Radiant heating is the transfer of heat from a hot object to another object at a lower temperature in the same environment using electromagnetic wave energy. This is due to the radiation effect, which is a phenomenon that allows heat to be transferred from an object to the surrounding structures. Radiation is a natural mechanism by which a cold surface absorbs the heat contained or created by a surface at a higher temperature. The absorbed heat is the heat transferred by thermal radiation. In radiation, the air in the environment does not prevent heat transfer; first the objects in the environment are heated, then the entire ambient air. The Sun’s heating of the Earth is also based on this principle.
The water radiant ceiling heating system can provide up to 40% energy savings compared to other heating systems. The panels, which are hung evenly on the ceiling of the facilities, provide natural and comfortable heating in the environment.
Provides homogeneous temperature distribution. Does not create any air current. Creates extra comfort thanks to its high radiation effect. Provides optimum comfort thanks to the high floor temperatures it creates.
There is absolutely no risk of fire! There is no risk of flashover or explosion. There is no risk of waste gas or natural gas leakage within the space.
Since no combustion gas is released into the ambient air, the ambient air is clean. Since it does not create any air current, it does not create dust and particle circulation.
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Radiant Ceiling Heating Systems have been actively used in the world since the 1950s, but in recent years, in parallel with the increasing importance given to comfort and energy efficiency, the interest and demand shown to water radiant heating systems has also increased significantly. Water radiant panels basically consist of precision steel pipes, radiant panels (aluminum or coated sheet metal), insulation and assembly equipment. In the simplest terms, the pipes in which hot water is circulated heat the radiant panel surface. The heated specially coated panels transfer their heat to the living beings and objects in the environment that needs to be heated by radiation (infrared rays). The energy transferred by water radiant panels primarily ensures the heating of these living beings and objects, and then the ambient air.
The hot water production required to provide the water circulating in the pipes can be provided by boilers, heat pumps or waste heat sources using any type of fuel. Hot water prepared in the heat generator is transmitted to the radiant panels mounted on the ceiling of the space to be heated through pipes. The hot water circulated within the radiant panel transfers its heat to the panels and then returns to the heat source.
Water radiant panels are modular structures. The required panel surface areas can be obtained by combining the desired number of modules of certain sizes. In this way, the heat needs of any size of space can be met completely and accurately. In addition to creating the required heating surface area, water radiant panels connected to each other also serve as a distribution pipeline. In this way, savings are made on piping costs and labor within the space. Heating an environment with radiant panels arranged evenly on the ceiling always ensures that the floor temperature is a few degrees higher than the indoor air temperature of the space.
This creates a more natural and comfortable feeling of heating. With hot water radiant panels, it is possible to achieve energy savings of over 40% compared to other systems in the heating of high-ceilinged structures such as industrial facilities, warehouse areas, gyms, train maintenance stations, aircraft hangars, amphitheaters, animal farms, greenhouses, etc. Water radiant panels have many important features, especially when considering the heating of structures with high ceilings and/or high fire risk.
IT IS COMFORTABLE!
Provides homogeneous temperature distribution
Creates no air movement
Operates silently
Creates extra comfort thanks to its high radiation effect
Ensures optimal comfort through high floor temperatures
IT IS ECONOMICAL!
Has no maintenance or service costs
Can operate with renewable and waste energy sources
Offers high energy efficiency (up to 79% radiant efficiency)
Does not require natural gas (can operate with coal, sawdust, pellets, etc.)
Panels in unused areas can be shut off using motorised valves
IT IS PRACTICAL!
Easy and quick to install
Has a very short warm-up time
Can be adapted to any ceiling height (from 4 meters to 40 meters)
Requires no chimney or additional ventilation in the space
Requires minimal piping
IT IS HEALTHY!
Since no combustion gases are released into the ambient air, the air remains clean
No air movement is created, preventing the circulation of dust and particles
IT IS SAFE!
No fire risk
No risk of ignition or explosion
No risk of exhaust gas or natural gas leakage within the space
IT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY!
Minimises NOx and CO₂ emissions thanks to its high efficiency
Can operate using renewable energy sources and waste heat
IT IS COMPACT, ADAPTABLE, AND STYLISH!
