Construction
Automotive
Industry
www.rehau.com
ADVANTAGES OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS DELIVERING HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE WITH IMPROVED HEATING AND COOLING
AIA/CES COURSE REH23D
Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour
© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013
Page 2
An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program
Approved Promotional Statement:
Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of
Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will
be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for
all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%.
Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through
RBA
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional
education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or
construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank &
Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner
of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Page 3
An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program
- Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final
exam.
- Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour
- Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can print
one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com
transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please
send requests to [email protected]
- Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of
completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email
confirmations will be sent to the email address you have provided in your
ronblank.com account.
Page 4
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- “This seminar provides a fundamental understanding of the benefits of radiant heating and
cooling systems for residential, commercial and institutional applications.”
Why is this course relevant?
i. Combined radiant heating and cooling systems provide uniform and efficient heating and
cooling, and are a cost effective way for your building to achieve a higher level of energy
performance
ii. Radiant systems can improve comfort while reducing energy for heating and cooling,
and reduce operational costs and maintenance costs
iii. Radiant is easily integrated into the mechanical environment of a building and can be
combined with geothermal and traditional HVAC for higher performing hybrid systems
iv. Since radiant pipes are embedded in floors, walls or ceilings, there is more available
space on floors and less space lost to ductwork
v. Many designers use radiant heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency
and comfort, and to achieve green/sustainable certifications and recognition
“ADVANTAGES OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS”
Page 5
LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE
1. Explain the four basic types of radiant heating installations
2. List the six primary benefits of radiant heating systems
3. Explain the four basic types of radiant cooling installations
4. List the five primary benefits of radiant cooling systems
5. Recognize the advantages of combined radiant heating/cooling systems
6. Indicate feasible applications for radiant heating and cooling technology
BY THE END OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Explaining radiant heating/cooling
systems to clients!
Page 6
PROLOGUE: RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS
WHAT IS A RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM?
- Radiant heating systems work by circulating
warm water through a network of polymer
pipes installed in floors, walls or ceilings
- Radiant heating systems provide warm, gentle
heat unmatched in comfort, control, flexibility
and efficiency
- Hydronic radiant heating has been used for
more than 75 years
- Modern radiant heating systems are reliable
and affordable
- Radiant heating is a great choice for today’s
energy-conscious builders, architects,
engineers and owners
Page 7
1. TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
i. Structural concrete slab installation
ii. Suspended wood floor overpour installation
TWO PRIMARY TYPES OF POURED OR “WET” INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Page 8
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
- Follow normal slab design with required insulation below
- Pipe located within slab (midway) or at bottom for slabs 5 in. thick or less
Typical components from top down:
Slab with PEXa pipe
Rigid insulation
Vapor barrier
Crushed stone subgrade
i. STRUCTURAL CONCRETE SLAB FLOOR
TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Note: 2” (50 mm) insulation (R-10 for EPS) is recommended at slab edges and below slabs
Suspended slabs (over unconditioned cold air) may require even more insulation
Page 9
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
- Thin pour is 1 1/2 in (38 mm) height (typical)
- Minimum coverage above pipes must be 3/4 in (19 mm) to avoid heat striping or
weakening the thermal mass
- Overpour may be Gypsum Cement concrete or Portland Cement concrete
- Ensure that subfloor is designed for the “dead weight” of 13-18 lb/ft2
- Coordination of trades is important to minimize work stoppage, damage to pipes, thermal
mass overflows, etc.
