Experimental and theoretical studies of space cooling using ceiling-embedded piping

Space cooling is considered, in which the heat produced within or inserted into occupied spaces is transferred to a cold fluid flowing through piping embedded in the ceiling slab. Theoretical and experimental studies are conducted for the above transient thermal problem. The theoretical investigation is based on numerical and analytical solutions, while for the measurements an experimental set-up of physical size has been built up. A comparison of measurements and predictions shows that the theoretical procedures are reliable. A systematic parametric study is conducted and the ceiling slab cooling capacity (W/m(2)), which is found to be the most important quantity for practical applications, is expressed as a function of the embedded pipe spacing and depth, and the temperatures of the inflow water and the indoor environment. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.