Can be manufactured in custom height, width, and length according to needs
Saves space by being ceiling-mounted
The same panels can be used for both heating and cooling
Offers an aesthetic look with its clean and modern appearance
Can be produced in any desired RAL colour to ensure visual harmony within the space
AREA OF EFFECT and DESIGN OPTIMIZATION;
The total capacity of the water radiant panels is determined by the heat loss. However, in order to provide homogeneous and comfortable heating, the placement of the panels is also very important in addition to the capacity. Water radiant panels affect an area approximately twice the height of the suspension.
If the impact areas are divided into regions as Region 1 is the intensive impact area, Region 2 is the standard impact area, and Region 3 is the low impact area:
Radiant water panels, which have been used worldwide for many years, are also preferred in our country due to their low energy consumption capability, comfort, and ability to operate with different heat sources. Due to the significant environmental damage caused by fossil fuels and their high costs, the energy efficiency of climate control systems is becoming increasingly important every day. As a result of a long and meticulous R&D effort, SRP started production in 2021 as Turkey’s first and only domestic radiant water panel brand. Our brand was created by taking inspiration from the initials of the words “Sulu Radyant Panel” (Radiant Water Panel) and was registered as a trademark in 2019.
SRP was developed by Neoplant Engineering Inc., which is the Turkish distributor of Kotrbaty, a Czech radiant water panel manufacturer that has completed nearly 6,000 radiant water projects worldwide and is a pioneer in the development of radiant water heating systems globally. Since 2016, Neoplant Engineering Inc. has successfully installed approximately 45 MW of radiant water heating systems and has played a leading role in introducing radiant water heating systems in Turkey with its expert and dynamic team.
Thanks to the experience gained during this process, Neoplant Engineering Inc. aims to provide heating of high-ceiling buildings at the lowest possible cost and the highest level of comfort with the SRP radiant water panels it developed.
SRP serves the mission of a sustainable future by meeting the heating needs of high-ceiling buildings with the highest efficiency, thereby reducing CO2 emissions — one of the biggest causes of global warming and climate change — while also aiming to contribute to the national economy by producing value-added products and services.
Panel: Special coated galvanized steel in 300 mm modules.
Pipe: Ø 22 mm precision steel pipe.
Side Covers: Special coated steel sheet.
Insulation: 40 mm rock wool with aluminum foil coating.
Width: n x 300 mm (min: 300 mm, max: 1200 mm width).
Length: 2 m, 3 m, 6 m.
Panel Connection: 22 mm press fittings connection.
Fluid: Water with temperatures between 40 – 120 °C (PN6).
Hydraulic Connection Options: Parallel (R1), Series (R3), Series + Parallel (R2).
Capacity Control:
Flow controlled.
Temperature controlled.
Control Options:
Two-way motorised valve + circulation pump.
Three-way motorised valve + circulation pump.
Jet pump + controller.
Hydraulic Balancing Options:
Tiechellmann connection.
Balance valve.
| NUMBER OF MODULES | Radiant Panel Width | WEIGHT (kg) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panel L = 2 m | Panel L = 3 m | Panel L = 6 m | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Water-Filled | Empty | Water-Filled | Empty | Water-Filled | Empty | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | SRP 300 | 11.4 | 9.6 | 17.2 | 14.5 | 34.3 | 28.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | SRP 600 | 21.3 | 17.6 | 32.3 | 26.8 | 64.2 | 53.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | SRP 900 | 31.2 | 25.7 | 47.3 | 39.1 | 94.1 | 77.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | SRP 1200 | 41.1 | 33.8 | 62.3 | 51.4 | 109.5 | 102.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ΔT [K] |
PANEL THERMAL CAPACITY [W/m] / COLLECTOR PAIR [W] | |||||||||||||||
| PANEL MODEL | ||||||||||||||||
| SRP 300 [W/m] |
Collector Pair [W] |
SRP 600 [W/m] |
Collector Pair [W] |
SRP 900 [W/m] |
Collector Pair [W] |
SRP 1200 [W/m] |
Collector Pair [W] |
|||||||||
| 30 | 89,89 | 26,46 | 162,46 | 47,24 | 226,89 | 73,23 | 291,46 | 99,13 | ||||||||
| 35 | 107,72 | 32,19 | 195,04 | 57,38 | 272,22 | 89,01 | 349,47 | 120,59 | ||||||||
| 40 | 126,01 | 38,13 | 228,51 | 67,89 | 318,75 | 105,41 | 408,97 | 142,91 | ||||||||
| 45 | 144,70 | 44,29 | 162,76 | 78,75 | 366,36 | 122,35 | 469,81 | 166,00 | ||||||||