- Insulation, wire mesh, double baseplates, “dams” around holes, etc. all must be done in
the proper order
1 1/2” total
Minimum 3/4”
above pipes
i. SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR
TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT
Page 10
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
i. Above floor panel systems
ii. Below floor (joist space) plate systems
TWO PRIMARY TYPES OF PANEL OR “DRY” INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Page 11
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
- Above floor panel systems are lightweight, efficient alternatives to overpour installations
- They usually require far fewer changes to construction of the building
- No moisture is added to the project (like with overpour), avoiding those delays
- Dry panel systems can offer better efficiency and faster response time
i. ABOVE FLOOR PANEL SYSTEMS
TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT
Page 12
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
- Pipes, the aluminum heat transfer plates, the air cavity in the joist space and the subfloor
make up the “thermal mass”
- Aluminum heat transfer plates are very important for comfort and response
ii. BELOW FLOOR JOIST SPACE SYSTEMS
TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT
Page 13
TYPES OF RADIANT HEATING INSTALLATION
i. Structural concrete slab installation
ii. Suspended wood floor overpour
SUMMARY
i. Above floor panel systems
ii. Below floor (joist space) plate systems
Page 14
2. BENEFITS OF RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS
Radiant heating systems provide
warm, gentle heat unmatched in
comfort, control, flexibility and
efficiency
Six primary benefits:
a) Adaptability
b) Architectural freedom
c) Thermal comfort
d) Control
e) Efficiency
f) Safety
- An element of “Green” design
ADVANTAGES FOR EVERYONE
Page 15
a) ADAPTABILITY
1 - Applications:
- Use in floors, walls or ceilings
- Heat the entire building with radiant
floor heating (RFH), or mix it with
other hydronic emitters
- Radiant is zoneable
2 - Heat Sources:
- Virtually any source of “warm” water
can power a radiant system
1 - ADAPTABILITY WITH APPLICATIONS
2 - ADAPTABILITY WITH HEAT SOURCES
Page 16
ADAPTABILITY WITH APPLICATIONS
- Use as the primary heating system
- High outputs are possible
- Capable of more than 32 BTU/hr(ft2)
- Use for floor warming
- In tiled or hardwood areas, with sensors
- Radiant can be installed in almost any panel
- Floors, walls or ceilings
- Use as part of a “Hybrid” system
- Combine with radiators, panel radiators or
hydronic fan coils in other parts of the house
HEAT FLOORS, WALLS OR CEILING
HEAT THE ENTIRE BUILDING, OR PARTS OF IT
Page 17
ADAPTABILITY WITH HEAT SOURCES
Examples:
1. Condensing boiler - “Mod/Con”, for low temperature applications, high efficiency
2. Solar collectors - with storage tanks and water temperature mixing control device
3. Non-condensing boiler - for mixed high temperature/low temperature applications
4. Electric boiler - easy to control and install
5. Geothermal ground source heat pumps (GSHP)
VIRTUALLY ANY SOURCE OF ‘WARM’ WATER IS ACCEPTABLE WITH RFH
SOME HEAT SOURCES CAN DELIVER HIGHER EFFICIENCY WITH RADIANT
Page 18
ADAPTABILITY WITH HEAT SOURCES
Integration with GSHP
- A ground source heat pump is usually
a perfect match of water temperatures
with radiant distribution for heating and
cooling
- 115°F output temperature works well
for most radiant heating systems
- Most heat pumps will operate at a
higher efficiency (deliver a better COP)
when used with low-temperature
radiant heating distribution
- The lower the better
VIRTUALLY ANY SOURCE OF ‘WARM’ WATER IS ACCEPTABLE WITH RFH
SOME HEAT SOURCES CAN DELIVER HIGHER EFFICIENCY WITH RADIANT
Page 19
b) ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM
- Hot air convectors can be bulky, may
restrict placement of furniture and may
take up valuable floor space
- Not to mention ductwork volume
- Convectors as seen at O’Hare Airport
- Radiant heating pipes embedded within
the floor are invisible and waste no space
- A 1 in. water pipe can carry the same thermal
energy as 10 in. x 18 in. rectangular duct
NO BULKY CONVECTORS OR DUCTWORK
AVOID WASTED SPACE
Page 20
ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM
Example of early radiant floor heating project:
- “Falling Water” house in Mill Run, PA
- Architect Frank Lloyd Wright used wrought-iron
pipes for radiant heating in 1930’s
NO BULKY CONVECTORS OR DUCTWORK
AVOID WASTED SPACE
Page 21
ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM
- Ductwork is bulky, may restrict placement of furniture and waste valuable floor space
- Radiant heating pipes embedded within the floor are invisible and waste no space
- Ductwork can be reduced for fresh air volumes (commercial)
NO BULKY CONVECTORS OR DUCTWORK
AVOID WASTED SPACE
Example: Earth Rangers Centre, Woodbridge, ON LEED® Platinum
Page 22
c) THERMAL COMFORT
Typical complaints about forced air or hot-water baseboard heating:
1. Inconsistent temperature from minute-to-minute (cycling)
2. Inconsistent temperature within a room, floor to ceiling
3. Inconsistent temperature from one room to another
4. Restricted placement of furniture due to heat emitters
5. Drafts or “wind” blowing when the heat turns on
6. Cold hard surface flooring – I need slippers!
7. Noisy fans or ticking baseboard
8. Ugly air vents and return grates
9. Dusty air and heat emitters
10. Dry air in wintertime
WHAT IS THE BEST DEFINITION OF “COMFORT”?
