With active chilled beam systems the building's primary/ventilation air is continuously supplied to the active chilled beam terminal units by the central air handling system. This primary/ventilation air is cooled or heated to partially handle the temperature-driven sensible loads, while in the summer being cooled/dehumidified enough to handle all of the internal moisture-driven latent loads.

Primary/ventilation air (1) is introduced into the active chilled beam through a series of nozzles (2). This induces room air (3) up into the active chilled beam and in turn through a secondary water coil (4). Induced room air is cooled and/or heated by the water coil to the extent needed to control the room temperature. Induced room air is then mixed with the primary/ventilation air and the mixed air (5) is discharged into the room.