Numerical and experimental studies on a hybrid panel element for heating, cooling and ventilation

The use of surface heating systems will become even more important in the future. On the one hand, the systems can be operated at lower system temperatures and thus represent an energy optimisation. On the other hand, such a system is very well recognised by the user in terms of thermal comfort. In addition, due to the hermetic construction of the buildings, a ventilation system is needed to ensure the necessary supply of fresh air. Considering the Covid-19 pandemic and the reduction of the risk of infection, the importance of fresh air supply is even higher. To meet these requirements, a hybrid panel element was designed and prototyped. The area of application includes new construction as well as the modernisation of residential and commercial buildings. The hybrid panel element combines the advantages of surface heating in winter with cooling in summer and all-season ventilation. The prototypes were used to carry out extensive measurement tests. This made it possible to prove the functionality of the hybrid surface system and to make statements regarding the performance parameters (transferable heat flux via the surface to the room and transferable heat flow to the air). In addition, a parameter study on influencing variables (e.g. material selection, arrangement of air channels) was carried out by means of numerical simulation.