Application of open cooling tower with radiant cooling for office space conditioning in temperate climate

The growth in the use of mechanical vapour compression based air conditioning systems for office cooling in temperate climates has led to increased interest in alternative low energy active cooling systems. Cooling towers as a means for producing chilled water, in conjunction with radiant and displacement cooling systems, offer a possible alternative approach for space conditioning of office spaces in temperate climates. The current research hypothesis is based on assessing an integrated cooling tower and radiant/displacement ventilation cooling system for office conditioning in temperate climate. The concept is capable of producing chilled water between 14-18°C with low approach temperatures (1-3K) and using this water for building sensible cooling by radiant surfaces (floors or ceilings) and building latent cooling by displacement ventilation. A mathematical model of the cooling tower system was developed using MATLAB. The cooling tower was validated against experimental data and integrated with an EnergyPlus model of an office building model incorporating radiant cooling and displacement ventilation systems. Using the overall simulation model, assessment was carried out based on ASHRAE design day specifications for Paris as representative of warm and humid climate. The results indicated that although the COP of the integrated cooling system was fluctuated between 2 and 8, this system can provide thermal comfort condition during 67% of working hours in Paris design day.