| 50 | 163,76 | 50,63 | 297,72 | 89,94 | 414,93 | 139,81 | 531,87 | 189,80 | ||||||||
| 55 | 183,16 | 57,14 | 333,35 | 101,42 | 464,40 | 157,73 | 595,04 | 214,26 | ||||||||
| 60 | 202,86 | 63,82 | 369,58 | 113,17 | 514,70 | 176,10 | 659,23 | 239,33 | ||||||||
| 65 | 222,85 | 70,65 | 406,38 | 125,18 | 565,76 | 194,88 | 724,39 | 264,97 | ||||||||
| 70 | 243,11 | 77,63 | 443,70 | 137,44 | 617,54 | 214,54 | 790,44 | 291,16 | ||||||||
| 75 | 263,63 | 84,73 | 481,53 | 149,92 | 670,00 | 233,58 | 857,33 | 317,86 | ||||||||
| 80 | 284,39 | 91,97 | 519,83 | 162,63 | 723,10 | 253,46 | 925,02 | 345,04 | ||||||||
| 85 | 305,37 | 99,33 | 558,58 | 175,54 | 776,80 | 273,68 | 993,46 | 372,69 | ||||||||
| 90 | 326,57 | 106,81 | 597,75 | 188,65 | 831,08 | 294,21 | 1062,63 | 400,79 | ||||||||
The European standard EN 14037, which defines the qualification requirements for radiant water panels, determines the product’s quality standards. The standard evaluates features such as surface protection, stability of suspension points, pressure resistance, and dimensional tolerances. It also defines the test method to be used for determining the thermal capacity of the panels. The measurement of thermal capacity is conducted in a closed test chamber with all six surfaces cooled. Heat insulation with predefined properties is applied to the panel. Some of the test standards include ensuring no temperature difference among the six surfaces of the chamber during the test, turbulent flow of water inside the pipes, and measuring the room temperature with two thermometers—one sensitive to radiation effects and the other standard.
These tests also allow for determining the average surface temperature of the panel and the percentage ratio of the thermal capacity emitted by radiation to the total thermal capacity. Although differences are observed between laboratory test results and actual results due to varying environmental factors, the thermal capacities and radiant efficiency values obtained according to the EN 14037 standard enable comparison of radiant water panels available in the market.
SRP radiant water panels have been tested and certified in accordance with EN 14037 standards at HLK Stuttgart Laboratories, and values such as thermal capacity and radiant efficiency given in the technical tables are based on these test reports.
In line with the goals of increasing customer satisfaction, optimizing resource use, minimizing occupational health and safety and environmental risks in all its activities, Neoplant Engineering established the Integrated Management System in 2023 and was certified by TÜV AUSTRIA with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certificates.
Convectional heating systems work on the principle of passing ambient air through a heat exchanger or generator via a fan and blowing it into the environment. The most commonly used convectional heating devices are apparatus. Although there are different models of apparatus such as electric, natural gas, water coil, radial – axial fan, wall – ceiling type, etc., all of them work with the logic of transferring the heat transferred to the air within the device to the desired area via the fan and therefore air movement.
In places heated by blowing hot air, since the density of hot air is less than cold air, hot air rises and accumulates on the ceiling of the environment. In this case, as the ceiling height increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to increase the air temperature at the base.
Although there are different models of radiant heaters with pipes such as single burner (flat type – U type) and multiple burners (D-E-F-H type etc.), their working principles are very similar. The gas burning in the burner chamber moves forward by transferring its heat to the pipe in specially coated pipes with the help of a fan and leaves the space through the chimney.
The reflector on the pipe reflects the heat emitted from the pipe towards the ground and heats the environment. In radiant pipes, the temperatures on the pipe vary between 650 C (inlet) and 150 C (outlet).
Ceramic radiant heaters are also called open flame radiant heaters. The working principle of ceramic radiant heaters is based on the formation of an air-gas mixture by sucking in a suitable amount of air from the environment with the venturi effect created when the gas enters the orifice. When the air-gas mixture reaches the ceramic plates, combustion occurs as soon as it exits the holes on the plates and a short flame is formed on the surface of the plate. The flame that forms heats the ceramic plates and the radiation created by the heated plates is directed to the desired area by means of reflectors on the device.
