However, one should be wary of these recommendations. There is a school of thought that recommends in-depth building simulations in order to design an effective radiant project. Real-world coordination trumps sophisticated simulations Likewise in cooling, the moderately cooled water is a far cry from chiller temperatures, further saving energy when heating and cooling a space. Radiant systems operate at a relatively low temperature in heating mode, and are able to run in some of the most efficient ranges of a GSHP. 1 The study also notes the radiant systems in these buildings are integrated with ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) to achieve zero energy as part of a cost-effective package. Photo courtesy Klimatrol Environmental SystemsA recent study by the New Buildings Institute found nearly half of the zero-energy buildings in the United States incorporate radiant systems to meet their energy goals. Specifiers integrated the engineering functionality of an exposed concrete radiant-cooled ceiling with the architectural vision of exposed ductwork and drop lighting to provide a collaborative feel within the interior space at Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario. Mainstream acceptance required the development of more advanced controls, coupled with compelling evidence of reduced energy consumption for the built environment. Early adopters of these systems were located primarily in arid regions. While radiant heating-only systems have a long history in conditioning both commercial and residential structures, radiant cooling is fairly new to North America.
Radiant systems are ideally suited to a broad range of commercial applications and achieve best results when combined with other energy-efficient solutions in tight building structures. This network of pipes can turn the floors, walls, and ceilings of a conditioned space into cooled surfaces that evenly absorb heat energy. Typically designed in conjunction, radiant cooling systems circulate colder water through the same network of pipes where warmer water circulates during the heating season. In-slab hydronic radiant assemblies, along with downsized forced-air systems, are gaining popularity as a means of optimizing thermal comfort while lowering energy use. Many of the world’s most efficient commercial buildings rely on the coupling of radiant and forced air systems to achieve energy performance targets. Hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems significantly reduce energy consumption in the built environment.
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