The healthy alternative to air conditioning
Ceiling cooling helps you keep a cool head on hot days. It is a healthy alternative to standard air conditioning systems and can also be retrofitted: in offices, meeting rooms, family homes and apartments. The entire ceiling is used for cooling, creating an even, comfortable room temperature. You will feel good in every way.
The surface of the ModuleCeiling can also be fitted with a sound-absorbing acoustic function. And the best thing: During the winter, the ModuleCeiling will heat your room to a comfortable and cosy temperature.
One system, four functions: cooling + heating + noise reduction + complete ceiling
This is how ceiling cooling works
Water-based ceiling cooling is a surface cooling system and operates using radiant heat exchange: Cold water circulates through the aluminium multi-layer composite pipe and cools the the entire surface of the ceiling. A person in the room emits excess body heat onto the cool surfaces. A comfortable, cool room climate spreads throughout the room.
Ceiling cooling systems operate without causing draughts. And they cool silently. The cooling ceiling can therefore also run at night.
Another benefit is that there is almost no convection, which means that the air in the room doesn’t become too dry in the winter.
Where ceiling cooling/heating is used
- Offices
- Meeting rooms
- New buildings
- Old buildings
- Residential houses and apartments
- Attic extensions
- Medical facilities
A comfortable climate: why surface cooling is so comfortable
In contrast to an air conditioning unit, ceiling cooling does not blow cold air through the room. Why? Because it operates using radiant heat exchange. The human body can slowly get used to the temperature difference between outdoors and the comfortably cool room. No more cold shock effects.
Cooling ceilings operate silently and can also run during the night – guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
Our tip: A well insulated home with an effective storage mass saves more money, since the rooms need less energy in order to be cooled.
How and why ceiling HEATING works
Die Deckenheizung bestrahlt den Raum und wärmt ihn behaglich. Sie wird großflächig verlegt und kann daher mit niederen Vorlauftemperaturen arbeiten.
Hot air rises. Do you get a hot head and cold feet if you have ceiling heating? No. In contrast to standard convection heating systems (such as radiators), good quality ceiling heating systems operate with comfortable, healthy radiant heat and very low temperature differences.
Briefly explained: it is a surface heating system and uses the entire surface for transferring heat. The radiation is emitted at right-angles to the surface, so the heat is emitted from above to below. When the rays hit a solid object, it is warmed.
Relief for the ears: the acoustic ceiling
The Variotherm cooling and heating ceiling can also be installed with a noise-absorbing acoustic surface. The acoustic panel is made of gypsum fibreboard and has pre-installed perforations. The perforation in the gypsum fibre boards channels the noise through the construction. The sound waves are ‘broken’ and the noise is significantly reduced. The reverberation period in the room is significantly decreased.
The major benefit: with the Variotherm acoustic ceiling, the holes of the acoustic panels are not covered by cooling/heating elements! As a result, they remain 100% active. This guarantees the tested noise reduction.
One system – many benefits
Feel comfortable at home! The water-based cooling ceiling operates silently and free of draughts. It can therefore also run at night. The ceiling cooling operates using healthy radiant heat exchange: the person in the room can slowly adjust to the difference in temperature between the pleasantly cool interior space and the scorching heat outside. Cold shock and stiff necks from draughts are a thing of the past.
The benefits for you
- The radiant surface remains unobstructed by furnishings
- Free of draught – does not whirl dust around
- Silent – can also run during the night
- Heating + cooling + acoustic function + finished wall
- A comfortable room climate thanks to heat exchange
- The temperature can be regulated individually for each room
- No bothersome air conditioning units on the walls
- Saves up to 30% energy costs
- Maintenance-free
- 10-year guarantee
Technology
Technical info – Classic
This is how a ceiling cooling/heating system is constructed using drywall construction
The cooling ceiling consists of a flexible panel system made of ecologically tested gypsum fibre boards. The Variomodular pipes (aluminium multi-layer composite pipes) are already integrated in the rear of the panels. It is a cooling system and ceiling in one. If it is connected to a heat source in winter, it provides ceiling heating.
Flexible panel formats for quick assembly
5 panels with a fixed height
5 panels with a variable height. Pipe spacing 75 cm
3 panels with a fixed height. Pipe spacing 105 cm
These ModulePanels have pipe spacing of 105 mm. Recessed lights, smoke alarms, loudspeakers etc. are easy to install. These are inserted between those aluminium multi-layer composite pipes, while the remaining heating and cooling surfaces are laid with ModulePanels with 75 mm pipe spacing.
