Radiant Systems Research

The current research is being conducted via three related research approaches: (1) simulation studies; (2) laboratory studies; and (3) field studies of advanced buildings with radiant systems.

Simulation studies
We have primarily been using EnergyPlus as our whole-building energy simulation program although in an earlier study we used IES Virtual Environment (IESve). Both employ a fundamental heat balance approach, making them appropriate for modeling radiant systems. The topics investigated by our simulation studies have often been motivated by our CBE industry partners and include: (1) energy use comparisons of radiant system configurations with more conventional air system designs over a range of climates; (2) simulation of hybrid radiant/UFAD systems; (3) impacts of solar gain on radiant floor cooling; (4) comparison of cooling loads between radiant and air systems; and (5) thermal comfort modeling of radiant systems. Studies completed to date are listed chronologically below beginning with the most recent work.

• We used EnergyPlus to investigate the zone-level sensible cooling load differences between radiant and air systems. Results showed that radiant systems respond to radiative heat gain faster than air systems so that the majority of the cooling load removed from the zone occurs during occupied hours. This results in higher zone-level peak cooling loads for radiant systems compared to air systems when the radiant system is operated during peak cooling periods. However, thermally massive radiant cooling systems are often used in pre-cooling mode and turned off during peak cooling periods. Detailed findings are published here.
• EnergyPlus simulations were conducted to develop guidelines for addressing how to downsize an air-side cooling system when combined with radiant floor cooling in potentially high solar loaded spaces (e.g., perimeter zones and atriums). Results demonstrated that waterside peak cooling capacity for the embedded radiant floor system when exposed to direct solar radiation can be 92% higher than its air system counterpart.This research was presented at the CLIMA 2013 conference.
• EnergyPlus was used to evaluate the cooling performance of thermally activated building systems (TABS) with evaporative cooling source for typical United States climates. Various design options for air system sizing and comfort zone expansion (for example, using personal comfort systems) were investigated to extend the range of application, and documented in the final report.
• We conducted simulations for a hybrid HVAC system that combined a UFAD system with a cooled radiant ceiling slab. For the Sacramento, California climate this radiant/UFAD hybrid system showed an energy reduction of 21-25% during the peak cooling months, and peak electricity demand reduction of 27%, and also improved occupant thermal comfort. These findings were published in 2010.
• We conducted simulations using CBE’s Thermal Comfort Model to determine the combinations of air temperatures and floor or ceiling temperatures that would create comfortable conditions. These findings were published in 2009.
• In our first simulation study we conducted whole-building simulations using IESve of slab-integrated hydronic radiant cooling with mechanical ventilation, compared to a more conventional all-air cooling system as a baseline, for Denver, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco climates. Results suggest strong energy-saving potential for radiant cooling systems in both Colorado and California climates. This research was published in 2008.

Laboratory studies
Since 2009, we have been collaborating with CBE partner Price Industries to conduct laboratory testing of radiant systems in their extensive laboratory facilities in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The experiments have been conducted in Price’s Hydronic Test Chamber, which has been used for standard radiant cooling panel testing and meets the requirements stated in the European standard, DIN EN 14240. Studies completed to date are summarized briefly below.

• To confirm the cooling load differences between radiant and air systems observed in the simulation study described above, we designed and conducted experiments in May 2013. The experiments show that, during the periods the heat gain was on, radiant systems have on average 18%-21% higher instantaneous cooling rates compared to air systems, and 75-82% of total heat gain were removed, while for air system only 61-63% were removed. A paper describing this study has been submitted to Energy and Buildings, and can be found here.
• Radiant chilled ceilings with displacement ventilation (DV) represent a promising integrated approach that combines the energy efficiency of both sub-systems with the opportunity for strong ventilation performance. We conducted experiments in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for a typical interior zone office to investigate how room air stratification and ventilation effectiveness is affected by the ratio of cooling load removed by a chilled ceiling to the total cooling load for two radiant ceiling configurations. This work has led to improved design resources and was published in 2011 in HVAC&Research and the final results submitted to Energy and Buildings.

Field studies
We are also conducting field studies in buildings using radiant systems to meet ultra-low energy goals. Since completion in 2009, we have been studying the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California, which includes a hybrid radiant (TABS)/UFAD system in combination with natural ventilation and other energy-conserving measures. We are conducting advanced monitoring of the energy performance, evaluating occupant satisfaction with the occupant IEQ survey, and investigating methods to optimize the control of the system. We also conducted a pilot field study of the IDeAs net zero-energy building in San Jose, California.

In the fall of 2012, we obtained new funding from the California Energy Commission to support detailed field studies in two near zero-net-energy (ZNE) buildings using radiant slab cooling and heating systems. The first field study site will be the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) East Campus Operations Center in Sacramento, CA. These field studies will continue through 2014.

In support of this work, CBE created an interactive map for radiant system buildings in fall of 2013, using project data collected by our research team. The objective of the mapping project is to provide useful references to design teams and other commercial building stakeholders, and to contribute to ongoing research on radiant systems. The map is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather to focus on projects that represent best practices, that represent system types that may be less familiar to practitioners, and/or that represent diverse climatic zones.