The role of mechanical ventilation for efficient radiant cooling in residential applications

The request of summer air conditioning in dwellings is continuously increasing in many countries for comfort reasons. This trend brings about two important problems: how to cope with the energy saving and CO2 emissions and, on the other hand, how to achieve the goal by means of simple and effective plants. The use of radiant systems, especially ceiling ones, can represent a good solution if the building is correctly sheltered from solar gains, suitably insulated and the internal gains are controlled. On the other hand, the risk of reaching surfaces temperatures below dew point with consequent condensations, can limit the application of this technology. In this regard the use of mechanical controlled ventilation with cooling and dehumidification of air contributes to a larger application of radiant systems. A detailed simulation model has been set up to investigate the applicability and limits of different solutions, referring to climatic data (TRY) for various locations in southern Europe.