Comparative numerical study of floor heating systems using parallel and spiral coil

Abstract

This article presents a comparative numerical study aimed at determining the optimal pipe layout solution for the heating benches of traditional steam baths, with the goal of ensuring an optimal temperature distribution for customer comfort. This layout incorporates insulation on the lower side to direct most of the emitted heat upwards. The temperature distribution across the floor surface varies depending on the configuration of the buried pipes. Calculations were performed using the CFD software "COMSOL Multiphysics" to investigate the thermal behavior of an underfloor heating system. The results were used to discuss certain critical parameters that require control for the proper operation of the system. These parameters include the flow velocity inside the pipes, inlet temperatures, and pipe configuration. A new parameter designed to measure the thermal homogeneity of the floor was introduced and evaluated. In general, the findings demonstrated that the modulated spiral configuration is the best solution, minimizing pressure losses while ensuring optimal thermal homogenization across the entire floor surface.