Risk Of Condensation Research Articles

Hygrothermal and airtightness performance assessment of prefabricated lightweight wall systems for cold climates

Wooden prefabricated wall panels (WPWP) are increasingly used in the residential sector due to their practical and environmental benefits compared to traditional on-site systems. However, there is limited information regarding their influence on the building envelope´s performance, particularly at panel junctions. Therefore, this study investigated the hygrothermal and airtightness performance of two WPWP systems, one standard and one optimized, focusing mainly on panel-to-panel junctions. Laboratory heat and vapor transfer, thermography, and airtightness assessments were conducted over two full-scale prefabricated walls and a reference on-site traditional wall. In addition, hygrothermal simulations were carried out utilizing WUFI Pro, to compare laboratory heat and vapor transfer results with theoretical values. The results showed that the prefabricated walls reduced heat loss through the air leakage sources of the junctions by up to 17.8% and a reduction of air infiltration by up to 76%, compared to the on-site reference. It was also found that using polyurethane foam in panel junctions generated thermal benefits. Still, care should be taken with the amount of polyurethane foam used to avoid increasing relative humidity. In addition, bio-based insulation (hemp fiber) used in the optimized prefabricated wall exhibited adequate hygrothermal performance as it slightly improved the thermal resistance without increasing the risk of interstitial condensation. Overall, the findings demonstrated that wooden prefabricated wall systems can significantly reduce heat loss and air infiltration, highlighting their potential as a hygrothermally efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.

Influence of a City Block on ES-CFD Coupled Analysis

Coupled analysis using the complementary methods of energy simulation (ES) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can improve the calculation accuracy of thermal environment simulations. However, existing studies on ES-CFD coupled analyses that consider the effects of solar radiation and surrounding conditions have been insufficient. In practice, net solar radiation fluctuates, owing to the influence of urban blocks, and the solar radiation incident on the interior determines the heating range of the interior, which results in fluctuations in the convective heat transfer coefficient. This study conducted an ES-CFD coupled analysis to examine differences in the convective heat transfer coefficients due to the different insolation conditions and the surroundings of target buildings. The risk of condensation was evaluated using the dew point temperature in the analysis model, and a neutral insulation performance was employed in the set cases with the presence or absence of urban streets as a variable. Buildings within urban city blocks were observed to have a lower dew point temperature and a higher risk of condensation, which is a reasonable assessment. The results of this study will contribute significantly to the development of comprehensive simulation technologies.

Enhancing preservation: Addressing humidity challenges in Indonesian heritage buildings through advanced detection methods point cloud data

Heritage buildings are valuable assets that represent national cultural identity. Proper building maintenance is a major issue for preservation, as building monitoring aspects and preventive measures are often only taken after physical damage happens. In the context of Indonesian heritage buildings, high levels of humidity which may cause condensation and soil dampness are often overlooked. Early detection methods are urgently required to effectively detect potential risks of condensation. This study aims to investigate condensation risk for heritage building surfaces by calculating thermal properties (i.e., emissivity, albedo) and Blinn–Phong BRDF values through the integration of thermal imaging and 3D scanning techniques. This approach supports architects and conservators in making informed decisions to protect and maintain cultural heritage structures. The study also highlights gaps in current Indonesian regulations regarding moisture presence and condensation risk detection in heritage buildings.

Field study on the temperature uniformity of containerized batteries using a two-phase liquid cooling system under mismatched conditions

The conventional liquid cooling system carries the risk of dew condensation and air cooling has poor thermal management performance for battery energy storage systems. To address these issues, a novel two-phase liquid cooling system was developed for containerized battery energy storage systems and tested in the field under mismatched conditions. The thermal management performance and safety during the charging and discharging processes were analyzed by investigating the main influencing factors, including battery temperature and cooling system characteristics (battery temperature variation, temperature uniformity, supply liquid temperature, cold plate temperature distribution, and compressor status). The results showed that the novel system can maintain a maximum cell temperature difference of less than 3 °C at the rack level and less than 2 °C at the pack level, resulting in a 60% reduction compared to the traditional air cooling system. Relative to a supply liquid temperature of 15∼25 °C, a relatively high supply temperature of 20∼30 °C for two-phase liquid cooling can not only reduce the running time of the compressor but also enhance its start-stop consistency. Compared to other studies, this novel system is reliable and safe for containerized energy storage batteries, even in capacity mismatch and direct return pipeline conditions.

