Vita. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987.

published_or_final_version / Surveying / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

Energy use in buildings accounts for more than a third of global energy demand, with humans seeking to create comfortable internal environments year-round. In the UK, air or water active thermal mass systems have demonstrated viability at delivering energy efficient comfort to office spaces. Whilst an attractive proposition, there are limitations to the cooling capacity and dynamic thermal response, giving rise to overheating in poorly designed buildings. The thesis work presented documents the investigation into active thermal mass enhancement to a prototype ventilated hollow core sample. Through engineering modelling (CFD, Excel VBA and IES) and laboratory (DSC, component and thermal chamber) testing two solutions were tested (an active-PCM module suitable for retrofit and embedded cool water pipes), with results conveying a 1 to 3°C temperature reduction and 0.1 to 0.2 kWh/m2/day AC savings during summer conditions. COP figures up to 10.6 were achieved through temperature set-point controlled water and air activated thermal mass. Economic analysis was conducted with positive results with the active-PCM module becoming viable for the UK’s non-domestic ‘Green Deal’ at a price point of approximately £300 per module. Following the laboratory led, and simulation supported work it was possible to conclude that active thermal mass enhancements can provide financially-viable energy-efficient, thermal-comfort for non-domestic UK properties. However the extent of the benefit depends heavily on the building thermal demands, available technology and optimised system control. Further work should be conducted to; develop additional modelling tools, underpinned by the laboratory data generated, and optimise the novel active-PCM technology, suitable for lucrative target markets.

In order to replace a conventional air-conditioner (AC) based on vapour compression technology that directly has high global warming potential and also currently consumes the most fossil fuel primary energy in building sector of tropical countries for generating thermal comfort on sleeping purpose, other alternative green space cooling technologies, as thermoelectric cooling (TEC), has to be improved to have same performance with AC. This research aims to develop and investigate a performance of Solar-powered Thermoelectric Radiant Cooling (STRC) system, as the combination of TEC and radiant cooling (RC) that is well known in its low energy consumption advantage. The studies were conducted through calculations, CFD simulations, system performance simulations and experiments. The results of optimum STRC system design was proved to provide better thermal and air quality performances, while the result in energy performance was depended on the TEC’s COP and vapour condensation prevention. After novel developing of TEC’s cooling channel with combined helical and an oblique fin to induce effective secondary flows that highly reduced the TEC’s hot side temperature in this research, the COP was able to increase up to 175%. Meanwhile, a novel bio-inspired combined superhydrophobic and hydrophobic coating on RC panel were able to competently repel most condensed water droplets, leaving just tiny droplets that was hard to be seen by naked eye. Finally, the COP of STRC system from house model experiment in 1:100 scales under hot and high humid climate was as high as 2.1 that helped STRC to consume electricity 34% less than AC system. Along with other benefits, as no working fluid, noise-free and low maintenance needs, the return of investment (ROI) was studied to be only 5-6 years when being operated with grid electricity and 17-18 years with PV panel generated electricity.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1982.

Thesis (M. Sc.(Eng.))--University of Hong Kong, 1983.

Thesis (M. Sc.(Eng.))--University of Hong Kong, 1982.