Work

Indoor Environment Improvement and Energy-Saving Effects of Light Shelf System with Integrated Radiant Heating and Cooling Panel

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Achieving good daylighting while maintaining thermal comfort and reducing perimeter energy use is a key challenge in low-energy office buildings. This study developed a thermally activated light shelf (TALS) system that integrates multiple functions into a conventional light shelf. The top surface blocks excessive perimeter light and reflects daylight deeper into the room, while the bottom surface operates as a radiant heating and cooling panel using circulating warm or cool water. To evaluate the system, full-scale empirical experiments were conducted in a mock-up test bed with two identical office-like cells under the same boundary conditions; one cell was equipped with TALS and the other served as a reference. Indoor thermal environment indices and heating and cooling energy use were monitored during winter and summer. The TALS room achieved ISO 7730 Category A comfort more frequently, with Category A cumulative duration approximately 3.4 times longer in winter and 7.8 times longer in summer compared with the non-TALS room. In addition, heating and cooling energy were reduced by about 39.2% and 7.7%, respectively. These promising results are based on a single prototype and climate, and further studies are needed to optimize TALS capacity and window-related heat loss.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15244561

Authors: Beomseok Go, Kyu-Nam Rhee, Joowook Kim, Taeyon Hwang

Institutions: Pukyong National University, Chosun University

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137