Envelope Deficiencies and Thermo-Hygrometric Challenges in Warehouse-Type Buildings in Subtropical Climates: A Case Study of a Nori Distribution Center

Enhancing the energy efficiency and climate resilience of existing buildings is crucial amid growing environmental challenges. While extensive research has focused on non-residential buildings, studies on thermo-hygrometric conditions in warehouse-type buildings, particularly in subtropical climates, remain limited. This study investigated the impact of building envelope deficiencies on indoor thermal and moisture regulation at the Nori Distribution Center. Using infrared thermal imaging and long-term environmental monitoring, significant thermo-hygrometric fluctuations were identified, primarily due to design and construction deficiencies. Poor insulation, inadequate sealing, and the lack of moisture barriers contributed to unstable indoor temperature and humidity. Seasonal analysis showed that during summer, the median second-floor air temperature reached 28.8 °C, peaking at 39.2 °C, with relative humidity exceeding 70% for 45% of the time. First-floor relative humidity surpassed 70% for 72% of the time. While condensation risk remains low year-round, it increases significantly with air infiltration through gaps in the building envelope. This study recommends enhancing the sealing of the building envelope, upgrading insulation materials and moisture barriers, particularly in the roof, and optimizing the HVAC system to improve energy efficiency and storage conditions. These findings offer valuable recommendations for retrofitting warehouse-type buildings in subtropical climates to improve energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Towards a sustainable decision analysis approach for moisture-safe building envelope design

Energy-efficient building designs, notably through adding insulation, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by over 40 %, but may also increase risk of condensation. Therefore, a comprehensive decision analysis approach is essential for selecting optimal building envelope assemblies while considering their hygrothermal, economic, and environmental implications. This study introduces a novel decision analysis method based on the inutility decision analysis (IDA) concept, in which the building envelope with the lowest inutility is considered the optimal choice. Initially, different building envelope assemblies were assessed through probabilistic hygrothermal analysis combined with a machine learning metamodel. Subsequently, the environmental and economic consequences associated with each assembly were quantified by integrating moisture-related damage into these assessments. Combining these outputs yielded inutility indices for the case studies, guiding the selection of the most optimal alternative. The results indicated that an external wall, with a minor risk of moisture-related failure, may outperform other alternatives when considering economic and environmental metrics. However, the final decision on the acceptability of such risk should rest with the customers or owners. Balancing the trade-off between performance longevity, cost, and occupants’ health is crucial.

Full-Scale Comparison of Two Envelope Systems for Lightweight Wooden Framing in Cold Climates

Residential homes and apartments’ cooling and heating needs account for 63% of total building energy consumption. Improvements in the properties of building envelopes are among the best ways to reduce their energy consumption. The project’s general objective was to compare the performance of externally insulated and traditional envelopes of light wooden frame buildings at full scale. Two houses were constructed and equipped with relative humidity sensors and temperature probes to assess the physical properties of the building envelope. The first house was built according to the conventional method (insulation between the studs), and the second house was built according to the method with the insulation outside the wall (also known as the perfect wall). The results showed that external insulation effectively mitigates internal condensation risks by relocating dew points to the exterior surface, thereby enhancing structural durability and thermal stability. Thermographic imaging confirmed reduced thermal bridging and improved thermal performance in the externally insulated walls. Overall, this study supports, with a full-scale experiment, the adoption of external insulation as a viable strategy for enhancing energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and durability in residential buildings.