Certified fire protection panel
The Variotherm ModulePanel has preventive and defensive fire protection properties. It is important that components withstand fire for a specific period. The Variotherm ModulePanels have been certified as fire protection panels by the Institute for Fire Protection Technology and Safety Research Linz (IBS).
From a fire protection perspective, the 18 mm-thin ModulePanels correspond to a 12.5 mm FERMACELL gypsum fibre board panel (Test IBS-Linz No. VFA2001-0389.01, fire protection assessment file number 10111710).
ModulePanel technical data
Panel: The ecologically tested gypsum fibre board consists of recycled paper fibres, gypsum and water (without binding agents). The components are pressed under high pressure to form a stable and odourless board.
- Apparent density ρK: 1150 ± 50 kg/m³
- Water vapour diffusion resistance factor μ: 13
- Thermal conductivity λ: 0,32 W/mK
- Specific heat capacity: c = 1.1 kJ/kgK
- Brinell hardness: 30 N/mm²
- Thickness swelling after 24h water storage: < 2%
- Thermal expansion coefficient: 0.001 %/K
- Expansion/shrinkage when the relative humidity changes by 30 % (20 °C): 0.25 mm/m
- Equilibrium humidity at 65 % relative humidity and 20 °C air temperature: 1.3 %
- pH value: 7-8
- Fire resistance as per DIN EN 13501-1: non-flammable, A2
- Identification as per DIN EN 15283-2: GF-I-W2-C1
Arrangement of the cooling/heating surfaces
Ceilings and roof slopes are ideally suited for use as cooling and heating surfaces because the radiant surfaces are not obstructed by room furnishings.
Experience shows that comfort is perceived up to 3.5 m from the active cooling surface. In higher rooms the ceiling should be suspended because the radiant effect on the body declines in proportion to the square of the distance. Our tip: Supplement the ceiling cooling/heating with wall heating/cooling.
Estimated values for dimensions:
- 70–80% ceiling surface of the room area for cooling.
- 50–60% ceiling surface of the room area for heating.
Observe the heating/cooling load calculation for precise dimensioning of the area required!
VarioModule-Pipe 11,6×1,5 Laser – aluminium multi-layer composite pipe
The aluminium multi-layer composite pipe from Variotherm is flexible and yet dimensionally stable.
The Variomodular pipe 11.6×1.5 Laser is an aluminium multi-layer composite pipe. Five layers are joined together and make the pipe flexible, easy to bend and dimensionally stable.
The innermost layer is made of polyethylene and temperature resistant. The inner surface is smooth as glass, making it impossible for deposits to form. The water flows through the pipe without resistance and with minimal pressure losses.
Construction VarioModule-pipe 11,6×1,5 Laser
- Raised-temperature-resistance polyethylene (PE-RT)
- Adhesive layer
- Homogeneous laser-welded solid aluminium pipe
- Adhesive layer
- Raised-temperature-resistance polyethylene (PE-RT)
Advantages
Fully corrosion-free
Optimum creep behaviour
Just as light as a plastic pipe
10-year guarantee with certificate
Flexible, easy to bend, extremely good hydrostatic stability
Resistant to hot water additives (inhibitors, antifreeze)
Mirror-smooth inner surface – less pressure loss – no encrustation
High pressure and temperature resistance (10 bar, +95 °C)
100% oxygen diffusion-tight
Lower linear coefficient of expansion, lower heat expansion forces
Tested as per EN 21 003 (IMA Dresden), SKZ A 397
Where the VarioModule pipe is deployed
The Variomodular pipe 11.6 x 1.5 Laser is already fully integrated in the rear of the ModulePanel. The heating pipe is embedded within the 18 mm thin, health and safety tested gypsum fibre board, with a grid spacing of 75 mm or 105 mm.
The ModulePanels are ready to be installed on walls, pitched roofs and ceilings.
Elongation
The aluminium layer guarantees elongation up to nine times lower than PEX pipes. That means the VarioProFile pipe is ideal for surface heating and cooling systems.
Elongation with 10 m and temperature difference Δt 25 °C (e. g. 20 °C to 45 °C):
Creep rupture properties
The creep behaviour indicates the long-term heat resistance of the VarioProFile pipe. This behaviour has been scrutinised in a creep rupture test. It is very important for heating piping as this is exposed to high temperatures over long periods.
Scrutinised creep behaviour has been tested for a service life of 50 years.
