TY - JOUR
T1 - A critical review of the research about radiant cooling systems in China
AU - Zhang, Fan
AU - Guo, Heinz -Axel
AU - Liu, Zhengxuan
AU - Zhang, Guoqiang
PY - 2021
Y1 - 2021
N2 - Radiant cooling (RC) systems have attracted more attention due to their advantages of better thermal comfort and higher energy saving potential compared with the conventional cooling systems in China. This paper comprehensively reviews the current status of RC systems in terms of their application and mechanism research. First, current policies and standards of RC technology applications are sorted out. Then, the current application cases and existing engineering difficulties for RC technologies are discussed in China. This shows the degree of the adaption problem of RC technology in China due to the issues of condensation, fewer natural cooling sources, etc. Furthermore, the energy-saving potential of RC technology indeed does not achieve the expected objectives in China, according to most of the conclusions of previous research studies. The key reason for this lies in the change of heat exchange method to RC technology. Current methods are often limited in analyzing the impact of this change. Then, the special characters are reviewed and discussed in relation to topic of comfort and energy saving. Additionally, a novel analyzing method is proposed for solving the problems comprehensively. Finally, this review suggests future areas of research directions and methods. It will be conducive to a deeper understanding of design and application of RC systems for researchers and policymakers.
AB - Radiant cooling (RC) systems have attracted more attention due to their advantages of better thermal comfort and higher energy saving potential compared with the conventional cooling systems in China. This paper comprehensively reviews the current status of RC systems in terms of their application and mechanism research. First, current policies and standards of RC technology applications are sorted out. Then, the current application cases and existing engineering difficulties for RC technologies are discussed in China. This shows the degree of the adaption problem of RC technology in China due to the issues of condensation, fewer natural cooling sources, etc. Furthermore, the energy-saving potential of RC technology indeed does not achieve the expected objectives in China, according to most of the conclusions of previous research studies. The key reason for this lies in the change of heat exchange method to RC technology. Current methods are often limited in analyzing the impact of this change. Then, the special characters are reviewed and discussed in relation to topic of comfort and energy saving. Additionally, a novel analyzing method is proposed for solving the problems comprehensively. Finally, this review suggests future areas of research directions and methods. It will be conducive to a deeper understanding of design and application of RC systems for researchers and policymakers.
KW - Radiant cooling system
KW - Thermal comfort
KW - Energy saving
KW - Mechanism research
KW - Engineering application
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85100261644&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110756
DO - 10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110756
M3 - Review article
SN - 0378-7788
VL - 235
JO - Energy and Buildings
JF - Energy and Buildings
M1 - 110756
ER -