Study on dynamic thermal characteristics of thermoelectric radiant cooling panel system through a hybrid method

Thermoelectric radiant panel system (TERP), requires no hydronic pipes, pumps and chillers and the size is compact in solid form. In this study, the main results include a new system model of TERP and some new findings on the system dynamic characteristics. The new model integrates finite difference method and state-space matrix, which is an integration of great simulation accuracy, high speed, and easy implementation. The thermal response time (TRT) and its asynchronism are confirmed and a new concept of AM (Asynchronism Magnitude) is defined to measure the degree of TRT asynchronism. Some new observations are obtained: (1) Under a certain environment, AM becomes a constant even when different step changes of current are imposed; (2) The TRT asynchronism disappeared at the second stage when environmental condition is step changed. Three new definitions of TRT are proposed and compared. Finally, in order to realize the fast and accurate prediction of TRT for the use of system on-line control or fast evaluation under dynamic state, an artificial neural network-based model is proved to be effective. The dynamic analysis can offer a new paradigm to the evaluation, control and optimization of radiant cooling and other dynamic systems. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.