RADIANT COOLING AND THERMAL MASS MAINTAINING COMFORT WHILE SHIFTING THE COOLING LOAD TO OFF-PEAK

摘要

This paper presents a synopsis of the performance of a case study house that incorporates a combination of radiant heating (floor panels) and cooling (ceiling panels) with high thermal mass to shift the entire conditioning load to off-peak while maintaining thermal comfort conditions. Besides the hydronic radiant panels supplied with warm and cool water from a ground source heat pump, the house contains a dehumidification and ventilation system. The occupied residence was extensively instrumented with climate, envelope and system sensors. Operative temperature was used as the primary control variable, while dew point temperature control was also necessary during periods of high humidity. The report uses collected data from an annual cycle to show the how the thermal mass absorbs and releases heat, alternately, during on-peak and off-peak periods. Daily cycles for hot humid season are presented. Data over a one-year period shows daily heating/cooling loads and operative temperatures. Annual operational costs were less than one third of that of a conventional house for the size and type.