Experimental studies on the operating characteristics of air-layer-integrated radiant cooling units

Radiant cooling is widely acknowledged as an energy-efficient approach to indoor thermal environment regulation. It offers an improved environment in terms of thermal comfort, compared to traditional air-cooling methods, but suffers from condensation risk and insufficient cooling power in hot and humid climates. To overcome these limitations, an Air-Layer-Integrated Radiant Cooling Unit (AIRCU) was developed, which seals a layer of dry air between an infrared transparent membrane and the radiant cooling surface. This innovative approach allows the use of lower radiant cooling temperatures to increase cooling power while concurrently maintaining the membrane at a higher temperature to minimize the risk of condensation. In our previous studies, the heat transfer model of AIRCUs was established, and the feasibility of the concept was verified. However, there is a lack of research on the operating characteristics of AIRCUs. In this paper, both experimental and numerical studies are conducted to investigate the operating characteristics of the AIRCUs under diverse cooling temperatures, chilled water flow rates, and cooling loads. Results indicated that the thermal environment created by the AIRCUs was uniform, and it can be characterized by uncooled surface temperature and radiant cooling surface temperature. Under different load conditions, the chilled water supply temperature was suggested as the control variable to adjust the thermal environment. To satisfy the thermal comfort, the operative temperature should be controlled within 23.6 °C ∼26.4°C. This study provides valuable guidance on operating variable settings and environmental control of the AIRCU and promotes its application.

Experimental study on condensation-free radiant cooling panel with low-temperature for local cooling in vehicles - Part 1: Design process and feasibility evaluation with performance test

Although radiant cooling has significant advantages (high efficiency and thermal comfort), insufficient cooling capacity and condensation risk limit the practical application. In this study, a novel condensation-free radiant cooling panel (RCP) with high cooling capacity is proposed. The performance of proposed RCP was experimentally evaluated at different operating conditions. The transparent cover and surface-painting spray materials of the RCP were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze their transmittance and absorptivity. The total cooling heat flux of the proposed RCP ranged between 2019.5 and 3824.5 W m–2, which are significantly higher than those of previous studies (70–1457 W m–2), owing to low surface temperatures. The radiant heat flux decreased by 13.5% when the distance between the cooling surface and the heater increased from 10 cm to 20 cm, and decreased by 52% when evaporating temperature increased from –40 °C to –20 °C. However, the heater and ambient temperatures showed insignificant effect. The results of this study report feasibility of the proposed RCP and parameters that influence performance. The target application of the proposed RCP is local cooling systems in vehicles to enhance thermal comfort, which is given in succeeding research, Part 2: Demonstration with passengers for thermal comfort analysis.

Optimal operation strategy predictive control for an integrated radiant cooling with fresh air system based on machine learning

Radiant cooling systems are widely valued for their great comfort and energy-saving potential. However, they still face the risk of condensation in the early stages of operation, especially in case of random occupancy and intermittent operation. This study aims to avoid unacceptable discomfort durations in randomly occupied rooms that installed integrated radiant cooling and fresh air system while consuming as little energy as possible. This paper firstly compares the effects of adopting only the setback or standby cooling strategy in a randomly occupied conference room by simulation. The simulation results demonstrate the necessity for predicting optimal operation strategy. Subsequently, optimal operation strategy predictive models were built using three machine learning algorithms on three datasets. The evaluation results of the models indicate the feasibility of using data from neighbouring cities to improve the generalisation ability of the target city model. Finally, the best one of models was used to predict optimal operation strategy and achieved good results: discomfort durations of 97.56% of the conferences were within the acceptable range. Additionally, compared to only adopting the standby cooling strategy, the radiant cooling system operating time was reduced by 8.88%, and the total energy consumption was reduced by 28.85 kWh. In this study, a model to predict optimal operation strategy is proposed. By simulating and analysing from both comfort and energy perspectives, the optimal operation strategy predictive control method effectively limits the discomfort duration and reduces energy consumption and radiant system runtime. This study provides an example of practical engineering and machine learning applications for radiant cooling systems.

Numerical investigation of the operating conditions affecting nitrogen condensation on a three-dimensional wing in the cryogenic wind tunnel

