Radiant Cooling
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Radiant Cooling
Radiant cooling is a form of cooling used in buildings which involves the transfer of heat using pipes embedded into a building's structure. This heat transfer is achieved through the use of a liquid, normally water, which circulates through the pipes. The pipes absorb heat energy from the interior of the building and then transfer it to a heat sink such as a nearby body of water or the cooling tower of the building’s cooling system. Radiant cooling is a great alternative to traditional HVAC systems as it is both energy-efficient and cost-effective. It works best in warm climates, as it reduces the reliance on air-conditioning and manages temperatures by cooling surfaces rather than air. Additionally, radiant cooling does not produce drafts or cold spots like traditional air-conditioning systems and is therefore very comfortable for occupants.
thermally-driven cooling, thermal mass, hydronic cooling, solar cooling.
Radiant Cooling
Radiant cooling is a system of air conditioning in which relatively cool surfaces in the building absorb heat from the environment and re-emit this stored heat to the atmosphere. This cooling technique relies on the principle of radiative heat exchange, whereby radiation emitted from the surface of an object is absorbed by other objects in the environment. The heat can be directed towards the sky, to the ground, or to nearby bodies of water. Radiant cooling is most effective in buildings when closely spaced, relatively cool surfaces are made available to direct the heat away from the building. This system of cooling is often combined with other heating and cooling techniques, such as natural ventilation, to provide a more energy-efficient use of cooling energy.
Radiant cooling, passive cooling, reflective surfaces, radiative heat exchange, energy efficiency.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Radiant Cooling.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/radiant-cooling?E=196007 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"
Radiant Cooling on Design+Encyclopedia
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