DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-TEMPERATURE HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS AND MODERN ENERGY-EFFICIENT STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS

Abstract. Introduction. A significant share of total energy consumption in residential and public buildings is associated with space heating systems. The use of conventional radiator heating systems operating with high-temperature heat carriers leads to increased heat losses and reduced energy efficiency. Therefore, the application of low-temperature hydronic radiant floor heating systems is considered an effective approach to rational energy use and enhanced thermal comfort. However, a reliable assessment of their heating performance requires a computational analysis of heat transfer processes. Materials and Methods. In this study, the heating performance of a hydronic radiant floor heating system was evaluated using computational and analytical methods based on energy balance equations and fundamental heat transfer laws. Heat fluxes transferred through the floor structure were determined using a mathematical model that accounts for the supply temperature of the heat carrier. The analysis considered conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer mechanisms. Results. The calculation results indicate that an increase in the supply temperature of the heat carrier leads to an almost linear increase in the heat flux delivered by the hydronic radiant floor heating system. It was also demonstrated that sufficient heating capacity can be achieved under low-temperature operating conditions while maintaining high energy efficiency. Conclusions. The conducted computational assessment confirms the feasibility of applying hydronic radiant floor heating systems as a low-temperature and energy-efficient heating technology. The proposed computational approach is practically relevant for the design of radiant floor heating systems and the selection of optimal operating conditions,