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Title: Experimental and theoretical study of a hydronic radiant-ceiling-panel heating system

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6425826

The objective of this study is to improve the design of hydronic radiant panel systems through the understanding of the thermal performance of panel systems. The scope includes performing experiments using testing facilities and the radiant panel ceiling in the Energy Research House, and developing a theoretical model that can predict heat transfer from a radiant ceiling panel. In the experimental part, a solar-radiant heating system was field tested to examine the feasibility of using a radiant system coupled to a solar heating system to provide space heating. The test results verified the concept that a radiant panel ceiling, due to its extended heat transfer surface, can effectively utilize low temperature heat sources such as solar energy. A study on the transient thermal response of the radiant ceiling and room enclosure was also performed. Another experimental study performed at the Energy Research House was a comparison of radiant heating and forced-air heating. It was concluded that the radiant heating was 15 to 20% more energy efficient than forced-air heating in normal winter conditions. Theoretical modeling of the radiant panel heating system was performed, the model predicted the thermal behavior of the radiant panel to a reasonable accuracy.

Research Organization:
Iowa State Univ. of Science and Technology, Ames (USA)
OSTI ID:
6425826
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English