Assessment of the validity of using a radiant panel in the low-height floor heating

Abstract

This paper examines the viability of using a radiant panel in lightweight low-height floor heating. In this structure, a dry screed with high thermal resistance is replaced by a low-resistance adhesive layer with reinforcement mesh. The absence of the radiant panel results in a reduction in heat output of 5%–17% for floor finishes with a thermal resistance of 0.001 m2K/W, 50%–54% for 0.05 m2K/W and 60%–62% for 0.1 m2K/W. A structure with a panel is characterised by a lower surface temperature amplitude (maximum 2.4 K) compared to a structure without it (8.8 K), which improves the comfort of floor users. The annual heating cost in a building equipped with the analysed structures was determined. The absence of the panel resulted in a cost increase of 13%, 37% and 79% for floor finish resistances of 0.001, 0.05 and 0.1 m2K/W, respectively. The SPBT for the purchase of radiant panels is 40 years for a floor resistance of 0.001 m2K/W, demonstrating the unprofitability of this solution. For resistances of 0.05 and 0.1 m2K/W, SPBT was 14 and 6 years, respectively. The choice of floor heating system should take into account the required heat output, thermal comfort and economic aspects. Practical application This paper assesses the validity of using radiant panels in a low-height floor heating structure, where the dry screed layer is replaced by an adhesive layer with reinforcement mesh. This structure is gaining popularity due to its quick installation and low height but has the disadvantage of the high panel cost. The paper evaluates the effect of panels on heat output and identifies the conditions under which their use is economically justified. Recipients of results are designers and contractors of heating systems. The recommendations can be the basis for selecting the optimum design solution for a lightweight floor heating system.