Analysis of perimeter heating in a room by a radiant ceiling panel supplementing a central air-heating system is performed numerically. Located above the window in a suspended ceiling, the heated panel thermally affects both the room and the plenum above the panel. In multistorey office buildings the thermal comfort of a room is influenced not only by the outdoor temperature and the radiant panel within the room but also by the enclosures above and beneath the room. Thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the room were investigated as functions of various parameters, including 1) effect of insulation, or lack of it, on top (plenum side) of the radiant panel; 2) effect of adding a partition in the plenum to determine if the heat lost from the top of the panel can be directed to the floor located directly above the panel; and 3) radiant panel surface temperature.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, radiant panels, perimeter, heating, performance, thermal comfort, rooms, suspended ceilings, warm air heating, plenums, multistorey buildings, offices, energy, efficiency, thermal insulation, internal walls, heat loss, surface temperature, heat flow, energy consumption, calculating