Simplified model and performance analysis for radiant cooling panel with serpentine tube arrangement and thin insulation layer for moisture control in tropical climate

Abstract

Radiant cooling panel (RCP) is widely known to improve thermal comfort and has the potential for energy saving. However, when applied the system in countries with a tropical climate, a major issue arises which is condensation on the surface panel. In this paper, a simplified model of top insulated RCP panel with serpentine tube arrangement integrated with thin insulation layer is developed to predict its performance. The numerical model is based on the principle of superposition of heat resistance and validated by using simulation software. The result produced by both models shows a good match in which the relative error calculated were 1.3% and 2.7% for cooling capacity and surface mean temperature respectively. Thus, the correctness of the numerical model to determine the cooling capacity and surface mean temperature of radiant cooling panel is validated. The thickness of the thin insulation layer plays a significant role as moisture control while maintaining the cooling capacity at 767W for surface mean temperature of 18.2ºC. When comparing various materials used as the thin insulation layer in RCP, it is also found that RCP with gypsum used as the thin insulation layer demonstrates better performance in maintaining the cooling capacity of RCP while controlling moisture condensation.