Energy performance prediction of thermoelectric ceiling radiant panels with a dedicated outdoor air system

Abstract

This paper proposes a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with thermoelectric module radiant cooling panels (TEM-RCP). The DOAS involves the concept of a decoupled system with a parallel sensible cooling unit. This concept implies decoupling of ventilation and airconditioning functions. The DOAS treats latent loads from outside air intake as a 100 % OA ventilation system. Additionally, a parallel sensible cooling unit, such as ceiling radiant cooling panel (CRCP), generally removes sensible loads. In the study, the variable air volume system and DOAS CRCP using chilled water were also considered as a conventional HVAC system and traditional parallel cooling unit of DOAS, respectively. The two cases were compared to investigate the possibility of applying TEM-RCP on DOAS. Mathematical simulation models were developed, and the operating and annual energy consumptions for all three cases were estimated. The results indicated that the thermal performance was satisfied in all cases including the proposed systems. The proposed system resulted in annual energy consumption savings of 44.5 % when compared with the variable air volume system. On the other hands, the energy consumption of TEM-RCP exceeded that of the CRCP by 33 % due to its low coefficient of performance (COP) and additional energy from heat rejection. The proposed system did not exhibit benefits in terms of energy consumption when compared with that of the DOAS CRCP. However, it could be easily controlled by using input current without refrigerants and still continue to display energy saving potential when compared with the VAV system.