Method to Integrate Radiant Cooling with Hybrid Ventilation to Improve Energy Efficiency and Avoid Condensation in Hot, Humid Environments

Although radiant cooling is considerably more efficient than conventional all-air room cooling systems, the potential for its application in warm humid regions is limited, owing to the increased risk of condensation by opened windows or unsealed openings in the building envelope. Having constantly closed windows and mechanical ventilation in such a climate needs to significantly dehumidify outdoor air to avoid the risk of condensation. The present study examines the effects of coupling hybrid ventilation (window and mechanical) with radiant cooling during periods of acceptable outside air temperature. An optimization method that increases energy efficiency and maximizes risk-free window opening potential in the critical seasons (summer and autumn) is developed and applied. IDA-ICE software is used to conduct dynamic thermal simulations of a typical studio classroom model, for which different cases and conditions are investigated. Different cooling and ventilation scenarios and control strategies are integrated and examined. Potentials and limitations can be noted between the various cases. Moreover, analyses using ANSYS-CFX as well as other tools are developed for verification and to assess the impact of the suggested optimization method on the indoor air and user comfort. The findings indicate great potential for the proposed solution in lowering the energy demand considerably and providing condensation-risk-free window opening potential