Conditioning systems by radiant surfaces: comparative analysis of thermal ceramic panels versus the conventional systems in a museum

Abstract

Radiant surface systems for heating and cooling operated by circulating water through capillary tubing provide for the user high comfort levels and significant energy savings. Compared to conventional air conditioning systems, radiant systems reduce up to six times the energy needed for distribution, a better comfort feeling as It does not need to impulse air at uncomfortable speeds, a low acoustic level and a reduction of thermal loads as it is allowed an average inner air temperature with a smaller thermal gradient with the outer air temperature. The performance of these systems is analyzed through a case-study, the Museum of the University of Alicante, where a radiant surface, integrated on a ceramic panel, is placed at the inner layer of the façade of the building. The research results show how important the thermal bridges are in the global energy performance of the building and it is possible to appreciate the energy savings versus the traditional systems.