Giacomini systems in the new Ajaccio Hospital

Radiant systems installed in the new Hôpital Notre-Dame de la Misericorde in Ajaccio

The radiant systems installed in the new Hôpital Notre-Dame de la Misericorde in Ajaccio represent cutting-edge technology for heating and cooling environments in the most energy-efficient manner, without compromising thermal comfort, air quality, or patient well-being. The system design includes the KLIMA NEW BUILDING radiant floor system in the reception area and the GK Classic T24 600x600 radiant ceiling system in numerous patient rooms, covering a total area of 5,000 m². Thermo-hygrometric conditions and air quality are managed through the synergy of radiant systems, responsible for balancing sensible heat loads, and AHUs (Air Handling Units), which supply primary ventilation air and control the relative humidity in the spaces.

This approach offers several key advantages, including:

• Silence: Reducing the noise associated with traditional HVAC systems improves the psychological and physical well-being of patients;
• Hygiene: Minimizing air movement and avoiding any form of air recirculation reduces the spread of pathogens through ventilation systems;
• Energy efficiency: Typically, 65%-70% of electricity costs in hospitals are due to traditional HVAC systems. Radiant systems, which rely on radiation, are highly energy-efficient and are particularly suited for integration with heat pumps, enabling them to operate at optimal COP (Coefficient of Performance) and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), significantly lowering both short-term operational costs and long-term financial burdens—a critical factor for healthcare facilities often facing tight budget constraints;
• Modularity, ease of installation, and inspectability: Radiant ceilings are particularly suitable for hospital applications, where traditional suspended ceilings of similar modularity are often installed. Additionally, their preassembled panel construction makes them easy to install and maintain, as well as allowing access to the infrastructure usually housed in suspended ceilings. This also makes them ideal for retrofitting existing buildings without the need for invasive interventions that could disrupt hospital activities;
• Utility and perceived comfort: The responsiveness and thermal comfort provided by radiant ceilings are highly valued in hospital wards, where patients with varying thermal sensitivities are common. Furthermore, a stable and comfortable thermal environment can accelerate the healing process and improve the quality of care.

In the case of the Ajaccio hospital, the solution designed to optimize internal space management with radiant systems also includes special thermal exchange and distribution substations located in technical rooms serving different zones within the building. These systems interface and physically separate the 4-pipe primary network from the secondary distribution network, ensuring fluid circulation to the radiant panels and regulating the supply temperature to match the thermo-hygrometric conditions of the served zone, thereby improving service quality. Additionally, they simplify the technical challenge of balancing the hydronic networks that supply the terminal systems.

The Klimabus control system serves as the key interface between all Giacomini technologies installed and the hospital’s Building Management System (BMS). Using T-ur% ambient sensors, the electronic controllers act as local intelligence units that assist the BMS by exchanging system status information and sending directives to the field actuators.

In conclusion, this installation further demonstrates how radiant floor and ceiling systems offer practical solutions and represent a smart choice for optimizing comfort and reducing energy costs in hospitals open to innovative technologies. Their ability to heat and cool spaces uniformly, quietly, and without compromising indoor air quality makes them particularly suitable for environments where hygiene and well-being are paramount. Additionally, when integrated with energy management systems, they can be a strategic investment for modern healthcare facilities, contributing to improved patient well-being, better working conditions for hospital staff, and positive financial and operational sustainability for the hospital itself.