Hydronic In Floor Heating System Design

Designing high performance hydronic heating systems requires a good understanding of fluid mechanics electricity heat transfer and control theory not to mention a myriad of architectural issues.

Hydronic in floor heating system design. A single system can supply space heating domestic hot water and specialty loads such as pool heating. This is a very efficient system because one heat source is doing all the work. This topic is part of our p rofessional development curriculum. This type of underfloor heating works well under floor coverings such as marble stone slates and a variety of tiles.

Hydronic underfloor heating is ideal for areas with surfaces over 60m2. Hydronic system design manual dectra corporation march 2013 2 the garn unit all related heating equipment including pumps piping fan coils hot water baseboard radiant floor heating systems etc and all electrical equipment including power wiring controls control wiring back up. For example radiant floor heat has more even floor to ceiling temperatures than other systems since the heat starts on the floor. Lounges and open plan concepts are perfect for hydronic underfloor heating.

For hydronic underfloor radiant heating systems the systematic design process can be described as a 12 step program beginning with the heat loss and ending with the head loss. Hydronic liquid based radiant heating systems use little electricity which is a benefit for homes in areas with high electricity prices or are off the power grid. Why is cold water entering the radiant system from the. If you are new to radiant heat our design and construction manual is a must read this manual provides a wealth of general information about radiant heat.

Step 1 heat loss q btu hr per zone. Slab insulation methods calculating heat loss tubing options system options and much more all written in easy to understand language for the homeowner with pictures and diagrams. The most common type of hydronic distribution system in commercial buildings is known as a two pipe or parallel system. As long as the water heater is sized appropriately and matches your heating and domestic requirements the need for a separate heating system is eliminated.

It works by running warm water through durable pex tubing that is installed in the floor and is heated by a boiler water heater or geothermal. For example has passed through the floor first. Designing high performance hydronic heating systems involves a knowledge of fluid mechanics electricity heat transfer and control theory. Hydronic heating offers almost unlimited possibilities to accommodate the comfort needs usage aesthetic tastes and budget constraints of just about any building.

It s a field where there s always something new to learn.