A radiant cooling system refers to a temperature-controlled surface that cools indoor temperatures by removing sensible heat and where more than half of heat transfer occurs through thermal radiation. When the floor is cooled, it is often referred to as radiant floor cooling; cooling the ceiling is usually done in homes with radiant panels.

 

Most radiant cooling home applications in North America have been based on aluminum panels suspended from the ceiling. Chilled water is circulated through those panels. In order to be effective, the panels must be maintained at a temperature very near the dew point within the house, and the house must be kept dehumidified. In humid climates, simply opening a door could allow enough humidity into the home to allow condensation to occur. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the diagram above, a cooled ceiling acts as a heat sink for all radiant heat sources in the room (Human Occupant, Solar Radiation, Equipment, Walls, etc).