Optimization on the performances of a novel bed-based task/ambient conditioning (TAC) system

The use of task/ambient conditioning (TAC) systems can help improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality, and reduce the energy consumption in bedrooms in residences or guestrooms in hotels at nighttime for sleeping. However, its operational and energy saving performances would be affected by a number of factors, such as supply air flow rate and temperature, and supply vane angles. This paper reports on optimizing numerically the operating performances of a novel bed-based TAC system. Firstly, the methods on a novel bed-based TAC system are introduced, including the experimental method and the computational method. Secondly, the numerical model is validated using the experimental results at the experimental operating conditions. Thirdly, the operating performances of the novel bed-based TAC systems at non-experimental operating conditions using the validated numerical model are optimized and the results reported. Finally, the conclusion and limitations of the study are given. The numerical study results showed that by suitably controlling its supply air flow velocity and temperature, and supply vane angle, the bed-based TAC system can be operated to maintain an acceptable level of thermal comfort without the cold draft in an occupied zone at a low energy consumption.