The surface temperatures of ceramic plate radiant heaters are approximately 900 C on average. In Ceramic Plate radiant heaters, combustion gases are discharged into the environment and no chimney application is made.
4Heating air at high temperatures is not required (heat is transferred not by air but by radiation from hot surfaces).
It is not necessary to heat the entire volume (heat is first transferred by radiation to surfaces, people, and machines, and then the air is heated).
Performance can be zoned (areas where high temperature is not needed can be shut off without affecting the temperature in active zones).
Radiant water heating does not require air circulation. It does not cause dust or particle movement and operates silently.
The air temperature under the ceiling is much lower compared to air heating systems, resulting in significantly less heat loss (due to the stratification effect).
Surface temperatures (floor, walls, etc.) are high and no air movement is created, resulting in a much higher comfort level.
Due to the radiation effect, the perceived temperature is higher (felt temperature is 2-3 °C higher than the ambient temperature), allowing comfort to be achieved at lower set temperatures and thus saving energy. Reducing the ambient set temperature by 1°C can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 6%.
Radiant water heating systems can provide up to 40% savings compared to air heating.
Since there are no moving parts, service and maintenance costs are very low.
The average service life of radiant water panels is around 50 years.
Since no electrical supply is required and combustion does not occur within the space, there is no fire risk.
In the radiant pipe graph, the heat map of the area affected by a straight pipe radiant heater is shown, while the radiant water panel graph illustrates an example radiant water application. In pipe radiants, the average temperature in the combustion zone is around 650 °C, and the average temperature in the area where the exhaust gas is discharged is about 150 °C. Due to this 500 °C difference, a non-uniform heat distribution occurs in the affected area, causing discomfort. In radiant water panels, depending on the design, the temperature difference between supply and return can be selected between 5 °C and 40 °C. Furthermore, by operating the influence areas of the supply lines (the hottest lines) and the return lines (the coolest lines) in radiant water panels, completely homogeneous heating can be achieved.
Radiant water panels provide much more comfortable heating and do not cause discomfort caused by the high surface temperatures of pipe radiants thanks to their large surface areas and relatively low surface temperatures.
In pipe radiant applications, each device requires a chimney for the removal of exhaust gases produced by combustion. With radiant water panels, no chimney installation is needed within the space. No work is done on the building’s roof or walls, resulting in a much cleaner appearance both inside and outside. Radiant water panel use provides significant advantages in situations where chimney installation is difficult or impossible.
Each device in pipe radiant applications requires a natural gas line and installation of safety equipment, involving extensive piping and labor. In radiant water heating systems, hot and cold water pipes running along parallel radiant lines are sufficient for operation.
Radiant water heating is completely silent, whereas pipe radiant heating produces some noise from the burner and fan, though minimal.
Radiant water panels have no natural gas or electrical connections, so there is no risk of fire or leakage originating from the panels inside the space. In pipe radiants, since combustion occurs within the device and the burner requires electrical power, there is a risk of leakage and fire. Additionally, because pipe radiants have very high surface temperatures, equipment near the heating surface (such as cables) must be kept at a safe distance and insulated to prevent damage or fire.
Since radiant water panels contain no moving parts, there is no risk of malfunction, and maintenance and service costs are very low. Radiant water panels come with a 10-year warranty and have an average lifespan of 50 years. Pipe radiants include components such as burners that require maintenance and may cause malfunctions. Therefore, the risk of failure and maintenance costs are higher. Warranty periods vary by manufacturer, with maximum service life around 10-15 years.
Pipe radiant heaters cannot use fuels other than natural gas or LPG. However, since radiant water panels operate with hot water, they can work with any heat source capable of producing hot water. Thus, radiant water panels can be used with fuels such as natural gas, LPG, biogas, pellets, wood chips, wood, coal, electricity (heat pumps or electric boilers/combi boilers), as well as steam, geothermal energy, or any waste heat from the facility transferred to water via heat exchangers.
In facilities producing unused process heat or waste that can be an energy source when burned (such as wood chips), heating with radiant water panels can be achieved at very low or even zero cost. This is not possible with pipe radiant heaters.
