IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v13y2021i21p11936-d667468.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel with Phase Change Material for Building Cooling Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Mohadeseh Seyednezhad

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

  • Hamidreza Najafi

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

  • Benjamin Kubwimana

    (Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA)

Abstract

The present paper investigates the performance of a thermoelectric (TE)-based radiant ceiling panel with an additional layer of phase change material (PCM) for building cooling application through numerical and experimental analyses. The design of the ceiling panel consisted of an aluminum sheet with TE modules installed on the back to maintain a relatively low ceiling temperature that provided cooling through radiation and convection. A three-dimensional model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics, and the system’s performance in several different configurations was assessed. The effect of the number of TE modules, as well as incorporating different amounts of PCM under transient conditions, was investigated for two modes of operation: startup and shutdown. It was shown that for a 609.6 mm × 609.6 mm ceiling panel, the use of four TE modules reduced the average surface temperature down to the comfort range in less than 5 min while producing a relatively uniform temperature distribution across the ceiling panel. It was also shown that the addition of a 2 mm thick PCM layer to the back of the ceiling panel enhanced the system’s performance by elongating the time that it took for the ceiling panel’s temperature to exceed the comfort range when the system shut down, which in turn reduced the number of on/off cycling of the system. The numerical results demonstrated a good agreement with the experimental data. The results from this study can be used for the optimal design of a TE-based radiant ceiling cooling system as a promising technology for smart buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi & Benjamin Kubwimana, 2021. "Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel with Phase Change Material for Building Cooling Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:11936-:d:667468
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/21/11936/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/21/11936/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. He, Wei & Zhou, Jinzhi & Hou, Jingxin & Chen, Chi & Ji, Jie, 2013. "Theoretical and experimental investigation on a thermoelectric cooling and heating system driven by solar," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 89-97.
    2. Tan, Yong Zen & Han, Le & Chew, Nick Guan Pin & Chow, Wai Hoong & Wang, Rong & Chew, Jia Wei, 2018. "Membrane distillation hybridized with a thermoelectric heat pump for energy-efficient water treatment and space cooling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C), pages 1079-1088.
    3. Luo, Yongqiang & Zhang, Ling & Liu, Zhongbing & Wang, Yingzi & Meng, Fangfang & Xie, Lei, 2016. "Modeling of the surface temperature field of a thermoelectric radiant ceiling panel system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 675-686.
    4. Cai, Yang & Zhang, Dong-Dong & Liu, Di & Zhao, Fu-Yun & Wang, Han-Qing, 2019. "Air source thermoelectric heat pump for simultaneous cold air delivery and hot water supply: Full modeling and performance evaluation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 968-981.
    5. Ali Riahi & Nor Azazi Zakaria & Nasir Md Noh & Mohd Zaki Mat Amin & Azman Mat Jusoh & Marini Mohamad Ideris & Mohd Zharif Muhammad & Mohd Asri Ramli & Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol & Syafiq Shaha, 2021. "Performance Investigation of 18 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Units to Supply Continuous Daily Fresh Water from Malaysia’s Atmosphere," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Kashif Irshad, 2021. "Performance Improvement of Thermoelectric Air Cooler System by Using Variable-Pulse Current for Building Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-13, August.
    7. Irshad, Kashif & Habib, Khairul & Basrawi, Firdaus & Saha, Bidyut Baran, 2017. "Study of a thermoelectric air duct system assisted by photovoltaic wall for space cooling in tropical climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 504-522.
    8. Luo, Yongqiang & Zhang, Ling & Liu, Zhongbing & Yu, Jinghua & Xu, Xinhua & Su, Xiaosong, 2020. "Towards net zero energy building: The application potential and adaptability of photovoltaic-thermoelectric-battery wall system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    9. Jan Skovajsa & Martin Koláček & Martin Zálešák, 2017. "Phase Change Material Based Accumulation Panels in Combination with Renewable Energy Sources and Thermoelectric Cooling," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-18, January.
    10. Cheng, Tsung-Chieh & Cheng, Chin-Hsiang & Huang, Zhu-Zin & Liao, Guo-Chun, 2011. "Development of an energy-saving module via combination of solar cells and thermoelectric coolers for green building applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 133-140.
    11. Zuazua-Ros, Amaia & Martín-Gómez, César & Ibañez-Puy, Elia & Vidaurre-Arbizu, Marina & Gelbstein, Yaniv, 2019. "Investigation of the thermoelectric potential for heating, cooling and ventilation in buildings: Characterization options and applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 229-239.
    12. Twaha, Ssennoga & Zhu, Jie & Yan, Yuying & Li, Bo, 2016. "A comprehensive review of thermoelectric technology: Materials, applications, modelling and performance improvement," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 698-726.
