Thermal modelling of the cooling ceiling system as a commissioning tool.

This paper presents the results of a study performed
to develop a computational model of cooling ceiling
systems. This one has to be used in situ, as diagnosis
tool in commissioning process in order to determine
the main operating conditions of the system in
cooling mode. The model considers the cooling
ceiling as a fin. Only the dry regime is considered.
From ceiling and room dimensions, material
description of the cooling ceiling and measurement
of supply water mass flow rate and air and water
temperatures, the model calculates the cooling ceiling
capacity, ceiling surface average temperature and
water exhaust temperature. Fin efficiency, mixed
convection close to the cooling ceiling (generated by
the ventilation system) and panel perforations
influence are studied. A series of tests and
experimental results on four types of cooling ceilings
are used in order to validate the model.