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Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Comfort

Author

Listed:
  • Benjamin Kubwimana

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

  • Mohadeseh Seyednezhad

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

  • Hamidreza Najafi

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

Abstract

Researching novel cooling and heating technologies as alternatives to conventional vapor-compression refrigeration cycles has received growing attention in recent years. Thermoelectric (TE) systems rank among promising emerging technologies within this category. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation, utilizing numerical modeling and analysis via COMSOL Multiphysics along with experimental validation, to evaluate the performance of a radiant cooling ceiling panel working on thermoelectric principles. Performance metrics are based on thermal comfort levels within the designed test chamber. The system comprises a rectangular test chamber (~1.2 m × 1.2 m × 1.5 m) with a centrally positioned ceiling panel (dimensions: 0.6 m × 0.6 m × 0.002 m). Four TE modules are attached on top of the ceiling panel, facilitating effective cooling to regulate the ceiling temperature to the desired setpoint. The resultant lower ceiling temperature enables heat exchange within the chamber environment via radiation and convection mechanisms. This study examines the time-dependent variations in mean radiant temperature and operative temperature under natural convection conditions, with comfort level assessment carried out using the PMV method according to ASHRAE Standard 55. An experimental chamber is built to validate the numerical model by performing experiments at various ceiling temperatures. Design challenges are discussed in detail. The results of this investigation offer valuable insights into the anticipated thermal comfort achievable through TE-based radiant cooling systems across various operating conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Kubwimana & Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi, 2023. "Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Comfort," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:19:p:6981-:d:1255052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi & Benjamin Kubwimana, 2021. "Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel with Phase Change Material for Building Cooling Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. He, Wei & Zhou, Jinzhi & Hou, Jingxin & Chen, Chi & Ji, Jie, 2013. "Theoretical and experimental investigation on a thermoelectric cooling and heating system driven by solar," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 89-97.
    3. Amoah B.O. Kwame & Nguyen V. Troy & Najafi Hamidreza, 2020. "A Multi-Facet Retrofit Approach to Improve Energy Efficiency of Existing Class of Single-Family Residential Buildings in Hot-Humid Climate Zones," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-26, March.
    4. Irshad, Kashif & Habib, Khairul & Basrawi, Firdaus & Saha, Bidyut Baran, 2017. "Study of a thermoelectric air duct system assisted by photovoltaic wall for space cooling in tropical climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 504-522.
    5. Luo, Yongqiang & Zhang, Ling & Liu, Zhongbing & Yu, Jinghua & Xu, Xinhua & Su, Xiaosong, 2020. "Towards net zero energy building: The application potential and adaptability of photovoltaic-thermoelectric-battery wall system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    6. Zuazua-Ros, Amaia & Martín-Gómez, César & Ibañez-Puy, Elia & Vidaurre-Arbizu, Marina & Gelbstein, Yaniv, 2019. "Investigation of the thermoelectric potential for heating, cooling and ventilation in buildings: Characterization options and applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 229-239.
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