Climate Control of a Neonatal Room Using Recycled Renewable Energy Sources

ABSTRACTThis study presents the development and evaluation of an innovative neonatal room heating system utilizing aradiant floor with encapsulated water and autonomous recirculation. The system is designed to operateindependently of conventional energy sources, relying on solar thermal collectors and a low-powerphotovoltaic panel for water circulation. The radiant floor, constructed with concrete and plastic bottles filledwith water, serves as a thermal mass for sensible heat storage. A prototype floor of 1m x 1m x 0.15m wasbuilt, incorporating a spiral polyethylene tube for water circulation. The system was tested under winterconditions, maintaining a floor surface temperature range of 18°C to 29°C, optimal for neonatal thermalcomfort. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the system, highlighting its potential as a sustainable andcost-effective solution for neonatal care environments, particularly in resource-limited settings. The study alsoexplores the thermal efficiency of the solar air collector, which achieved an instantaneous efficiency of up to70%. The integration of encapsulated water increased the thermal mass by 40% compared to a traditionalconcrete floor, reducing the risk of overheating, and enhancing heat retention. This research contributes to thefield of sustainable heating solutions, offering a practical approach to improving thermal comfort in neonatalrooms.