Full-scale test and CFD-simulation of radiant panel integrated with exposed chilled beam in heating mode

Abstract

Thermal conditions in an office room with a chilled beam having integrated radiant panel (CBRP) were analysed in the full-scale laboratory test and using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. Thermal conditions in the office room were measured in six heating cases under steady state conditions that had different window surface temperatures and internal heat gain conditions. CFD simulations of two measured cases were done in order to investigate indoor climate conditions in more detail and comparing CFD results to measured results. An additional CFD simulation was done with office desk location to near to window to study thermal conditions below the desk. Ventilation efficiency was studied with CFD-simulation. Indoor climate conditions with all measured cases were at good level. Radiant asymmetry and vertical temperature stratification fulfil the requirements of category A in ISO-7730. The highest room air velocities and draught rate readings were 0.16 m/s and 17% respectively. The results indicate that radiant panel heating is applicable solution also in cold climate. Good thermal conditions could be ensured when the temperature of window surface is at least 14–15 °C. At the same time, vertical temperature stratification is acceptable and thus maintains high energy efficiency. Results indicate also that when room is occupied and ventilation is introduced, the temperature gradient is much smaller compared to unoccupied room space.