Alternatively to traditional air conditioning and heating, heating and cooling may be done by water-based radiant heating and cooling systems, where pipes are embedded in the building structure (floors, ceilings, walls) or in the center of the concrete slabs in multi-story buildings. The present talk will discuss the possibilities and limitations of radiant surface heating and cooling systems. Differences in performance and application of surface systems compared to embedded systems are presented. Results from both dynamic computer simulations and field measurements are presented.

The presentation shows that for well-designed buildings these types of system are capable of providing a comfortable indoor climate both in summer and in winter in different climatic zones. Various control concepts and corresponding energy performance are presented. To remove latent heat, these systems may be combined with an air system. This air system can, however, be scaled down with the benefit of improved comfort (noise, draught) compared to full air-conditioning. An added benefit can be reduced building height due to the elimination of suspended ceilings. Finally, surface heating and cooling systems use water at a temperature close to room temperature. This increases the possibility of using renewable energy sources and increasing the efficiency of boilers, heat pumps and refrigeration machines.

SPEAKER BIO

Bjarne Olesen, Professor Technical University of Denmark, ASHRAE DL and ASHRAE Past President 2017/18

Master's degree in civil engineering, 1972. Ph.D., Laboratory of heating and Air Conditioning, Technical University of Denmark, 1975. In the period 1972-1990 Research scientist at the Laboratory of Heating and Air Conditioning. Part time affiliated as product manager at Brüel & Kjaer 1978-1992. Senior Research Scientist, College of Architecture, Virginia Tech. in the period 1992-1993. Since 1993 until January 2004 Head of Research & Development at UPONOR-VELTA, Germany. Since January 2004 full professor at the International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark. Awarded the Ralph Nevins Award (1982), Distinguish Service Award (1997), Fellow Award (2001) and Exceptional Service Award (2006) from ASHRAE. Awarded the Medal of Honour from the German Engineering Society (VDI-TGA, 2005), International Honorary Member of SHASE (Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan) and Honorary member of AICARR (Italian Society for HVAC). ASHRAE president 2017-18.

Is active in several ASHRAE-CEN-ISO standard committees regarding indoor environment and energy performance of buildings and HVAC systems. Has published more than 450 papers including more than 90 in peer reviewed journals.