Since pipe radiant heaters have smaller surface areas than radiant water panels, their effective heating areas are smaller. Therefore, when heating a specific area, radiant water panels can be designed exactly to match the required capacity, whereas pipe radiants may require capacity well above the need to cover the desired area, resulting in higher installed power. Gas companies charge a security deposit for natural gas subscriptions and for facilities outside organized industrial zones. This deposit is calculated based on the maximum natural gas cost that can be consumed in two months at the facility, collected at subscription, and refunded upon termination. The maximum gas consumption amount is calculated based on the total installed power of gas-burning devices rather than actual consumption. Therefore, higher installed power results in a higher security deposit. Considering facility continuity, the security deposit is an additional cost item. The lower installed power of radiant water panels provides a significant advantage over pipe radiant heaters in this respect.
If needed, radiant water panels can also be used for cooling (chilling) besides heating. Such an option is not available with pipe radiants.
Operating cost savings of up to 35% can be achieved with radiant water panels compared to ceramic radiant heaters. The system efficiency is significantly higher than that of ceramic radiants. In radiant heaters, system efficiency consists of the sum of combustion efficiency, thermal efficiency, radiant efficiency, control efficiency, and design efficiency. In radiant water panels, combustion efficiency can be optimized depending on the system used, whereas in ceramic radiant heaters, this value is fixed and device-dependent. By using high-efficiency systems such as condensing systems or heat pumps, it is possible to save approximately 18% in combustion efficiency alone with radiant water panels.
Radiant efficiency in radiant water panels can reach significant values around 79%, while in standard ceramic radiants, this value averages around 60%. Water temperature and flow rate can be adjusted according to needs in radiant water panels, and thanks to modulated heating systems, control efficiency can reach values as high as 99%. Although ceramic radiants have staged and modulated models, even modulated ceramic radiants cannot respond as precisely to variable heating demands as radiant water panels. The unlimited design possibilities of radiant water panels also make a serious contribution to maximizing efficiency.
Radiant water panels provide more homogeneous heating compared to ceramic radiants.
Ceramic radiant heaters are primarily designed for spot heating. Therefore, although the area they cover by radiation varies depending on their suspension method and angle, in general, it is significantly lower compared to radiant water panels. Due to their high surface temperatures around 900 °C, the temperature felt in the radiated area is much higher than in non-radiated areas. Radiant water panels, on the other hand, heat all desired surfaces homogeneously thanks to their larger surface areas and coverage zones. Since ceramic radiants have small surface areas and thus limited coverage, it is quite difficult to cover all surfaces in a space effectively.
Radiant water panels, with their wide surface areas and relatively low surface temperatures, do not cause the discomfort associated with the high surface temperatures of ceramic radiants and provide much more comfortable heating. Because radiant water panels heat the entire space, there are no cold zones.
Ceramic radiant heaters, unlike tubular radiant heaters, do not have a flue system. Waste gases released from combustion are emitted into the space. For the removal of these waste gases, a minimum ventilation rate of 10 m³/h per kW of ceramic radiant heater power must be provided. This value far exceeds the standard ventilation requirements of the space. The additional ventilation need results in extra electricity consumption and heat loss, causing increased natural gas usage.
In ceramic radiant applications, a natural gas line must be installed to each device entrance, along with the setup of safety equipment. This requires extensive piping and labor. In radiant water heating systems, hot and cold water pipes drawn along parallel radiant lines are sufficient for system operation.
Radiant water panels have no natural gas or electrical connections, so there is no risk of fire or leakage originating from the panels within the space. Ceramic radiants, however, being open-flame devices, carry risks of leakage and fire. Additionally, the very high surface temperatures of ceramic radiants make their use risky in areas containing flammable materials (such as textile pieces) or flammable solutions.
Since radiant water panels have no moving parts, there is no risk of failure, and maintenance and service costs are very low. The warranty period of radiant water panels is 10 years, and their average lifespan is about 50 years. Ceramic radiants require regular cleaning of the ceramic plate surfaces. Due to their high numbers in use, maintenance and service costs are high. Warranty periods vary by manufacturer but generally do not exceed 10–15 years.
Ceramic radiant heaters cannot use fuels other than natural gas or LPG. However, radiant water panels operate with hot water, so they can work with any heat source capable of producing hot water. Thus, radiant water panels can be powered by natural gas, LPG, biogas, pellets, wood chips, wood, coal, electricity (heat pumps or electric boilers/combis), as well as steam, geothermal energy, or any waste heat recovered from the facility transferred to water via heat exchangers.
In facilities where unused process heat or combustible waste (such as wood chips) is generated, heating can be provided at very low or even zero cost using radiant water panels. This is not possible with ceramic radiant heaters.
