Optimizing active chilled beam systems in the South Korean Climate: Comparative analysis of cooling energy and thermal comfort by set-point temperature

In this study, the feasibility of implementing the active chilled beam system (ACBS) in South Korea has been analyzed, and an appropriate control strategy has been proposed. While ACBS is increasingly adopted in North America and Europe, its spread in South Korea has been slow due to different climatic characteristics and a lack of diverse understanding and analysis. Furthermore, research discussing the effects of key system parameters on ACBS is notably scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of air handling unit discharge air temperature (AHU DAT) and ACBS entering chilled water temperature (ACBS ECWT) on ACBS and propose a control strategy suitable for the South Korean climate. The applicability of ACBS, compared with existing HVAC systems using this control strategy, has been evaluated. The study incorporates two methodologies: firstly, the impact of control variables has been assessed, and a suitable control strategy has been proposed through a sensitivity analysis of these variables. Secondly, the feasibility of applying ACBS, in comparison with conventional HVAC systems, has been evaluated from the perspectives of energy and thermal comfort. It has been found that system parameters, tailored for the South Korean climate, can maintain a level of thermal comfort like existing HVAC systems while achieving up to 18% in energy savings. Overall, this research not only demonstrates the potential applicability of ACBS in hot and humid climates like South Korea but also emphasizes the need for controlling key system parameters.