Session: 12-04-01: Heat and Mass Transfer in the Natural and Built Environments

Paper Number: 165981

Wall Radiant Panels: Thermal Comfort Enhancement 

Thermal comfort is a critical factor for the quality of indoor environments, influencing the well-being and productivity of occupants, regardless of the space or construction context. Conventional air-conditioning systems, based on air convection, often face challenges related to energy consumption, uneven temperature distribution, and discomfort due to air currents. In this context, radiant panels provide an efficient and sustainable alternative, promoting heat transfer through radiation, which results in a more homogeneous and comfortable environment with higher thermal efficiency. These systems do not generate air currents, nor do they stir dust, making them particularly advantageous for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. This study investigates the development of electric radiant panels for wall installation, with a primary focus on evaluating their energy efficiency. This novel application of radiant panels on walls provides a promising solution for enhancing thermal comfort in a wide range of indoor environments. Furthermore, it offers potential for integration with HVAC heating systems, enhancing overall energy performance. The research involves testing steel, aluminum, and lacquered aluminum panels, each with dimensions of 600 x 600 mm and thicknesses of 1 and 2 mm. A 230 V, 420 W flat heating film was applied to each panel, while thermocouples were distributed on the opposite surface to assess temperature distribution, system response time, and energy consumption. Additionally, XPS and rock wool, as thermal insulation, were tested for their impact on energy efficiency. The results indicate that lacquered aluminum is the most effective material for the application, providing the most uniform temperature distribution. This material demonstrated an emissivity of 88%, significantly higher than the 6% observed for non-lacquered aluminum, which makes it more suitable for the intended application. The use of 1 mm thick panels was found to require less energy to achieve the desired temperature, as well as presenting a shorter response time compared to 2 mm thick panels. Both XPS and rock wool insulation effectively reduced energy consumption, with no significant differences observed between the two materials. This highlights the flexibility of insulation choice depending on cost considerations and availability. The study underscores the potential of electric radiant panels as an efficient and sustainable alternative for improving thermal comfort in indoor environments. By minimizing energy consumption and offering an innovative wall-based installation approach, these panels present a promising solution for future building designs. Their integration into heating systems, especially in spaces where air quality and temperature uniformity are critical, may lead to substantial energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort.

Keywords: Wall Radiant Panel, Thermal Comfort

Presenting Author: Paulina Capela Univ. of Minho

Presenting Author Biography: Paulina Capela
Materials Engineer
PhD Candidate at the University of Minho

Paulina Capela is a Materials Engineer specializing in the characterization and development of new materials. Throughout her professional and academic career, she has worked in various fields, studying and developing materials for applications ranging from dental implants and nuclear reactors to thin films for solar panels and solder joints in PCBs. Currently, she is also working on radiant panels for thermal comfort. Additionally, she is a PhD candidate at the University of Minho, where her research focuses on optimizing the thermal management of abrasive wheels. Her work contributes to advancements in materials engineering and manufacturing processes.

Authors:

Paulina Capela Univ. of Minho
Pedro Gonçalves MEtRICs R&D Centre
Ana Araújo IBG Services
Pedro Lobarinhas MEtRICs R&D Centre
Luís Martins MEtRICs R&D Centre
João Mendonça MEtRICs R&D Centre
José Teixeira MEtRICs R&D Centre