A novel radiant floor system: Detailed characterization and comparison with traditional radiant systems

ABSTRACT

Radiant floor systems have the potential to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of buildings. This study analyzed a novel radiant panel configuration comprising a metal plate with small spikes that can be pressed into cement board or wood. The behavior of this configuration was simulated for different materials for the metal plate, spike dimensions, and varying spacing between spikes. An annual energy simulation model compared the radiant panel configuration with the traditional concrete-based system. Simulations were run under heating dominant, cooling dominant, and neutral conditions; significant cost savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction were seen across all scenarios.

KEYWORDS:

• Metal plate with spikes
• radiant floor heating and cooling
• energy efficiency
• thermal comfort
• computer simulation
• economic optimization

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Canada Research Chair (CRC) program for providing financial support. The authors also acknowledge the technical expertise provided by Mr. John Swift from Nucap Industries Inc.

Declaration of Interest Statement

The industry partner provided suggestions to include realistic assumptions in the energy simulation model. This involvement had no bearing on the results of the study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [EGP 530234 - 18].