Surface temperature performance of hybrid ceiling and wall radiant cooling for tropical apartments
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: As an energy-saving technology, the hybrid radiant cooling system combined with an air system has received more attention. Hybrid radiant cooling systems combined with airbox convector units present a viable solution. Dynamic temperature changes of the surface panel must be fully understood on the surface of the radiant cooling panel. This study examines the influence of panel placement and cooling panel areas on ceiling and wall surface temperatures in a tropical apartment. An experimental study was conducted in a scaled low-rise apartment unit with an air change rate ranging from 0.74 to 1.78 ACH. The independent variables focused on panel placement (ceiling, wall, and combined), and panel area (15%, 30%, and 45%), while the dependent variable was surface temperature. Ceiling-only panels moderately decreased temperatures (25.8–26.3°C), while wall-only panels showed lower temperatures (24.7–24.9°C). The combined ceiling-wall configurations exhibited the best performance, with the lowest ceiling panel temperature recorded at 25.2°C and a wall temperature of 23.69°C. Wall panels provided enhanced localized cooling, while ceiling panels reduced heat loads and stabilized thermal distribution. The hybrid radiant cooling system combined with the airbox convector demonstrates significant potential for sustainable indoor thermal comfort in hot-humid tropical apartments.
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166187934