A simple method for validating a simulation model of a radiant ceiling panel with thermal energy storage

This paper focuses on validating a simulation model of a radiant ceiling panel (RCP) incorporating phase change materials (PCM) for heating and cooling applications in buildings. The development of an RCP with thermal energy storage capacity aims to encourage high thermal mass radiant systems in existing buildings to replace the traditional all-air HVAC system. First, a heat flow meter (HFM) is used to perform enthalpy measurements at a product scale (macro-encapsulated PCM). Then, a small test chamber is constructed to measure the dynamic thermal performance of an RCP with PCM under well-known and realistic boundary conditions. A known thermal resistance is used to establish a realistic heat transfer coefficient between room air (represented by the temperature of a temperature-controlled metal plate) and ceiling. The results show that HFM enthalpy measurements of products incorporating PCM are within ± 2% of manufacturers' data. Additionally, results indicate that a test chamber can be used for validating a dynamic simulation model of the RCP with PCM installed in a room. The proposed method can be helpful during the system optimization phase, as many conditions and sample configurations can be tested without spending too much time or money on test rooms or real building monitoring.