically models solar heat gains at windows and blinds.
The equipment has been used to study the interaction between passive chilled beams and heat gains within the perimeter zones of buildings.

With the increased use of passive systems and displacement ventilation, realistic modelling is essential. Air movement and temperature distribution are much more difficult to predict with systems such as chilled beams and ceilings which rely on natural convection.

Tests will continue for the next nine months in BRE's environmental chamber, and results will be published in Autumn 2003. This will include graphical and pictorial design aids to show the effects of alternative installation configurations.

The study is jointly funded by the DTI under its Partners in Innovation scheme. Partners are BRE, CIBSE, FBE, Hoare Lea & Partners, Rybka, Barrett Ceilings, Klima Therm, and SAS International.