Advanced Airbox cooling and dehumidification system connected with a chilled ceiling panel in series adapted to hot and humid climates

This research discusses the use of an Airbox convector unit for cooling and dehumidification to prevent moisture condensation on the surface of chilled ceiling panels in hot and humid climates. The combination of displacement ventilation with high temperature radiant cooling offers the potential for an energy-efficient operation of buildings in tropical climates; however, it hardly avoids moisture condensation risks if there are high infiltration rates or internal moisture gain. This study presents the cooling and dehumidification performance of a novel Airbox unit hydraulically connected in series with a chilled ceiling panel. The unit is equipped with a fan and two heat exchangers that are hydraulically connected in series with a chilled ceiling panel. In the process of air treatment, the Airbox unit chills and dehumidifies indoor air while reducing the risk of moisture condensation on the panel because it not only dehumidifies indoor air but also increases the surface temperature of the chilled ceiling panel at same time. This novel system generates additional cooling capacity without the need for supplemental cooling sources due to enhanced mixed convection effects.