Understanding the Relationship of Radiant Cooling and Natural Ventilation for Commercial Buildings in Mexican Hot Climates PDF

This study investigates the feasibility and energy savings of Radiant Cooling Systems in Mexican climates. RCS have been widely use practice in Europe for more than 20 years. These systems are rapidly being used in North America due to perceived energy efficiency. Previous studies have shown the advantages of these systems. Stetiu using RADCOL software evaluated different locations in the US achieving energy savings up to 30% in office buildings. This study predicts peak demand reduction of 27% (Stetiu, 1998). Moore uses the dynamic thermal modeling simulation for the comparison of two systems RCS and VAV with and without precooling. He analyzed cooling season, in three different climate zones (Denver, Sacramento and San Francisco) using RCS in a thermally activated slab, complemented with a DOAS. He achieves overall energy savings up to 71% compared to VAV in the case of Denver. Other studies determined that RCS can reduce energy consumption for cooling systems in office buildings complying with the thermal environmental conditions for acceptable human occupancy from ASHRAE 55 (Carpenter and Lay 2003; Roth et al 2002; Mumma, 2001a; Stetiu 1999, Moore 2008).

Keywords: RCS (Radiant Cooling Systems), CHW (Chilled Water), COP (Coefficient of Performance), CW(Chilled Water), CIOP(Coefficient of Performance), CV(Constant Volume), DB(Dry Bulb Temperature), DP(Dew Point Temperature), DOAS(Dedicated Outside Air System), LAT(Leaving Air Temperature), MRT(Mean Radiant Temperature), OA(Outside Air), RA(Return Air), RH(Relative Humidity), SAT(Saturation Temperature), VAV(Variable Air Volume), WB( Wet Bulb Temperature).