Ceramic radiant heaters have much smaller surface areas compared to radiant water heaters, resulting in a much smaller coverage area. Therefore, while radiant water panels can be designed exactly to meet the required capacity for heating a given area, ceramic radiant heaters often need to be oversized beyond the actual need to provide the desired coverage. This leads to increased installed power. Gas companies charge a security deposit for natural gas subscriptions, especially for facilities outside organized industrial zones. This deposit is calculated based on the maximum natural gas consumption cost expected over two months, collected at subscription and refunded when the subscription ends. The maximum natural gas consumption is calculated based on the total installed power of gas-consuming devices rather than actual usage. Thus, the higher the installed power, the higher the deposit. Considering facility continuity, the deposit can be seen as an additional cost item. The lower installed power of radiant water panels offers a significant advantage over ceramic radiant heaters in this regard.
Radiant water panels can also be used for cooling (comfort cooling) if needed, whereas ceramic radiants do not offer such an option.
In today’s conditions, replacing old, inefficient, and uncomfortable heating systems in high-ceilinged buildings with more efficient, comfortable, and low-maintenance systems will provide users with significant advantages in many aspects. In this context, especially in renovation projects of facilities with conventional heating, choosing radiant water panel systems is inevitable.
Unlike air heating systems, radiant heating allows heating of desired areas without warming the entire air volume and with very low air stratification. This prevents high air temperatures from developing in the attic, where the greatest heat loss occurs in the building, avoids wasting heat on unused areas, and as a result, achieves significant fuel savings along with a noticeable increase in comfort in the heated areas.
Particularly in the conversion from hot water convective heating systems to radiant water panel systems, since the existing boiler room (boilers, pumps, expansion tanks, etc.) and piping can be reused with minor revisions, considerable savings in investment costs can be achieved. Moreover, fuel, electricity, and maintenance savings can lead to up to 40% reduction in the annual operating costs of the building’s heating system. Therefore, payback periods for radiant water panel conversions can range from 1 to 4 years, depending on operating conditions.
Neoplant Engineering Inc., with dozens of successful conversion projects and extensive experience, has the capability to offer and implement the best project solutions under all kinds of challenging conditions for its customers.
Considering that we live in an era where energy is more important and valuable than ever, it is clear that using energy in the most accurate and effective way is critically important.
One of the most important factors to consider in efforts to ensure energy efficiency is the recovery of waste heat generated by processes. In industrial facilities, waste heat can be recovered from various points such as the flue gases of boilers and furnaces, compressors, and many other sources. The recovered waste heat can then be used for building heating, resulting in significant energy savings.
For high-ceilinged buildings, radiant systems are much more effective and efficient than conventional convection systems (detailed comparisons can be found in the relevant section). Therefore, waste heat can be transferred to water via heat exchangers and used to heat the building through hydronic radiant panels. There is no other radiant heating system that can operate with waste heat besides hydronic radiant panels.
When waste heat is used as the heat source in hydronic radiant panels, there is no need for an additional heat source for heating. In cases where the capacity of the waste heat source is insufficient, hydronic radiant panels can be supplemented with an auxiliary heat generator (such as a boiler).
Using waste heat sources can enable up to 100% savings in fuel consumption required for heating the building. In some cases, it can even reduce energy costs related to the removal or cooling of the waste heat generated by the process.
Hydronic radiant heating systems utilizing waste heat offer very favorable investment payback periods and can achieve substantial long-term savings.
The hydronic radiant panel heating system is undoubtedly the most suitable solution for heating industrial buildings where wood processing and manufacturing take place — environments with high fire risk, minimal air and dust movement requirements, operational needs demanding as stable an ambient temperature as possible, and where rapid response to potential temperature fluctuations is essential.
Besides being the most effective and appropriate solution for the wood and furniture industry, the hydronic radiant panel system enables up to 100% savings in fuel costs by utilizing waste wood chips generated during processes as an energy source via chip boilers.
Another advantage of using waste wood chips as fuel is that it eliminates the need for any investment in natural gas, LPG, LNG, or other fuel infrastructure in the facility. This allows for significant savings in costs related to natural gas investments, such as subscription fees, guarantee deposits, station costs, and gas piping.
