Application of radiant floor cooling in a large open space building with high-intensity solar radiation

Abstract

Radiant floor cooling is suitable for environmental control in large space buildings with high-intensity solar radiation caused by a large transparent envelope. A simple method for predicting the performance of radiant floor cooling systems with solar radiation in steady state is proposed in this paper, and the key factors that influence performance are obtained. Cooling capacity of the radiant floor is significantly increased with high-intensity solar radiation and high-temperature building envelope surfaces in large space buildings. The effect of shelter of indoor furniture (such as chairs) on the performance of radiant floors is analyzed. The lowest floor surface temperature is located at the sheltered floor, and the cooling capacity of the sheltered radiant floor is also lower than that of the unsheltered radiant floor. A case study applying radiant floor cooling in a large space building is then analyzed, and the results are compared with those of a conventional all-air jet ventilation system. At the same indoor air temperature, the radiant cooling system can provide better thermal comfort at a lower operative temperature, and it presents a significant improvement in energy efficiency, with total energy demand 20–30% lower than the conventional all-air system.