ENERGY-SAVING POSSIBILITIES WITH COOLED-CEILING SYSTEMS

Based on hour-by-hour simulation studies, this paper presents the annu al energy consumption characteristics of water-panel type cooled-ceili ng systems in comparison with conventional all-air systems. In particu lar, some unique energy saving measures associated with cooled-ceiling systems are numerically studied. The results indicate that a cooled-c eiling system can save much of the fan energy required in all-air syst ems, and that in the temperate Dutch climate, the system has a compati ble energy performance with a VAV (variable air volume) system for off ice-building cooling purposes. The energy saving possibilities studied include using ceiling water to pre- or re-heat ventilation air and us ing a cooling tower for free cooling. The paper also demonstrates the possibilities of using a simulation technique to estimate non-conventi onal energy efficient system designs.