Numerical analysis of air flow, heat transfer, moisture transport and thermal comfort in a room heated by two-panel radiators

A three-dimensional steady-state numerical analysis was performed in a room heated by two-panel radiators. A virtual sitting manikin with real dimensions and physiological shape was added to the model of the room, and it was assumed that the manikin surfaces were subjected to constant temperature. Two different heat transfer coefficients for the outer wall and for the window were considered. Heat interactions between the human body surfaces and the room environment, the air flow, the temperature, the humidity, and the local heat transfer characteristics of the manikin and the room surfaces were computed numerically under different environmental conditions. Comparisons of the results are presented and discussed. The results show that energy consumption can be significantly reduced while increasing the thermal comfort by using better-insulated outer wall materials and windows.

Research highlights▶ Increasing 1 °C of the mean air temperature leads to about 10% more heat loss. ▶ Insulation and radiator temperature affect the thermal comfort and the energy usage. ▶ Cold surfaces like windows can cause discomfort for humans. ▶ Radiation and evaporation have also great effect on the heat release from the human.