Very low temperature radiant heating/cooling indoor end system for efficient use of renewable energies

Solar or solar-assisted space heating systems are becoming more and more popular. The solar energy utilization efficiency is high when the collector is coupled with indoor radiant heating suppliers, since in principle, lower supply temperature means lower demand temperature and then the system heat loss is less. A new type radiant end system is put forward for even lower supply temperature compared to the conventional radiant floor heating systems. A three dimensional model was established to investigate its energy supply capacities. Simulation results show that 50 W per meter length tube can be achieved with the medium temperature of 30 degrees C for heating and 15 degrees C for cooling. The predicted results agree well with the actual data from a demonstration building. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a supply temperature of 22 degrees C in winter and of 17 degrees C in summer already met the indoor requirements. The new end system has good prospects for effective use of local renewable resources. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.