Cryogenic wind tunnels (CWT) perform high Reynolds number aerodynamic tests in a cryogenic environment and simulate hypersonic flights. However, condensation under cryogenic conditions presents a major challenge to test’s reliability. The detailed conditions remain unclear, and traditional strategies for reducing condensation in CWT need further exploration. In this paper, an Euler-Euler two-phase flow model is established based on the classical nucleation approach and the droplet growth theory, and also presents a method for the three-dimensional transonic flow modelling. This model integrates thermodynamic properties with aerodynamic behaviour to provide a reliable simulation approach. A series of operating conditions are simulated, involving three distinct Reynolds numbers. The simulated results revealed that condensation on the wing wall is caused by two main factors: the low-pressure region at the leading edge due to the angle of attack and the pressure drop due to an airflow expansion beyond the wing’s thickest section. Subsequently, the key operating conditions that influence the condensation phenomena are identified using Correlation Matrix Analysis and Principal Component Analysis. Furthermore, this study identifies the critical regions where condensation occurs under high Reynolds number flight conditions. The findings contribute to refining operational strategies in CWT, offering improved guidelines that minimise condensation risks under varied conditions. Highlights The effects of various operating conditions on condensation were simulated. The three-dimensional characteristics were described during condensation process. Operating pressure is identified as a key factor in CWT condensation phenomena. A critical area was proposed to support optimal conditions and avoid condensation.

Hygrothermal performance of multilayer wall assemblies incorporating starch/beet pulp in France

This work focuses on the investigation of the hygrothermal performance of four different wall insulation assemblies including starch/beet pulp composite for an office in France under two climatic conditions. Subsequently, a comparative performance analysis is made on all studied assemblies by substituting the Starch/beet pulp composite with hemp concrete (HC). For each design, the overall energy performance, total water content, drying rate and condensation risk were evaluated through hygrothermal simulations using the WUFI® Plus software and mold growth risk assessment was conducted with WUFI®Bio software. Results showed that insulation assemblies based on Starch/Beet pulp exhibited a slightly improved effectiveness in potential energy savings and higher dryness rate while having a higher condensation risk, a lower dynamic thermal performance, and a higher susceptibility to mold growth risk. Moreover, insulation assemblies based on Starch/Beet pulp demonstrated better hygrothermal performance under Nancy’s climate compared to that of Marseille. Wall assemblies based on hemp concrete reduced total energy consumption by up to 35 % in Nancy’s climate and 24.9 % in Marseille’s climate. In comparison, starch/beet pulp concrete achieved reductions of up to 37.5 % and 26 % respectively. However, the mold growth risk for starch/beet pulp was 1.2–7.2 times higher than for hemp concrete. In Marseille’s climate, this risk was 2.3–8.9 times higher for starch/beet pulp and 4.7–17.8 times higher for hemp concrete compared to Nancy’s climate. The findings from these room-scale studies enhance the understanding of the hygrothermal behavior of the Starch/Beet pulp bio-composite material by comparing its performance, under the same conditions, to that of the well-studied hemp concrete material in the literature. Additionally, these studies provide greater insight into the impact of water on the overall energy consumption, service performance of a building and health hazards. Finally, this research also tackles the challenges of integrating innovative materials into the established construction industry.

Numerical investigation of surface temperature uniformity and cooling performance for ceiling radiant cooling panel with an air layer

The ceiling radiant cooling panel (CRCP) with air layer based on serpentine shaped flow channel was proposed to solve condensation risk, however, the performance of CRCP was weakened owing to the serpentine shaped flow channel with high-pressure drop. Hence, the parallel shaped type CRCP with air layer was proposed in this work. The effects of both structural and operational parameters on surface temperature distribution and the cooling performance were evaluated. Results showed the cooling capacity was increased with the increase of chilled water velocity and tube diameter, while decreased with the increase in the air layer thickness, cooling panel thickness, tube spacing and chilled water temperature. Considering that condensation risk, it is recommended to set tube spacing, tube diameter, air layer thickness and cooling panel thickness above 125 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively. In the structure parameters of the CRCP, the cooling panel thickness exhibits the maximum impact on cooling capacity with relational grade of 0.87, and the air layer thickness has the maximum impact on surface temperature uniformity with relational grade of 0.82. The findings could serve as guideline for better practical applications of parallel shaped type CRCP with an air layer in different scenarios.