Compared to gas-fired radiant systems, the hydronic radiant panel heating system offers operational advantages and, due to the use of waste wood chips as fuel, the savings on fuel costs and natural gas-related investments result in a very short payback period for the investment, enabling substantial long-term financial gains for the business.
Radiant heating is the transfer of heat from a hot object in the same environment to another object at a lower temperature using electromagnetic wave energy.
This is due to the radiation effect, which is a phenomenon that allows heat to be transferred from an object to the structures surrounding it. Radiation is a natural mechanism by which a cold surface absorbs the heat contained or created by a surface with a higher temperature than itself.
Absorbed heat is heat transferred by thermal radiation. In radiation, the air in the environment does not prevent heat transfer, first the objects in the environment, then the entire ambient air is heated. The Sun’s heating of the Earth is also based on this principle.
Radiation is one of the three ways heat is transferred. Thermal radiation is electromagnetic energy in the infrared spectrum. Heat transfer by radiation occurs through thermal radiation. Unlike conduction and convection, heat transfer via radiation (thermal radiation) has the advantage of propagating in a vacuum (an environment without air), and this energy is absorbed by the surfaces of solid objects rather than the air. This means no energy is transferred to the surrounding air.
Infrared waves easily travel through air and space and only generate heat when they strike an object, such as the surface of the ground or the walls of a house. When thermal radiation emitted by an infrared system hits an object (walls, floors, interior items), the molecules affected by the rays begin to vibrate due to the energy of the radiation.
Energy continues to be absorbed by the object’s molecules until their vibration frequency reaches that of the thermal radiation. Beyond this point, thermal radiation starts to be reflected. A person perceives this effect as warmth caused by the increased energy of their molecules.
Thermal comfort is a combination of air temperature and surface temperature. Therefore, when entering a space heated by radiation, the initial sensation experienced is comfort. A practical example is moving from a shaded area to a sunny area; even though the air temperature remains the same, a higher temperature sensation is felt.
This is because the sensation of warmth is not solely based on the air temperature but on a combination of air and surface temperatures. The surface temperature increases due to direct exposure to sunlight, which raises the perceived temperature.
HEAT TRANSFER BY RADIATION:
The maximum amount of radiation emitted by a surface with an absolute temperature TsT_s is determined by the Stefan-Boltzmann law. As can be understood from the formula, heat transfer by radiation depends on the emissivity, surface area, and the fourth power of the surface temperature.
The formula expresses the maximum radiation a surface can emit. The amount of heat that can be transferred by radiation between two surfaces is obtained by adjusting TsT_s in the same formula to represent the temperature difference between the surfaces.
Therefore, the greater the emissivity of the surface, the temperature difference, and the surface area, the higher the amount of energy that can be transferred via radiation.
INFRARED RAYS:
Infrared radiation is also called thermal radiation because our body perceives it as heat. Infrared radiation is a natural form of radiation that we encounter daily in many different ways. While the sun emits infrared radiation and heats the earth, warm objects also emit infrared radiation.
The term “infrared,” meaning “below red,” indicates that its frequency is just below the red color of visible light. Practically, any surface with a temperature above absolute zero (0° K = -273.15° C) emits radiation in this band. The higher the surface temperature, the greater the heat emission and, consequently, the infrared radiation.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM:
The effective wavelength range of thermal radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum is specified. For hydronic radiant heating systems, the effective radiation range is limited to the wavelength band of infrared rays.
Therefore, gamma rays, x-rays, and ultraviolet rays, which can have harmful effects on human health, are not included.
Water radiant heating is not a new technology. Even 60 years ago, water radiant heating was used. The reason why this technology is considered a new technology is due to the increasing demand for energy efficiency and comfort and the new widespread use of water radiant panels. In all of our water radiant projects that we have completed in our country, great comfort and satisfaction are experienced. Therefore, there will be no problems.
COMPARISONS You can examine in detail in the “Advantages of Water Radiant Heating Systems Compared to Tubular Radiant Heating Systems” section.
COMPARISONS You can examine in detail in the “Advantages of Water Radiant Heating Systems Compared to Tubular Radiant Heating Systems” section.
Water radiant panels are more suitable for comfortable heating of the entire area rather than spot heating. Considering the need for large surface area, it is possible to use water radiant panels in open areas and cafes, but it is not a logical solution.
The removal and installation of water radiant panels is directly related to the connection type. Although it is possible to remove and install panels connected with pressfittings, it is difficult. However, if the gland connection option is considered, the panels can be easily removed and installed.
