A response factor method to quantify the dynamic performance for pipe-embedded radiant systems

Abstract Pipe-embedded radiant systems have the potential to reduce building energy consumption and provide better thermal comfort. Understanding and quantifying their dynamic thermal performance (cooling capacity, surface temperature) are important when designing and controlling such systems. Compared to the existing studies, this paper developed a comprehensive response factor method to calculate the dynamic performance for pipe-embedded radiant systems. Firstly, we used the state-space method to calculate the response factors. Secondly, the calculated response factors were verified to follow the heat balance principle. Afterwards, we found the response factor method has good accuracy when compared with the ISO or CFD method. Moreover, we also improved the response factor method to quantify the impact of additional heat on the dynamic performance. In addition, a parametric simulation considering six impact factors was conducted, from which we arrived at a response factor database for pipe-embedded radiant systems. The main advantage of the response factor method is that it does not require complicated iteration process. Therefore, it could possibly be used for the dynamic simulation or cooling load calculation for pipe-embedded radiant systems.