Chilled beam systems are an alternative to conventional HVAC systems like VAV that use beams suspended from ceilings to cool rooms. Water is circulated through pipes in the beams to absorb heat from the air. As the air around the beam cools, it falls to the floor and is replaced by warmer rising air, creating convection currents. There are passive and active beam types. Passive beams rely on natural convection while active beams integrate supply air nozzles. Chilled beams provide cooling through both radiation and convection with benefits like lower energy use and better indoor air quality compared to conventional systems.