The time it takes for the environment to enter the regime is directly related to the thermal losses at the moment the system is activated, the size of the space and the heater thermal capacity. Therefore, the time it takes for the environment to reach the desired temperature is evaluated independently of the heating system and can only be calculated for the time period determined specifically for the project.
Theoretically, it is possible to heat water radiant panels with any heat source, including solar energy. However, if we need to make an assessment specifically for solar energy, it can be said that the period in which the maximum efficiency will be obtained from solar energy will be summer, and the period in which the minimum efficiency will be obtained will be winter. If it is evaluated that the period in which the heating need will be the most intense will be winter, it is difficult to say that solar energy investment is a suitable investment for heating in general.
Theoretically, if there is a temperature difference between two surfaces, even if it is very small, it can be said that heat can be transferred from the surface with higher temperature to the surface with lower temperature by radiation. Therefore, it is possible to heat the water radiant panels by sending water around 40 C. However, since using these temperature values as design values will increase the surface area of the water radiant panel too much, it is recommended to use such low temperatures in transition seasons, i.e. during periods when thermal losses are relatively low, and to make the design according to higher temperature values.
Water radiant panels can be used in water temperatures between 40 °C and 110 °C.
Water radiant panels can be controlled locally by two-way or three-way motorized valves and thermostats, or by a central automation system. Depending on the nature of the automation system and thermostats, a remote access option can also be provided.
The thermal efficiency of a radiant system consists of the sum of combustion efficiency, thermal efficiency, radiant efficiency, control efficiency and design efficiency. The main factors that make water radiant panels more efficient than alternative systems are combustion efficiency, radiant efficiency and control efficiency. Since water radiant panels can operate at very low water temperatures, unlike alternative systems, maximum condensation efficiency can be used and therefore the combustion efficiency of water radiant panels is quite high compared to alternative systems. Radiant efficiency is the value that expresses the rate at which the transferred heat is transferred by radiation. Since convection losses are minimal in water radiant panels, radiant efficiency is much higher than alternative systems.
Since both temperature and flow control can be made with a correct automation setup in water radiant panels, the exact heat needed can be provided and the desired temperature can be kept stable. This provides an extra efficiency advantage compared to alternative heating systems that mainly operate in stages. You can examine the detailed comparison of water radiant panels with alternative systems in the comparisons section.
Water radiant panels can be used with existing boiler rooms provided that the boiler, pump and expansion tank capacities are checked. Depending on the device placements, pipe diameters and panel design, it is also possible to use existing device installations to feed water radiant panels.
For water radiant heating systems, the radiation’s area of effectiveness is limited to the wavelength range of infrared rays. Infrared radiation is also called thermal radiation because our body perceives it as heat. Infrared radiation is a natural radiation that we encounter every day in many different forms and has no harmful effects on human health.
The energy loss that will occur in the piping between the boiler room and the water radiant panels depends on many factors such as the route the pipes pass through, whether the pipe route is heated or unheated, the amount of insulation, the ambient temperature and the water temperature. If the pipes pass through heated areas, the energy transferred from the pipes to the space in these areas is not considered as a loss. If the pipes pass through the outside environment or unheated areas, there will be an energy loss, but it is possible to keep the energy losses at a negligible level with correctly insulated pipes and correctly designed routes.
In our applications, if the water conditions we recommend for our water radiant panels to operate at optimum efficiency and for a long life are met and the necessary equipment such as dirt traps, sediment and dirt separators etc. are used correctly and their maintenance is done regularly, the risks of clogging, decay and puncture are almost non-existent. The average service life of our water radiant panels is 50 years.
Unless there is a special situation in our applications, we prefer pressfittings. For this reason, the risk of water leakage is minimal.
There is no need for ventilation due to the release of waste gases into the environment, as in ceramic plate radiant heaters, in water radiant panels. We recommend that the ventilation requirement for the space be provided by heat recovery ventilation units so that the necessary comfort ventilation does not add additional load to the heating system or that the future load is kept to a minimum and a higher efficiency operation is achieved.
Water radiant panels do not work with the logic of directing heat through a reflector like other radiant heaters. For this reason, the efficiency loss caused by dirt is much lower and negligible compared to other radiant heaters. However, in heavily dirty environments, it is recommended to clean the panel surfaces at regular intervals in order for the system to work most efficiently.