    13. Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi, 2021. "Solar-Powered Thermoelectric-Based Cooling and Heating System for Building Applications: A Parametric Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Benjamin Kubwimana & Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi, 2023. "Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Comfort," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-20, October.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Cai, Yang & Wang, Wei-Wei & Liu, Cheng-Wei & Ding, Wen-Tao & Liu, Di & Zhao, Fu-Yun, 2020. "Performance evaluation of a thermoelectric ventilation system driven by the concentrated photovoltaic thermoelectric generators for green building operations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 1565-1583.
    2. Zuazua-Ros, Amaia & Martín-Gómez, César & Ibañez-Puy, Elia & Vidaurre-Arbizu, Marina & Gelbstein, Yaniv, 2019. "Investigation of the thermoelectric potential for heating, cooling and ventilation in buildings: Characterization options and applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 229-239.
    3. Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi, 2021. "Solar-Powered Thermoelectric-Based Cooling and Heating System for Building Applications: A Parametric Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Duan, Mengfan & Sun, Hongli & Lin, Borong & Wu, Yifan, 2021. "Evaluation on the applicability of thermoelectric air cooling systems for buildings with thermoelectric material optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    5. Benjamin Kubwimana & Mohadeseh Seyednezhad & Hamidreza Najafi, 2023. "Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Cooling Systems: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thermal Comfort," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-20, October.
    6. Luo, Yongqiang & Zhang, Ling & Bozlar, Michael & Liu, Zhongbing & Guo, Hongshan & Meggers, Forrest, 2019. "Active building envelope systems toward renewable and sustainable energy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 470-491.
    7. Irshad, Kashif & Habib, Khairul & Basrawi, Firdaus & Saha, Bidyut Baran, 2017. "Study of a thermoelectric air duct system assisted by photovoltaic wall for space cooling in tropical climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 504-522.
    8. Karami Rad, Meysam & Rezania, Alireza & Omid, Mahmoud & Rajabipour, Ali & Rosendahl, Lasse, 2019. "Study on material properties effect for maximization of thermoelectric power generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 236-242.
    9. Prieto, Alejandro & Knaack, Ulrich & Auer, Thomas & Klein, Tillmann, 2019. "COOLFACADE: State-of-the-art review and evaluation of solar cooling technologies on their potential for façade integration," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 395-414.
    10. Zhao, Dongliang & Yin, Xiaobo & Xu, Jingtao & Tan, Gang & Yang, Ronggui, 2020. "Radiative sky cooling-assisted thermoelectric cooling system for building applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    11. Zhang, Yelin & Liu, Zhongbing & Wang, Pengcheng, 2020. "Evaluation of a stand-alone photovoltaic/thermal integrated thermoelectric water heating system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1533-1553.
    12. Andrés Villarruel-Jaramillo & Manuel Pérez-García & José M. Cardemil & Rodrigo A. Escobar, 2021. "Review of Polygeneration Schemes with Solar Cooling Technologies and Potential Industrial Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-30, October.
    13. Ibáñez-Puy, Elia & Martín-Gómez, César & Bermejo-Busto, Javier & Zuazua-Ros, Amaia, 2018. "Thermal and energy performance assessment of a thermoelectric heat pump integrated in an adiabatic box," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 681-688.
    14. He, Wei & Zhang, Gan & Zhang, Xingxing & Ji, Jie & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong, 2015. "Recent development and application of thermoelectric generator and cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 1-25.
    15. Li, Yan, 2022. "A concentrated solar spectrum splitting photovoltaic cell-thermoelectric refrigerators combined system: Definition, combined system properties and performance evaluation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PC).
    16. Minseong Kim & Yong-Kwon Kang & Jaewon Joung & Jae-Weon Jeong, 2022. "Cooling Performance Prediction for Hydraulic Thermoelectric Radiant Cooling Panels with Experimental Validation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-17, December.
    17. Kashif Irshad & Abdulmohsen Almalawi & Asif Irshad Khan & Md Mottahir Alam & Md. Hasan Zahir & Amjad Ali, 2020. "An IoT-Based Thermoelectric Air Management Framework for Smart Building Applications: A Case Study for Tropical Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-18, February.
    18. Su, Xiaosong & Zhang, Ling & Liu, Zhongbing & Luo, Yongqiang & Chen, Dapeng & Li, Weijiao, 2021. "Performance evaluation of a novel building envelope integrated with thermoelectric cooler and radiative sky cooler," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 1061-1078.
    19. Cai, Yang & Wang, Lei & Ding, Wen-Tao & Liu, Di & Zhao, Fu-Yun, 2019. "Thermal performance of an active thermoelectric ventilation system applied for built space cooling: Network model and finite time thermodynamic optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 915-930.
    20. Luo, Yongqiang & Zhang, Ling & Liu, Zhongbing & Wu, Jing & Zhang, Yelin & Wu, Zhenghong, 2018. "Numerical evaluation on energy saving potential of a solar photovoltaic thermoelectric radiant wall system in cooling dominant climates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 384-399.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:11936-:d:667468. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.