JUST ELIMINATE WHAT MAKES PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE!
- Radiant floor heating can address all these issues!
Page 23
THERMAL COMFORT
- With RFH there is some warm air floating in lower portion of the room
- When your feet are warm, your lower body is warm
- There is less hot air at the ceiling, less “stratification”
- Cooler air at head level is fresher, has more oxygen, is not as dry
- Still air means less heat loss from the human body to the air flow
- Eliminates that “drafty” feeling caused by forced air movement
COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN THE SPACE
Optimal Thermal
Comfort Profile
Radiant Floor Heating
Thermal Comfort Profile
Forced Air Heating,
Convective Heating
Temp.
Page 24
THERMAL COMFORT
People are exothermic heat generators!
Heat emission from the human body occurs
via four modes of transfer:
- Radiation (~45%)
- Convection (~30%)
- Evaporation (~20%)
- Conduction (~5%)
- Our bodies radiate heat to any surface in
line-of-sight which is cooler than our
surface temperature (85°F - 90°F)
- Cold surfaces surrounding the body increase
heat loss and reduce comfort
IMPACT ON HUMAN COMFORT BY REDUCING RADIANT HEAT LOSS
A HEATED FLOOR PANEL SURROUNDS YOU IN WARMTH WITH A HIGHER MRT
Page 25
THERMAL COMFORT
A higher Mean Radiant Temperature reduces the radiant heat loss from human body
- Surfaces are warmer with radiant heating
- Human body radiates less heat to floors, walls and ceilings
- Indoor air does not have to be so hot for comfort
- Indoor air can be cooler and fresher, with better health and comfort
- Use 68°F vs. 72°F indoor design temperature with radiant floors for most applications
IMPACT ON HUMAN COMFORT BY REDUCING RADIANT HEAT LOSS
A HEATED FLOOR PANEL SURROUNDS YOU IN WARMTH WITH A HIGHER MRT
MRT comfort graph originally published in
Architectural Forum, January 1939 Mean Radiant Temperature (°F)
Pink area = approximate comfort zone
Example: MRT = 68F, air = 76F
Example: MRT = 76F, air = 68F
Page 26
THERMAL COMFORT
- Cooler air has higher Relative Humidity (RH%)
in winter as compared with hot air heating
- Lower average air temperature of FH leads to
less dry skin, fewer dry throats
- No ductwork is necessary for radiant heating
- Influence of dust/pollen/allergens may be
minimized
- Hard surface flooring is more comfortable, livable
- Easier to eliminate carpet and rugs from
indoor spaces while maintaining comfort
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
A HEALTHY HOME OR OFFICE IS MORE COMFORTABLE
Page 27
THERMAL COMFORT
Radiant floor heating is more comfortable:
i. Quiet, with no fans, no ticking, no noise
ii. Steady, with even temperatures from minute-to-minute
iii. Invisible, with no holes in the floor, no visible convectors, no moving curtains
iv. Warmer, with heat delivered through our feet and our body surrounded with warm
surfaces
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING DELIVERS BETTER COMFORT
“A WARM FLOOR MAKES A WARM HOME”
Page 28
d) CONTROL
In typical residential applications, a radiant
circuit covers about 250 ft2 to 350 ft2
- Control of the flow of water for each circuit is
set or “balanced” by manifold circuit valves
- That means that the right amount of heat
is delivered to each room
Thermostats, actuators and the manifold work
as a system to control room-by-room flows
- Special thermostats are calibrated for RFH
- Low-voltage actuators open and close
manifold circuit valves
Benefits:
- Occupants may desire some rooms to be
warmer than others
- Heat loads change with occupancy
- Room-by-room temperature control optimizes
comfort and efficiency
ZONING IS EASIER WITH RADIANT HEATING, DELIVERING BETTER COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY
Balancing distribution manifold
Page 29
e) EFFICIENCY
1. Lower average air temperature and corrected temp. profile reduces heat loss
- Reducing thermostat setting may reduce overall heat loss by 4 - 8%
- Reducing thermostat setting and correcting temperature profile can reduce air
infiltration by 5 - 40%, depending on variables (tightness, room height, etc.)
