Abstract
Radiant surface conditioning systems based on capillary tube mats not only provide high standards of comfort, but they also generate substantial energy savings. These systems allow for using renewable energies such as solar thermal panels because they function with water at moderate temperatures—lower in winter and higher in summer—compared to fan-coil systems or hot water radiator systems. Moreover, in summer, they can be combined with solar cooling systems based on lithium chloride or absorption systems based on lithium bromide, which enable the cooling of water at 15–16 °C by means of solar thermal panel energy collection. This further reduces the annual energy. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of thermal ceramic panels (TCP) containing prolipropylen (PPR) capillary tube mats, in residential buildings in the Spanish Mediterranean. The water distribution system was set up individually from a heat pump and was combined with a community system of solar thermal panels. After monitoring a home over a complete one-year cycle, the annual energy demand was quantified through simulations, based on both the radiant system and the VRV system, as well as in combination with a thermal solar panel system. TCP panels reduced the annual energy demands by 31.48%, and the additional investment cost of €11,497 could be amortized over 23.31 years. The combination of TCP panels with 18.5 m2 of solar thermal panels reduced the annual energy demand by 69.47%, and the investment of €20,534 of additional cost could be amortized over 15.67 years. The energy consumptions of installation elements were also comparatively quantified.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is well known that building usage represents around 40% of the final energy consumption in the European Union (EU) [1,2] and that substantial environmental impacts are generated by building construction [3], use, maintenance, and because of the Construction and Demolition Waste (CWD)
It is well known that building usage represents around 40% of the final energy consumption in the European Union (EU) [1,2] and that substantial environmental impacts are generated by building construction [3], use, maintenance, and because of the Construction and Demolition Waste (CWD).Buildings’ facade enclosures undeniably constitute a major subject of research within the field of energy consumption [4,5]
The combination of thermal ceramic panels (TCP) panels with 18.5 m2 of solar thermal panels reduced the annual energy demand by 69.47%, and the investment of €20,534 of additional cost could be amortized over 15.67 years
Summary
It is well known that building usage represents around 40% of the final energy consumption in the European Union (EU) [1,2] and that substantial environmental impacts are generated by building construction [3], use, maintenance, and because of the Construction and Demolition Waste (CWD). Buildings’ facade enclosures undeniably constitute a major subject of research within the field of energy consumption [4,5]. Heat transfer affects comfort levels demanded by users [7,8] and a certain amount of energy consumption is needed to achieve these comfort levels in buildings [9,10]. Air conditioning systems must be able to provide these conditions of comfort. Convective systems modify the conditions of temperature and the specific humidity of indoor air, counteracting thermal loads. Radiant surface systems work mainly through energy radiation exchanges with users, significantly increasing the comfort standards
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