Technical Data
- Pipe diameter: 11,6 mm
- Pipe wall thickness: 1,5 mm
- Aluminium pipe thickness: 0,15 mm
- Water content: 0,058 l/m
- Special narrow bending radius (usea suitable bending device): 30 mm
- Max. operating temperature [tmax]: 95 °C
- Short-term resistant [tmal]: 110 °C
- Max. operating pressure [pmax]: 10 bar
- Linear expansion coefficient: 2,3 × 10-5 [K-1]
- Mean heat conduction coefficient [λ]: 0,43 W/mK
- Heat transmission resistance: 0,0033 m²K/W
Wooden or metal substructures
The substructure made of timber studs or metal profiles forms the basis for the ceiling cooling/heating. The structure can be constructed with or without surface panelling or cavity insulation and vapour retarders (vapour barrier).
Please note:
- With wooden constructions, the timber used must be sufficiently dry and straight, and conform to the Austrian standard DIN 4074-1 (quality class 2 and cutting class S = sharp-edged).
- With metal constructions, the profiles must be made of soft, non-alloyed steel with double-sided galvanising of at least 100 g/m² according to the Austrian standard DIN 18 182-1 or DIN EN 14 195.
- The construction has to be designed to carry the weight of the ModulePanels (20.5 kg/m²) and any eventual additional loads (e. g. ceiling lights). Additional loads such as ceiling lights, multi-layer planking and other fittings must also be taken into account!
Technology
Technical info – Acoustic
This is how a ceiling cooling/heating system with an acoustic function is constructed using drywall construction
The cooling ceiling with acoustic surface is a flexible panel system made of health and safety tested gypsum fibre boards. The module pipes (aluminium multi-layer composite pipes) are already integrated ready for use in the rear side. If they are also connected to a heating source, the ceiling transforms into a heating system in winter – instead of cool water, hot water between 26 and 38 °C flows through the heating pipes. The system provides cooling, heating and a ceiling in one.
Acoustic ceilings dampen sound. The perforated pattern and the acoustic fleece on the rear side of the ModulePanels absorb sound into the hollow chamber behind. The sound is refracted. More precisely, acoustic ceilings reduce the reverberation time in the room.
One special detail: With Variotherm, the holes of the acoustic panels are not covered by cooling/heating elements. This is the only way to ensure certified, guaranteed noise reduction.
Flexible panel formats for quick installation
The 18 millimetre-thick gypsum fibre board panels are available now with two different hole patterns: With the 8 millimetre block perforation or 6 and/or 12 millimetre surface perforation, the customer can design the ceiling according to their wishes.
ModulePanel technical data
Panel: The ecologically tested gypsum fibre board consists of recycled paper fibres, gypsum and water (without binding agents). The components are pressed under high pressure to form a stable and odourless board.
- Apparent density ρK: 1150 ± 50 kg/m³
- Water vapour diffusion resistance factor μ: 13
- Thermal conductivity λ: 0,32 W/mK
- Specific heat capacity: c = 1.1 kJ/kgK
- Brinell hardness: 30 N/mm²
- Thickness swelling after 24h water storage: < 2%
- Thermal expansion coefficient: 0.001 %/K
- Expansion/shrinkage when the relative humidity changes by 30 % (20 °C): 0.25 mm/m
- Equilibrium humidity at 65 % relative humidity and 20 °C air temperature: 1.3 %
- pH value: 7-8
- Fire resistance as per DIN EN 13501-1: non-flammable, A2
- Identification as per DIN EN 15283-2: GF-I-W2-C1
Certified acoustic panel
The Variotherm acoustic panels including the integrated modular pipe have been tested by TÜV Rheinland in Nuremberg. Eight different test pieces were set up in a modern echo chamber with a volume of around 400 m³ and a reverberation time of approximately 7 seconds. All standard frequencies were thoroughly tested over a defined period of time.
A test was conducted to determine how much sound could be expected to be absorbed with ModulePanels with the acoustic function once they were installed. The result: The test conducted by the TÜV verifies and guarantees the excellent sound-absorbing effect of the acoustic surface!
Arrangement of the surfaces
On ceilings and roof slopes, the radiant surfaces are not obstructed by furnishings. They are therefore ideally suited for heating and cooling.
Experience shows: The comfort is perceived up to a distance of 3.5 m from the active cooling surface. In higher rooms the ceiling should be suspended because the radiant effect on the body declines in proportion to the square of the distance.
Estimated values for dimensions:
- 70–80% ceiling surface of the room area for cooling.
- 50–60% ceiling surface of the room area for heating.
Observe the heating/cooling load calculation for precise dimensioning of the area required!