- Overall heat loss may be reduced by 10 - 25% with radiant floor heating
2. More efficient use of boiler or geothermal heat source
- Condensing boilers can operate more efficiently with lower water temperatures
- Geothermal heat pumps can operate more efficiently at lower output temperatures
3. It’s more efficient/economical to move heat using water vs. air
- Ex: A 3/4 in water pipe can transfer the same heat energy as a 14 in x 8 in duct
- Furnace blower fans draw significant amperage to distribute adequate volume (cfm)
of hot air to heat a space
- A comparable radiant circulator draws 75% - 90% less electrical energy to distribute
the same amount of heat
RADIANT HEATING CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
THREE KEY REASONS
Page 30
EFFICIENCY
1. Lower average air temperature and corrected temperature profile reduces heat loss
2. More efficient use of boiler or geothermal heat source
3. It’s more economical to move heat using water vs. air
In addition:
- Zoning capability allows temperature reduction of rooms when not needed
- Total savings can be up to 30% or more!
RADIANT HEATING CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
THREE KEY REASONS
Conclusion:
- Upfront investment in better systems
pays off immediately in better
comfort and control, and in the long-
term for reduced operating costs,
reduced maintenance, etc.
Page 31
f) SAFETY
- Hot water baseboard and other high-
temperature convectors can create
potential safety hazards
- This may be especially important
where children or elderly are present
- As seen at a coffee shop
- Radiant heating systems are usually
designed with floor temperatures no
warmer than 85°F
NO HOT SURFACES
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL
Page 32
BENEFITS OF RADIANT HEATING
Six primary benefits:
a) Adaptability
b) Architectural freedom
c) Thermal comfort
d) Control
e) Efficiency
f) Safety
- An element of “Green” design
SUMMARY
Page 33
PROLOGUE: RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS
WHAT IS A RADIANT COOLING SYSTEM?
- Typically designed in conjunction with radiant heating, radiant cooling systems circulate
chilled water through the same network of pipes where warm water circulates during the
heating season
- This network of pipes can turn the floors, walls and ceilings of a conditioned space into
cooled surfaces that evenly absorb heat energy
- Radiant cooling works best in a tightly sealed building that integrates radiant with a
downsized forced-air system to meet the building’s fresh air requirements
Example:
Bilbao International Airport,
northern Spain
Page 34
3. TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING INSTALLATION
i. Thermally Activated Slab (TAS),
aka TABS, BKT, or BATISO
- Without insulation underneath
- Heated/cooled floors and ceilings
condition spaces above and below
- Bi-directional
PIPES EMBEDDED IN STRUCTURAL FLOORS OR CEILINGS
ii. Radiant Floor Cooling and
Floor Heating (FCH)
- With insulation underneath to
condition the space above
- Heated/cooled floor
- Uni-directional
Page 35
TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING INSTALLATION PIPES INSTALLED BELOW STRUCTURAL CEILINGS
iii. Radiant Ceiling Heating and Cooling (CHC)
- Installed directly below structural ceilings, either
as panels with embedded pipes, or as pipes
attached to ceiling, then “plastered” over
Page 36
TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING INSTALLATION PIPES EMBEDDED WITHIN WALLS
iv. Radiant Wall Heating and Cooling (WHC)
- Small diameter pipes are attached to walls then “plastered” over
- Pipes may be run from the floor as the same circuit, same fluid (left)
- Pipes may be run as a separate circuit (right)
Page 37
TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING INSTALLATION
i. Thermally Activated Slab (TAS)
ii. Radiant Floor Cooling and Floor Heating (FCH)
iii. Radiant Ceiling Heating and Cooling (CHC)
iv. Radiant Wall Heating and Cooling (WHC)
SUMMARY
Page 38
4. BENEFITS OF RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS
ADVANTAGES FOR EVERYONE
Hybrid radiant/forced-air cooling systems are
ideally suited to a broad range of commercial
applications and achieve best results when
combined with other energy efficient solutions
in tight building structures
Five primary benefits :
a) Adaptability
b) Architectural freedom
c) Thermal comfort
d) Control
e) Efficiency
Example:
YWCA Elm Centre, Toronto, ON LEED® Silver
Page 39
a) ADAPTABILITY
- Radiant cooling pipes may be
embedded in floors, ceilings, walls
or other exposed surfaces
TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS
Page 40
a) ADAPTABILITY
- Radiant cooling pipes may be
embedded in floors, ceilings, walls
or other exposed surfaces
- Pipes are in these columns
TYPES OF RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS
Example:
Pond Residence
at York University,
Toronto, ON
Page 41
b) ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM
Example:
- Pipes are embedded on ceilings, walls, floors, etc.
