Design and thermal analysis of a new multi-segmented mini channel based radiant ceiling cooling panel

Abstract

Cooling radiant ceiling panel (CRCP) have been dramatically applied in modern buildings. Therefore, the key aim of this article is to recommend a new multi-segmented mini-channel-based CRCP with four distinct designs to compete with the traditional flat sheet-and-tube CRCP. In these designs, the panel is divided into multi-strips wide mini-channel. These segments are integrated into the room with a different inclination angles. This permits the designers to enlarge the number of segments or the panel area for the same constrained ceiling area. Two different 3D CFD models are developed and validated. The first model is a conjugate heat transfer model used to compare the thermo-hydraulic performance of the sheet and tube CRCP with the new proposed mini-channel-based CRCP. The second model is utilized to integrate the new mini-channel with different designs for the standard testing methods. The findings demonstrate that the mini-channel CRCR accomplish high panel temperature uniformity, higher cooling capacity, and lower power consumption in comparison with the traditional sheet and tube panels. Furthermore, the multi-segmented mini-channel CRCP inclined with ± 45°, V- shape, with 83% increased area accomplish a 51% boost in the cooling capacity at the same indoor temperature. Also, it is worth declaring that this design can be conducted at a panel temperature of 18.8 °C to accomplish the same cooling capacity and the identical indoor air temperature obtained by a flat CRCP with panel temperature of 15.8 °C.