Evaluation of thermal characteristics on a multi-sheet-type radiant panel heating system

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the thermal characteristics of a multi-sheet-type radiant panel heating system and its effect on the indoor thermal environment. To examine the thermal characteristics using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations, simulation of a radiant panel model that considers actual usage condition combined with convection and radiation is very important. We analyze the indoor thermal environment of a real-scale space, heated by a radiant heating system, using full-scale measurement and CFD simulation. In a multi-sheet-type radiant panel, the convective heat transfer is greater than the radiative heat transfer. The multi-sheet-type radiant panel is actually not a real “radiant panel.” It is named as such by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers because its radiative heat transfer is more than 50%. We also determine the effects of indoor setup location of the radiant panel and panel shape on the heat-discharge characteristics. Compared with a single-sheet-type with the same heat discharge, a multi-sheet type has a larger surface area and area of contact with air. Thus, the convective heat transfer is greater, and the radiative heat transfer is smaller.