- Earth Rangers Centre, Ontario
- Ductwork sized for fresh-air and latent cooling
(dehumidification) can be hung without objection
NO BULKY CONVECTORS
Example: Earth Rangers
Centre, Woodbridge, ON
LEED® Platinum
Page 42
b) ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM
Example:
- Greatly reduced ductwork in federal office
building, as radiant panels contribute vast
majority of heating and cooling
- No ductwork visible
NO BULKY CONVECTORS
Example: Jean Canfield Building
Charlottetown, PEI LEED® Gold
Page 43
c) THERMAL COMFORT
People are exothermic heat generators!
Heat emission from the human body occurs
via four modes of transfer:
- Radiation (~45%)
- Convection (~30%)
- Evaporation (~20%)
- Conduction (~5%)
- Our bodies radiate heat to any surface in
line-of-sight which is cooler than our
surface temperature (85°F - 90°F)
- In warmer weather, cold surfaces surrounding
the body increases radiant heat loss and
increases comfort
- Radiant cooling = lower modular radiant
technology (MRT) which also reduces air
conditioning loads, air volume, drafts, air
noise, etc.
RADIANT COOLING
IMPACT ON HUMAN COMFORT BY INCREASING RADIANT HEAT LOSS
Page 44
THERMAL COMFORT
A cooler Mean Radiant Temperature increases the radiant heat loss from human body
- Surfaces are cooler with radiant cooling
- Indoor air does not have to be so cool for comfort
- Indoor air can be warmer, reducing air volume, noise, drafts, etc.
- Use 76 to 77°F vs. 72°F indoor design temperature with radiant cooling in many
applications
THE EFFECTS OF MRT ON HUMAN COMFORT
MRT comfort graph originally published in
Architectural Forum, January 1939 Mean Radiant Temperature (°F)
Pink area = approximate comfort zone
Example: MRT = 69F
Page 45
d) CONTROL
Typical elements:
- Outdoor temperature sensor on the
northern side of the building, not
exposed to direct sunlight
- Humidity and temperature sensor(s)
in each zone to monitor dew points
and set points
- Floor temperature sensor in the upper
level of the thermal mass
- Supply and return fluid temperature
sensors in the piping network
USING CONTROLS FOR COMFORT, EFFICIENCY AND TO AVOID CONDENSATION
Page 46
CONTROL
Practice:
- Avoid condensation by keeping coolest
point of radiant system above dewpoint
- Coolest point is the radiant cooling supply
header pipe on manifold
- Monitor dewpoint through humidity and
temperature sensors and maintain a safe
supply temperature by the following:
TSUPPLY ≥ TDEWPOINT + 3°F
USING CONTROLS FOR COMFORT, EFFICIENCY AND TO AVOID CONDENSATION
Page 47
CONTROL
Control systems are available
- Mechanical control of a hybrid radiant
cooling system is typically the role of the
“big three” building management suppliers
- Other firms specialize in this type of
control also
USING CONTROLS FOR COMFORT, EFFICIENCY AND TO AVOID CONDENSATION
Page 48
e) EFFICIENCY
Hybrid HVAC systems utilizing radiant heating and cooling can help to reduce
operating costs when compared with 100% AHU systems
1. Radiant cooling allows a higher space set-point temperature, while still maintaining the
same level of cooling comfort compared to a traditional air handling unit (AHU)
- Loads can be reduced
2. The superior heat transfer properties of water compared to air allows the hydronic
portion of the system to efficiently distribute energy to conditioned spaces
- A 60 watt circulator can deliver the same energy as a 1,500 watt air distribution fan;
a 90% reduction
3. Operating with moderate supply water temperatures allows the integration of renewable
systems such as geothermal heat pumps at maximum efficiencies
- Radiant cooling systems typically work with fluid temperatures of 60F to 63F,
resulting in higher EER ratings in cooling mode
- In addition, the reduction in required maintenance of the radiant system compared to
the 100% air system helps to augment operating cost savings
- No filters, belts, pulleys
RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
THREE KEY REASONS
Page 49
EFFICIENCY RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
THREE KEY REASONS
Final energy demand correlates directly with building owner’s operating costs
As per study focused on North American buildings in USA climate
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
100% AHU FHC + AHU CHC + AHU TAS + AHU
An
nu
al
En
erg
y D
em
an
d B
tu/f
t2
Auxiliary Radiant incl.Distribution
Auxiliary AHU incl.Distribution
Cooling Production forRadiant
Cooling Production forAHU
Heat Production forRadiant
Heat Production forAHU
-30%
-38% -40%
Page 50
BENEFITS OF RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS
SUMMARY
Five primary benefits:
a) Adaptability
b) Architectural freedom
c) Thermal comfort
d) Control
e) Efficiency
Page 51
5. ADVANTAGES OF COMBINED RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
