Ventilated hollow core slab cooling load reduction under the operative temperature metric

Abstract

This paper evaluates the cooling load reduction of a commercial office building through the use of a ventilated hollow core slab in Toronto Canada. Two scenarios were evaluated-SmartVent (SV) in which outdoor air is ventilated through concrete slab hollow cores when the outdoor air temperature is lower than that of the hollow core surface; and NoVent (NV), in which no ventilation takes place. A numerical model was created to simulate the heat transfer between the outdoor air stream and slab; and associated heat transfer between the slab and interior environment. The mean radiant temperature experienced by an occupant was then evaluated in both scenarios to determine the required ambient air temperature to achieve an operative temperature of 24.8°C. The cooling loads required to maintain this operative temperature setpoint were then determined for and compared.