An integrated study of radiant slab cooling systems throughexperiment and building simulation

Radiant cooling systems for thermal comfort in commercial buildings are new to North America. The University of Calgary’s ICT Building has a hybrid radiant slab-mixed air system that offers an opportunity to evaluate operating performance. Through integrated field measurements and building simulation with EnergyPlus, it was found that the building energy performance could be improved by reducing conflicts between systems, especially simultaneous heating and cooling. Control strategies to coordinate air and radiant system operation are crucial to improve the overall building energy performance. Use of “low quality” cooling sources with radiant slab cooling was also considered.