Room, Perceived and Mean Temperature
With an in-floor radiation heating system such as the Velta 'Pipe-In-Floor'
system, a
considerable saving in energy can be made compared to other less energy
efficient
heating systems. Obviously physical laws cannot be overturned! However,
apart from the fact that. because of the sophisticated weather-dependent
control system, the room temperature can always be kept at the desired
level, the energy-saving effect lies essentially in the more comfortable
room temperature.
The occupants of an underfloor heated building are able. because of the
more favourable 'perceived temperature', to keep the room air temperature
lower, compared to other systems, and yet retain the same sense of well-being
and comfort. The reduction in difference between the outside and inside
temperature result in lower heat losses and thus energy is saved.
It is possible to basically calculate on a temperature of 20°C for
living rooms and office accommodation. Because of the radiation of the
in-floor heating system, the building structure enclosing the room will
reach higher temperatures. Since for the occupant, in addition to the
room air temperature, the mean temperature of the structure enclosing
the room is also of importance, very comfortable perceived temperatures
are maintained. The 'perceived temperature' is the arithmetical
mean of air temperature and of the mean temperature of the structure enclosing
the room.
On the basis of the current practice, it is not practical to base the
calculation and layout of the Velta 'Pipe-in-Floor' heating system on
the perceived temperature, so a method which produces the same end result
has been developed as outlined below.
