Experimental Investigation of Mean Radiant Temperature Trends for a Ground Source Heat Pump-Integrated Radiant Wall and Ceiling Heating System

Abstract

Mean radiant temperature (MRT) is one of the six primary factors that determine thermal comfort in a given thermal environment. In this study, the average radiant temperature was determined using a calculation method based on the surrounding surface temperatures and view factors. The present study specifically investigated the use of calculated radiant temperature, compared to measured radiant temperature, for predicting the mean vote (PMV) and percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) comfort parameters. The method was validated by the experimental measurements via the black sphere thermometer at five different reference points in a test room, including radiant panels on the ceiling and walls. By using global thermometer measurements, the proposed approach achieved a high degree of compatibility and an accuracy of 0.17 °C, which was the difference between calculated and measured values. The results demonstrated the reliability of the procedure using view factors and surrounding surface temperatures to calculate the radiant temperature in the designated test room; here, a straightforward method for evaluating the thermal conditions of an office room and determining the optimal location of an air temperature sensor in PMV-controlled radiant systems was also proposed. This study contributes to the increasing field of research on thermal comfort and offers knowledge that is beneficial for the design and optimization of indoor environments.

Keywords

• radiant heating
• mean radiant temperature
• wall and ceiling panels
• indoor environment
• ground source heat pump
• thermal comfort