State-of-the-Art Review: Effects of Using Cool Building Cladding Materials on Roofs

Cool roofs are roofing systems designed to reflect significant solar radiation, reducing heat absorption and subsequent cooling energy demands in buildings. This paper provides a comprehensive review of cool roof technologies, covering performance standards, material options, energy-saving potential, and hygrothermal considerations. The review examines provisions in current codes and standards, which specify minimum requirements for solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and solar reflectance index (SRI) values. These criteria often vary based on factors like roof slope, climate zone, and building type. Different cool roof materials are explored, including reflective paints and coatings that can be applied to existing roofs as cost-effective solutions. Several studies have demonstrated the energy performance benefits of cool roofs, showing significant reductions in cooling loads, indoor air temperatures, peak cooling demand, and overall cooling energy consumption compared to traditional roofs. However, hygrothermal performance must be evaluated, especially in cold climates, to optimize insulation levels and avoid moisture accumulation risks, as reduced heat absorption can alter moisture migration patterns within the building envelope. While cool roofs provide substantial energy savings in hot climates, further research is needed to validate modeling approaches against real-world studies, investigate the impact of seasonality and green spaces on cool roof efficacy and urban heat island mitigation, and explore energy-saving potential, moisture control, and condensation risks in cold and humid environments.

Examining approaches to investigating the United Kingdom’s existing building fabric in the pursuit of net zero targets

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed. Design/methodology/approach The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment and condensation risk analysis. Cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies using each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing buildings’ existing condition and energy consumption and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Findings Findings reveal that incorporating the earlier approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits. Significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and artistry quality affected the U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric. Originality/value The research stresses the need to understand investigative approaches’ strengths, limitations and synergies for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5° C threshold.

Sustainable energy synergy for historic building: Conservation retrofit solution of hygrothermal control

Historic buildings require groundbreaking retrofit technology to prevent damage to the exterior appearance of the exterior. This paper presents a retrofit technology to increase the energy efficiency of old historic buildings that were heavily exposed to hygrothermal conditions. The study employed an innovative interior finishing material composed of diatomaceous earth and microencapsulated phase change materials to achieve a trade-off between performance improvement and heritage conservation. Based on previous studies, an optimal formulation was identified through evaluation. The developed retrofit technology displays crack resistance, high latent heat capacity, and remarkable moisture stability. Our analysis revealed that the application of this retrofit solution would effectively reduce moisture levels and mitigate condensation risks without compromising the building’s historical integrity. The retrofit technology yielded a reduction in cooling and heating energy consumption by over 10% while concurrently addressing moisture stability through a decrease in the thermal transmittance of the exterior walls. By utilizing passive technologies and the unique properties of diatomaceous earth, our pioneering research on the sustainable preservation of historic buildings has laid the foundation for widespread retrofit adoption in heritage conservation.

Water vapor condensation prevention and risk rating evaluation based on Yang Can’s tomb

Temperature and humidity variations in burial stone relics can easily cause water vapor condensation, which is an important factor leading to their deterioration. However, the water vapor condensation mechanism and the evaluation of risk ratings have always been difficult problems in the protection of cultural relics. In this study, the water vapor condensation mechanism in Yang Can's tomb was comprehensively investigated through on-site monitoring, indoor experiments and software simulations, on the basis of which a physical model of water vapor condensation in this tomb was established and a water vapor condensation risk rating assessment method was proposed. The proposed method considers the difference between the dew point and wall temperatures within the tomb (dew–wall temperature difference) and the duration of water vapor condensation, and corresponding preventive and control measures were formulated for different risk ratings. The study revealed that when the wall temperature of the chamber is lower than the dew point temperature, water vapor starts to condense. The larger the dew–wall temperature difference is, the greater the risk of condensation. In addition, specific water vapor condensation prevention and control measures were proposed for Yang Can's tomb, and the prevention and control effects were simulated. The simulation results showed that favorable prevention and control effects could be achieved, and the proposed measures could be applied in practice. This study holds notable significance for investigating the water vapor condensation mechanism and evaluating the risk ratings of burial stone relics and provides a theoretical basis and reference for water vapor condensation prevention and control in burial stone relics.

