Is radiant cooling effective?
The simple fact is that radiant cooling is effective. Its effectiveness is enhanced when properly designed with a DOAS for ventilation and humidity control.
Can radiant heating system be used for cooling?
Radiant cooling systems have been embedded in the ceilings of adobe homes, taking advantage of the thermal mass to provide a steady cooling effect. Homes built on concrete slabs are prime candidates for radiant heating systems, and radiant floor cooling takes advantage of the same principle using chilled water.
Can PEX be used for radiant cooling?
PEX Piping is a type of plumbing pipe made from high-density polyethelene. It is used mainly for residential and commercial plumbing applications, but it also used in commercial radiant heating and cooling systems on a large scale.
What is hydronic radiant cooling?
Hydronic radiant systems Radiant cooling systems are usually hydronic, cooling using circulating water running in pipes in thermal contact with the surface. Typically the circulating water only needs to be 2–4 °C below the desired indoor air temperature.
Can radiant heat and cooling use the same PEX piping?
While some buildings use pipe in ceilings for optimal radiant cooling and pipe in floors for optimal radiant heating, most projects use the same embedded PEX piping network in floors for both radiant cooling and heating.
How does radiant heating and cooling system work?
In a radiant heating system, heated fluid is distributed from a warm-water source (e.g. geothermal system, boiler) through plastic tubing that is embedded in the floors, walls, or ceilings of a space. The tubing conducts heat to the exposed surface, which acts like a large, gentle radiator.
What is HVAC DOAS?
Known specifically as a Dedicated Outside Air System, or DOAS HVAC unit, the outdoor air is conditioned separately from the air that controls the building’s space temperature (dry bulb).
How cold can radiant cooling get?
between 55F to 58F
Radiant cooling slabs use similar design and sizing principles as a hydronic radiant floor system, using the same types of PEX pipes, manifolds and pumps as in heating. Chilled water between 55F to 58F is circulated through the pipes, which are embedded in either floor or ceiling.
Is hydronic cooling effective?
While hydronic systems tend to be associated with heating, it’s an often-overlooked fact that hydronic technology can also provide extremely comfortable and efficient cooling. Just as water is effective at conducting heat, so too can it effectively convey cooling.
How do you insulate a slab of radiant heat?
Once the vapor barrier is in, you should insulate the slab from the earth. Extruded or expanded polystyrene (rigid blue or pink board) is the material of choice. Typically, we recommended 2″ but some states now require 3″ or R-15. Some promote the use of thin sheets of foil/bubble or an insulating blanket.
What is a DOAS system?
The main point of a DOAS system is to provide dedicated ventilation rather than ventilation as a part of conditioned air. The DOAS system can improve indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality as well as save energy.
What is a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS)?
A dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) is a HVAC system that controls air ventilation within a space and handles latent loads. It works together with another parallel system, which is responsible for controlling sensible loads. The main point of a DOAS system is to provide dedicated ventilation rather than ventilation as a part of conditioned air.
What is a radiant cooling system?
A radiant cooling system is a HVAC system that is used to cool indoor temperatures by removing sensible heat. Most of the heat transfer with the radiant cooling occurs through thermal radiation. The air is cooled down when it comes in contact with the cooling surface.