- Where specifiers have chosen radiant heating, they can easily take advantage of the
cooling potential in the existing PEXa piping network
- Addition of radiant cooling capabilities minimally increases the initial cost of radiant
heating, and has many advantages during operation
- Radiant cooling transforms the piping network from a heating system to a year-
round building comfort system
- Therefore, many commercial buildings utilize Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems
MULTIPLYING THE ADVANTAGES BY COMBINING THE SYSTEMS
Example: Sweetwater Spectrum
community for adults with
autism, Sonoma, CA
Page 52
ADVANTAGES OF COMBINED RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Six primary benefits of combined RH and RC systems:
a) Adaptability
b) Architectural freedom
c) Thermal comfort
d) Control
e) Efficiency
f) Safety
MULTIPLYING THE ADVANTAGES BY COMBINING THE SYSTEMS
SUMMARY
Page 53
6. FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING
- Radiant heating and cooling systems are often an element of “sustainable” design
and are specified in many LEED certified projects
COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
There is significant use of radiant cooling
in “very cold” climatic regions
- Where specifiers have chosen radiant heating,
they can easily take advantage of the cooling
potential in the existing PEX network
- Addition of radiant cooling minimally increases
the initial cost and has many advantages
during operation
There is significant use in humid climates
- Cooling projects located in humid regions
demonstrate that results are driven by
successful design, not by the climate
Sampling of radiant heating and cooling projects in NA
Page 54
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING WAREHOUSE CONVERTED TO RETAIL/COMMERCIAL SPACE
PIER ONE SAN FRANCISCO, CA
- Radiant floor heating and cooling system
installed in 1999 in a historic warehouse
located on Pier One, the northernmost pier on
San Francisco's Embarcadero
- According to industry experts, one of the first
documented uses of a radiant floor heating
system also used to cool a building in USA
Page 55
RADIANT FLOOR EXAMPLE APPLIED IN SHOWROOM
MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP LIBERAL, KANSAS
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING
Radiant system was combined with air
system to meet customer’s needs for:
- Optimum thermal comfort
- Reduced energy consumption
- Reduced noise
- Avoiding local hot/cold spots
- Project received award from the
Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA)
Page 56
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING THERMALLY ACTIVATED SLAB APPLIED IN A DORMITORY
POND RESIDENCE AT YORK UNIVERSITY TORONTO, ONTARIO
Page 57
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING RADIANT CEILING EXAMPLE APPLIED IN A UNIVERSITY LIBRARY – LEED® SILVER
LIBRARY AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Page 58
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING THERMALLY ACTIVATED SLAB APPLIED TO MULTI-STORY TOWER - LEED® SILVER
YWCA ELM CENTRE TORONTO, ONTARIO
YWCA Toronto Elm Tower, ON
Mixed use women’s shelter, retail,
office space
Complex includes 5-, 10- and 17-
story residential towers, a
restaurant, boutique, and the new
YWCA Toronto corporate offices
Page 59
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING THERMALLY ACTIVATED SLAB APPLIED IN A GOVERNMENT OFFICE COMPLEX
JEAN CANFIELD FEDERAL BUILDING CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - LEED® GOLD
Page 60
FEASIBLE APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING ALL APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
Commercial
i. Hotels
ii. Offices
iii. Restaurants
iv. Warehouses
v. Car dealerships
Civic
i. Libraries
ii. Museums
iii. Town halls
iv. Fire stations
v. Bus stations
Institutional
i. Schools
ii. Colleges
iii. Hospitals
iv. Daycares
v. Senior residences
Industrial
i. Garages
ii. Factories
iii. Warehouses
iv. Aircraft hangers
v. Freezer storage
Page 61
LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE
1. Explain the four basic types of radiant heating installations
2. List the six primary benefits of radiant heating systems
3. Explain the basic types of radiant cooling installations
4. List the primary benefits of radiant cooling systems
5. Recognize the advantages of combined radiant heating/cooling systems
6. Indicate feasible applications for radiant heating and cooling technology
BY NOW PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Construction
Automotive
Industry
www.rehau.com
ADVANTAGES OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS THANK YOU!
© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013