Thermal Comfort Analysis of Novel Low Exergy Radiant Heating Cooling System and Energy Saving Potential Comparing to Conventional Systems

Abstract

In this study characteristics of a model room with dimensions 6 m × 4 m × 3 m has been investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamics method with regard to thermal comfort, in case of that the room is heated and cooled by the means of radiant panels. Both general thermal comfort parameters [PMV (percentage mean vote), PPD (predicted percentage of dissatisfied)] and local thermal comfort parameters (radiant temperature asymmetry, draught, vertical air temperature difference, warm and cool floors) which are described by the standards ISO 7730 and ASHRAE 55 have been taken into consideration. Radiant panels have been placed to exterior walls for heating system, and they have been put on both exte\rior walls and ceiling for cooling system. According to the TS 2164 standards, different regions are identified with regard to outdoor climate conditions for heating and cooling seasons in Turkey, and analysis of heating/cooling is done for each region. Heat fluxes from radiant panels and corresponding values of room mean temperature required in order for the conditions of thermal comfort described by the standards ISO 7730 to be met have been determined for these regions and heating/cooling system configurations. Energy saving potential of radiant system has been evaluated for these regions and heating/cooling mode.