The diffusion process of different moisture sources in the radiant cooling room and the condensation risk assessment

The condensation phenomenon severely limits the widespread application of radiant cooling systems. Although a series of anti-condensation methods have been proposed, it is more important to explore the diffusion process of moisture sources that cause condensation in the radiant cooling room, only in this way can targeted anti-condensation measures be carried out. In this regard, the numerical simulation method is used to explore the diffusion process of additional moisture caused by the increase in occupancy rate and window opening behavior, while monitoring the state of the air on the surface of the radiant terminal (ASRT) to determine whether condensation occurs and evaluate the condensation risk. The results indicate that the moisture emitted by the increased personnel will diffuse along the direction of their surface hot air flow when the occupancy rate increases, and the moisture in the outdoor air will diffuse along its flow direction after the window is opened. However, the change of moisture is accompanied by the change of heat and the condensation phenomenon will not occur first in the place with a large humidity ratio, but rather in areas with lower surface air temperatures in these two situations. In addition, condensation will not occur in all cases after the occupancy rate increases, and the minimum condensation time is still more than 20 min when the occupancy rate is maximum, which has sufficient time for human intervention to avoid condensation. Condensation occurs in all cases after the window is opened, with a minimum condensation time of 68 s. Window opening behavior carries a high condensation risk and should be avoided during the operation of the radiant cooling system. This study can provide a basis for adopting corresponding anti-condensation strategies.

Optimizing ventilated packaging design for strawberries: Assessing the impact on fruit quality from farm to retailer using physics-based modeling

Amongst fruits and vegetables, strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are one of the most perishable products. Consequently, it is challenging to maintain their quality until they reach the consumer. Therefore, keeping optimal hygrothermal conditions around the berries from farm to the consumer is crucial to preserving them and avoiding food loss. Using ventilated packaging design is an established way to address this technological, economic, and environmental problem. Until now, strawberry packaging is often designed using a trial-and-error approach, and a multitude of packaging designs exist. Ideally, the packaging should be designed in such a way that it provides the best preservation of the fruit all the way from farm to retailer. This is challenging since the hygrothermal conditions change significantly along the supply chain. In this study, we use physics-based modeling to evaluate new strawberry packaging designs in regard to cooling performance, risk of condensation, mass loss, and respiration-driven shelf life of the fruit and assess their performance along the whole post-harvest export supply chain from Spain to Switzerland. Twelve packaging designs for strawberries with existing and newly-designed vent hole configurations were investigated. Simulations quantified how the berries physiologically and hygrothermally evolve inside these packages along the whole post-harvest supply chain. Implementing appropriate ventilation in open-and top-sealed trays for strawberries can help to minimize losses along the post-harvest supply chain. As commonly known, strawberries cool significantly faster in better-ventilated trays than in unventilated trays, and condensation-based time of wetness could be reduced by 45% by adding additional ventilation holes in a top-sealed tray. The height of the secondary packaging, the total opening area (TOA), the size, and the placement of the vents have a substantial influence on the performance of the packaging. We recommend a TOA between 5.5% and 7% and a diameter of the vents between 5 and 12 mm. Also, they should be evenly distributed. However, there is always a trade-off in packaging design: a reduced risk of condensation comes along with a higher mass loss of the strawberries. Strawberry packaging models enabled a unique insight into the evolution of the fruits along the supply chain and visualized the spatial distribution of condensation and mass loss inside the package.

Draft-free air conditioning through split membrane ceiling system: An exploratory study

The draft caused by convective air-conditioning is a primary contributor to thermal discomfort, particularly in localized cooling scenarios. While radiant systems offer a windless alternative, their condensation risks and maintenance costs bring concerns. In response, our research proposes an air-based radiation-convection hybrid system that’s draft-free and easy to implement. By suspending a breathable, flexible, textile-based membrane beneath the ceiling, the system mitigates drafts from ceiling-mounted air conditioners and leverages the membrane’s vast surface area for radiation. This work is an exploratory study focused on a retrofit split membrane system laying below the commercially packaged air conditioner (PAC). Three independent experimental studies were conducted. The first is a full-scale experiment assessing the membrane’s impact on PAC system operation and heat load management. The second is fundamental research to determine the permeation and airflow deceleration properties of different membranes. The third is a practical assessment in a self-study room retrofitted with the split membrane, aiming to determine the possibility of maintaining draft-free conditions. Results indicate that membranes with high laying ratios risk airflow short-circuiting. It can be reduced by adjusting the laying ratios and altering the laying pattern of the membrane, which also improves perimeter heat load management. Moreover, the permeation characteristics of various membrane materials were examined through flow and velocity attenuation coefficients. Besides material considerations, preliminary observations suggest that the membrane’s curvature could influence its permeation. Furthermore, the temperature and velocity data preliminarily affirmed the anti-draft performance of the split membrane ceiling system.