condensation risk

The following paper is focused on hygrothermal behaviour of roofs with ventilated air layers subjected to air leakages in their internal decks (the internal partial construction located below the ventilated air layer). Possibilities of CFD modelling of such constructions are discussed in the first part of the paper including the problem of introduction of water vapour diffusion into calculation. A brief comparison of results from CFD analysis and from calculation based on a technical standard is also included.

Ceiling radiant cooling with its many advantages on thermal comfort or energy reduction, didn’t become a leader in this domain because of the fear of condensation on the chilled surface of the ceiling, especially in hot and humid climates. Using the building simulation code named Trnsys we have been able to simulate the risk of condensation on a cooling ceiling installed in an office room for different France climates.

The objective of this paper is to analyse if Radiant Cooling Ceiling (RCC) has the potential to providebetter comfort and energy consumption in prefabricated buildings by comparison with conventionalsystems installed on this structures. Another purpose of this paper is to investigate the risk ofcondensation on the ceiling panel and finding the solution to prevent this. A building energy simulationcode called Trnsys was used to simulate the system and to analyse different characteristics of theRCC and of the indoor space.