Performance analysis of the air-conditioning system in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Reducing the energy consumption of air-conditioning systems is becoming increasingly important. This paper focuses on the air-conditioning system in Terminal 3 in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, the first airport terminal to adopt radiant cooling in China. In the large spaces of this airport terminal, a temperature and humidity independent control (THIC) system has been adopted instead of a conventional nozzle air supply method, which significantly reduces the energy consumption of the air supply. The radiant floor is the main mechanism for indoor temperature control, while a liquid desiccant outdoor air processor combined with displacement ventilation is responsible for humidity control. Ice storage is adopted to reduce operating costs, and the supplied chilled water temperature can be as low as 3 °C. This paper examines the performance of the THIC system in detail. The indoor environment is determined through measurements to be comfortable, and the on-site performances of key components in both the airport terminal and the cooling plant are investigated. The outdoor air processor supplies air of appropriate temperature and humidity ratio; two kinds of radiant floors are used for temperature control, both with measured cooling capacities of about 30–40 W/m2; and the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the cooling plant is 2.62.

► THIC (Temp.-humid. independent control) system is adopted in large space of airport.
► Radiant floor and displacement ventilation are main terminal devices of THIC system.
► On site measurements are carried on, and shows comfortable indoor environment.
► The first terminal adopting radiant cooling in China with capacities of 30–40 W/m2.
► Ice storage is adopted in the cooling plant with a tested EER of 2.62.