HI-02-06-2 -- Control of Slab Heating and Cooling Systems Studied by Dynamic Computer Simulations PDF

Due to the high energy consumption and first cost, several European countries debate if air conditioning of buildings is to be recommended or prohibited by law. Air conditioning will give better control of the indoor temperature and improve comfort and productivity. There exist, however, many examples of discomfort in air-conditioned buildings due to draft, noise, and sick building syndrome.

Alternatively, sensible heating and cooling loads may be satisfied by hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems, where pipes are embedded in the concrete slabs between each story. These systems are often combined with a ventilation system, where the outside air volume is based on the requirements for acceptable air quality. Because these types of systems use the building mass for heating and cooling, it is often questioned what kind of control concept should be used. The present paper presents a parametric study of different control concepts, based on dynamic omputer simulations. The results show that a combination of time control and water temperature control according to outside temperature conditions will provide acceptable indoor conditions and low energy consumption.

Units: SI