Experimental Data and Simulations of Performance and Thermal Comfort in a Patient Room Equipped with Radiant Ceiling Panels

Abstract

Hospitals require the highest energy demands in non-residential buildings. They provide healthcare 24/7/365 and, at the same time, they ensure indoor air quality, thermal comfort and sterility. However, several studies reveal that high indoor temperatures and low relative humidity (RH) are often perceived in patient rooms during the heating season, suggesting an important energy saving potential. Against this background, radiant ceiling panel (RCP) systems result to be one of the most appropriate solutions as they allow to achieve significant energy savings while providing the highest level of thermal and acoustic comfort, as well as of infection control. In the present study the microclimatic survey of a patient room at Maggiore Hospital in Bologna, Italy, equipped with an air conditioning system integrated with RCP, has reported occupant thermal discomfort. Experimental data were used to calibrate a building model and dynamic building energy simulations were carried out to analyse indoor air temperature, relative humidity, predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) indexes under different inlet air temperatures, to identify the best design conditions for energy efficiency and thermal comfort improvement. It was found that the highest advantages can be obtained when neutral air is supplied.

Sustainability and Wellbeing in Healthcare Facilities. An Investigation Inside a Historic Hospital

“…So much so that even the ADPI index is always satisfied for all the three zones: this is due to the good mixing condition obtained with a highly homogeneous air inlet diffuser system from the top/ceiling and with the plant integration between the VAV with 4vol/h air renewal, and the floor radiant panel system. These results are consistent with recent literature researches [43][44][45][46][47].…”

A Study on Establishing Thermal Output Conditions of Radiant Ceiling Heating Panels for Improving Thermal Comfort of Perimeter Zone in Buildings

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“…The temperature and humidity of a room can be a problem that affects the comfort and health of its occupants [1]. Issues such as excessively high or low temperatures and humidity levels can make it difficult for people to sleep and cause discomfort [2].…”