VarioModule-Pipe 11,6×1,5 Laser – aluminium multi-layer composite pipe
The aluminium multi-layer composite pipe from Variotherm is flexible and yet dimensionally stable.
The Variomodular pipe 11.6×1.5 Laser is an aluminium multi-layer composite pipe. Five layers are joined together and make the pipe flexible, easy to bend and dimensionally stable.
The innermost layer is made of polyethylene and temperature resistant. The inner surface is smooth as glass, making it impossible for deposits to form. The water flows through the pipe without resistance and with minimal pressure losses.
Construction VarioModule-pipe 11,6×1,5 Laser
- Raised-temperature-resistance polyethylene (PE-RT)
- Adhesive layer
- Homogeneous laser-welded solid aluminium pipe
- Adhesive layer
- Raised-temperature-resistance polyethylene (PE-RT)
Advantages
Fully corrosion-free
Optimum creep behaviour
Just as light as a plastic pipe
10-year guarantee with certificate
Flexible, easy to bend, extremely good hydrostatic stability
Resistant to hot water additives (inhibitors, antifreeze)
Mirror-smooth inner surface – less pressure loss – no encrustation
High pressure and temperature resistance (10 bar, +95 °C)
100% oxygen diffusion-tight
Lower linear coefficient of expansion, lower heat expansion forces
Tested as per EN 21 003 (IMA Dresden), SKZ A 397
Where the VarioModule pipe is deployed
The Variomodular pipe 11.6 x 1.5 Laser is already fully integrated in the rear of the ModulePanel. The heating pipe is embedded within the 18 mm thin, health and safety tested gypsum fibre board, with a grid spacing of 75 mm or 105 mm.
The ModulePanels are ready to be installed on walls, pitched roofs and ceilings.
Elongation
The aluminium layer guarantees elongation up to nine times lower than PEX pipes. That means the VarioProFile pipe is ideal for surface heating and cooling systems.
Elongation with 10 m and temperature difference Δt 25 °C (e. g. 20 °C to 45 °C):
Wooden or metal substructures
The ModulePanels are screwed onto a substructure made of timber studs or metal profiles. The structure can be constructed with or without surface panelling or cavity insulation and vapour retarders (vapour barrier).
Please note:
- With wooden constructions, the timber used must be sufficiently dry and straight, and conform to the Austrian standard DIN 4074-1 (quality class 2 and cutting class S = sharp-edged).
- With metal constructions, the profiles must be made of soft, non-alloyed steel with double-sided galvanising of at least 100 g/m² according to the Austrian standard DIN 18 182-1 or DIN EN 14 195.
- The construction has to be designed to carry the weight of the ModulePanels (20.5 kg/m²) and any eventual additional loads (e. g. ceiling lights). Additional loads such as ceiling lights, multi-layer planking and other fittings must also be taken into account!
Installation
Simple and quick to install
The flexible Variotherm ModulePanels are mounted using drywall construction and can also be retrofitted. Both metal and timber structures are suitable as substructures.
How it works: One panel after another is aligned in position and screwed on. The joint adhesive on the edge completely connects the panels. The Variomodular pipe (aluminium multi-layer composite pipe) laid on the rear side is connected to the heating and cooling manifold. The cooling and heating ceiling is ready for plastering and painting.
Commonly available paints such as latex, emulsion or gloss paints can be applied to the ModulePanels. Mineral-based paints such as limewash and silicate paints must be approved by the manufacturer for use on gypsum fibre boards. The paint is usually applied to the panels in two steps.
All you need for installation
VarioModule pipe is integrated in the ModulePanel
ModulePanels with 105 mm pipe spacing
Mounting system developed by Variotherm
The pipe connections are 100 % tight
Thermostats guarantee simple, fast regulation of the room temperature
Heating/cooling manifolds are fully assembled and pressure-tested
FAQs
What energy source does ceiling cooling need?
Anyone using a Variotherm ceiling for cooling purposes needs cooled water. Ideally, the energy needed is obtained directly from the surrounding environment, using deep drilling, surface collectors or a heat pump. The latter takes the energy needed from environmentally friendly sources: air, earth or ground water. The integrated compressor generates the water temperature of between 16 and 20°C needed for cooling.
Does ceiling cooling have any disadvantages?
If you compare the purchase costs with an air conditioning unit, they are higher for a cooling ceiling. However, during ongoing operation, the energy costs of a water-based ceiling cooling system are up to 30% lower than the electricity costs of an air conditioning unit. This means that surface heating pays off within just a few years.
In addition, the ceiling cools silently and without causing a draught and can therefore also be run at night.