Low-Temperature Radiant Cooling and its Effect on the Local Indoor Thermal Environment

Thais Keravec-Balbot, Eric Teitelbaum, Forrest Meggers, Dolaana Khovalyg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Radiant systems allowing high-temperature cooling have been considered energy-efficient solutions for indoor climatization. In addition, radiant systems prevent local discomfort, such as air movement and vertical air temperature difference. However, the application of radiant cooling is limited due to the condensation when the air temperature is below the dew point. To overcome this challenge, a polypropylene radiant panel with a membrane to reduce convection at the panel surface, thus allowing the panel to operate at temperatures below the dew point, was recently proposed. In this study, the performance of such a panel was experimentally tested at 28 ℃ ambient temperature, 14 ℃ of circulating water temperature, and 140 W/m2 cooling power. Three locations (front, side, and back) around a workstation were investigated in terms of the effect of the panel's location on the local thermal environment. The radiant environment was evaluated using novel cube sensors for mean radiant temperature measurements. Results reveal no condensation occurrence on the surface of the panels. The back location of the panel was found to be the most efficient in lowering the operative temperature (reduction by 1.3 K), while the front position was the least effective (the operative temperature reduction by only 0.3 K). Additionally, a separation of up to 1.6 ℃ between air temperature and mean radiant temperature was noted for the back panel placement. This study demonstrates that a radiant panel with a membrane to provide localized improvement of the thermal environment by affecting the mean radiant temperature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultiphysics and Multiscale Building Physics - Proceedings of the 9th International Building Physics Conference IBPC 2024, Building Systems and HVAC Technologies
EditorsUmberto Berardi
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages104-109
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9789819783120
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Event9th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2024 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: Jul 25 2024Jul 27 2024

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume554 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

Conference9th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2024
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period7/25/247/27/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Keywords

  • Local Thermal Environment
  • Mean Radiant Temperature
  • Radiant Cooling

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