Thermally Active Building Structure Pipe
Uponor TABS is a radiant heating and cooling system that utilizes the concrete mass of a building’s structure to store and transfer thermal energy to surrounding areas.
Water, either heated or cooled, circulates through pipes embedded within the concrete slab of the structure. This silent process leverages the exposed surface of the ceiling slab to efficiently deliver heating or cooling to the space below. The system operates year-round, providing warmth in colder months and cooling during warmer periods.
TABS are designed to manage a building’s fundamental heating and cooling demands, ensuring a consistently comfortable indoor climate. This approach significantly enhances indoor air quality, contributing to occupants’ well-being and productivity. Additionally, the system seamlessly integrates with mechanical and/or natural ventilation and is highly compatible with Renewable Energy Sources, making it an ideal choice for modern, sustainable buildings.
Since TABS is a radiant heating and cooling system, it does not replace ventilation. However, it allows contractors to achieve 30-50% lower installation costs by reducing the need for large refrigeration and heating units, as well as minimizing air-conditioning ductwork. Beyond installation savings, TABS can be up to 30% more cost-effective over the building’s lifecycle compared to traditional HVAC systems.
Uponor TABS can be combined with free-hanging radiant panels to respond more quickly to changing heating and cooling loads. Thermal sockets can be incorporated into the slab, enabling peak load elements or additional heating and cooling components to be suspended directly from the concrete ceiling. The system features an automatic locking mechanism, allowing for the later addition of suspended elements without the need to drain the system.
In summary, TABS provides an optimal indoor climate while offering cost efficiency through lower initial investment, reduced maintenance, and a low lifecycle cost. Savings can be realized both during construction and throughout the building’s operational lifespan, contributing to overall sustainability.
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