Assessing the Thermal Performance of Combined Radiant Cooling Ceiling and Fan Coil Unit in a Tropical Classroom

In tropical areas, efficient cooling management is crucial. This study investigates the comfort and thermal performance of a classroom in Malaysia's first Net Zero Emission Building (NZEB) using a novel combination of radiant cooling ceiling and fan coil unit (FCU). This is the first application of radiant cooling ceilings in the country, facing challenges like condensation due to high humidity. The study, conducted over three months, included numerical simulations to model system performance. Data on cooling load distribution, thermal comfort, and energy consumption were collected and analyzed. Preliminary results indicate that while the radiant ceiling effectively reduces sensible loads, it requires coordination with the FCU to manage latent loads and maintain hygrometric comfort. The systems maintained an average indoor temperature of twenty-four degrees Celsius and sixty percent relative humidity. The radiant ceiling used thirty percent less energy than conventional FCU configurations, indicating significant energy savings. These findings support the potential of radiant cooling ceilings combined with dehumidification systems in hot and humid climates, offering a promising solution for NZEB buildings in tropical regions. The performance of this hybrid system could guide the development of more sustainable and efficient cooling technologies.