RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRINCIPLE OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING

Whenever there is a temperature difference between two objects, both objects will attempt to
equalize the temperature.
Radiant energy travels from hot to cold through the space, without heating the space
itself.

If the surfaces around us are too

hot, we may feel uncomfortable.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRINCIPLE OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING

A radiant cooling system basically absorbs the heat

from the space in order to provide a comfortable
environment.
Heat transferred through the screed is removed
from the space via the circulating water.

We feel comfortable if the rate of

radiant exchange between the body
and the surfaces around us is
correct.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRINCIPLE OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Radiant cooling design needs a more sophisticated design approach compared to radiant
heating due to building orientation, solar gains and also condensation issues, which can be a
challenge in some climate areas.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
CONTROL STRATEGY
The key to prevent condensation with radiant cooling systems is to control the
surface temperature and the relative humidity within the space by:
- Using a tight building envelope to reduce infiltration
- Careful control of water temperature and surface temperatures to prevent dew point on
surfaces (surface condensation)
- Controlling the level of humidity in a building with the AHU
- Air movement is also required for fresh air requirements
- Controlling the level of humidity with a dehumidifier if an AHU system is not intended

Radiant cooling is suitable for most commercial, industrial and institutional

applications with careful engineering design of total HVAC solution.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRINCIPLE OF RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING
OVERVIEW RADIANT SYSTEMS
Concrete Core Temperature
Control System (CCTC)
Without insulation
underneath to condition the
space above and below
(bi-directional)

Radiant Floor Cooling and

Floor Heating (FC/FH)
With insulation underneath to
condition the space above
(uni-directional)

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

BASIS OF THE STUDY
NOTE TO SET POINTS COOLING
We have to consider:
1. Air temperature
Spaces air temperature; monitored by thermostat as Set Point Temperature
2. Mean radiant temperature
Average temperature of surrounding surfaces
3. Operative room temperature
Weighted average of mean radiant temperature and ambient air temperature

The operative temperature is what we perceive on our skin in a room and what is most
important for a radiant system to work successfully.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

BASIS OF THE STUDY
NOTE TO SET POINTS COOLING
- With an AHU system we have high mean radiant
temperatures
- Because of the high heat exchange (radiation)
between the body and the warm surfaces, a
person will choose a lower air (set point)
temperature to compensate for the radiant factor
and to get an acceptable operative temperature for
thermal comfort
- This requires more air movement

- With an AHU system in combination with a radiant

cooling system we have lower surface
temperatures. Because of the low heat exchange
between the body and the surface a
person feels comfortable within the space and
there is no need for a low air temperature.

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

CONCLUSION

Advantages of radiant systems

Reduced Life Cycle Costs:
- Radiant Cooling leads to a significant reduction in forced-air system components and
ductwork cost
- Radiant cooling systems have lower operating costs due to the superior heat transfer
properties of water compared to air (e.g. 1 pipe carries same thermal energy as 10x18
duct and 60W circulator pump vs. 1500W air distribution fan would be necessary)
- Cost reduction due to the less required maintenance of the radiant system compared to the
air system

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

CONCLUSION

Advantages of radiant systems

Improved Energy Efficiency:
- Radiant Cooling allows a higher set-point temperature while still maintaining the same level
of cooling compared to a traditional AHU
- The required moderate water temperature allow the integration of renewable systems such
as geothermal heat pumps
- Reduction of peak load and the possiblity of smaller cooling devices
- Flexible zoning possible (areas can be separately controlled and balanced)
- Lower energy usage might aid into LEED accreditation

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

CONCLUSION

Advantages of radiant systems

Increased Thermal Comfort:
- The human body feels comfortable when it can regulate at least 50% of its heat emission
via radiation
- Radiant cooling optimizes the surface temperatures of the occupants surroundings,
providing a comfortable environment
- Comfortable cooling with slow air speed and little to no flow noises

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

CONCLUSION

Advantages of radiant systems

Architectural flexibility:
- More usable square footage from reduced mechanical equipment footprint
- Reduction or possibly elimination of additional intrusive ductwork
- Reduced ceiling plenum, i.e. increased ceiling height, reduced building height, or ability for
additional levels

Coordination between all people involved in the building design and construction is
mandatory for the success of the integration of radiant systems!

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

ASHRAE JOURNAL ARTICLE
September 2008

-A hydronic floor cooling system

provides sensible cooling without
noise, draft, obstacles, or the need
for cleaning
-The maximum cooling capacity for
most spaces is less than 16 Btu/hft2.
-In spaces where sun shines
directly on floor (atrium, entrance
hall, showroom), the cooling
capacity is much higher up to
32 Btu/hft2
-A floor cooling system must be
controlled to avoid condensation
-Control supply water temp by
the dew-point temp

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

EXAMPLES OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS
LOYOLA COMMONS CHICAGO - ILLINOIS

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

EXAMPLES OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS
EARTH RANGERS WOODBRIDGE - ONTARIO - CANADA

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

EXAMPLES OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS
YORK UNIVERSITY TORONTO - ONTARIO - CANADA

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

EXAMPLES OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS
HARLEY-DAVIDSON STORE LIBERAL - KANSAS

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRECAT CONCRETE BUILDINGS

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

PRECAT CONCRETE BUILDINGS
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE NAPERVILLE - ILLINOIS

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

RADIANT CEILING PANELS AND SAILS

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RADIANT COOLING (AND HEATING) ACOUSTIC PANELS

Ceiling Heating and Cooling (CHC)

Suspended panels with embedded PEXa mini-pipes
Panels are factory-formed using thermal mass materials
Panels can absorb radiant heat from below and from warm air
Panels can be strategically located above warm occupied areas
Uni-directional heat transfer

RADIANT COOLING (AND HEATING) ACOUSTIC PANELS

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