Energy Consumption Analysis for Radiant Heating Systems

Infrared radiators are more and more commonly applied economical heating system that is recommended for the warehouses production or sport halls and other buildings that have large cubature. Among the radiant systems, gas-fired ceramic and water radiators are most often used. In the article the most important features, advantages, disadvantages and main rules for design of infrared radiator used in the halls of large cubature have been described. In order to perform energetic analysis four conception heating systems have been designed for the production hall, assuming the same thermal conditions inside. Tree radiant systems, one with water radiators and two with gas-fired radiators installed parallel and at angle to the floor; have been compared among each other and with fourth convective system. It has been designated that in literature there is no guidance for calculation of the fuel demand for radiant systems, as well as lack of data concerning the efficiency of systems and other coefficients influencing the calculation of projected fuel consumption. The new formula for seasonal fuel demand, taking into account the character of radiant heating, have been given. Seasonal heat and fuel demand have been calculated for three radiant systems. The outcomes have been compared with calculation made for convection system. Energy demand analysis showed that implementing various radiant heating systems gives from 11% to 43% of savings in comparison to convection system. Moreover it turned out that application of the gas-fired radiators gives about 10% of savings in comparison to the water radiant system and installing radiators at angle to the floor gives further savings in comparison to other solutions.