Performance optimization of a sidewall radiant heating system integrated with diffuse ceiling ventilation

• Published in: Building and environment Vol. 213; p. 108881
• Main Authors: Yang, Bin, Guo, Yuyao, Xu, Shuaixing, Su, Wei, Wu, Mengchun, Wang, Faming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Diffuse ceiling ventilation; Neutral level; Radiant asymmetry; Thermal comfort; Diffuse ceiling ventilation; Thermal comfort; Neutral level; Radiant asymmetry
• ISSN: 0360-1323; 1873-684X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108881

Radiant heating systems typically created a non-uniform thermal environment. The effect of radiant asymmetry on human thermal comfort was the main consideration in its application. However, previous studies did not emphasize the method of supplying fresh air and its impact on the asymmetric thermal environment. In this study, flow field distribution in a radiant heating room with diffuse ceiling ventilation system which had different porous ceiling opening rates was studied by numerical simulations. Meanwhile, subjective experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence on human thermal comfort. The results revealed that under different porous ceiling opening rates, non-uniform opening on the porous ceiling could optimize the indoor asymmetric thermal environment and reduce local draft discomfort. Furthermore, the neutral level in the room could be maintained at the same height by adjusting ceiling opening rates. The method of supplying fresh air into the radiant heating room had a certain impact on the asymmetric thermal environment. This paper served as a reference for the future design of the radiant system combined with a fresh air system. •DCV aided fresh air supply together with sidewall radiant asymmetric heating•Non-uniform distribution of buoyancy driven airflow•Neutral level control by DCV with non-uniform intensity