Radiant Floors versus Radiant Walls Using Ceramic Thermal Panels in Mediterranean Dwellings: Annual Energy Demand and Cost-Effective Analysis

Víctor Echarri-Iribarren,Nyuk Hien Wong,Ana Sánchez-Ostiz

doi:10.3390/su13020588

Víctor Echarri-Iribarren, Nyuk Hien Wong + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020588

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Abstract

The present study focuses on the application of large-format thermal ceramic conditioning panels (TCPs) containing polypropylene (PPR) capillary tube mats in dwellings on the Mediterranean coast. The thermal and energy behaviours were examined once the underfloor heating was installed, and they were compared with an alternative wall application. The system was implemented in a single-family house located on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. After having monitored the house during a complete one-year cycle, the annual energy demand was quantified using the Design Builder tool. TCP panels applied to radiant floors reduced energy demand by 5.15% compared to the wall-layout alternative. Significant reductions in CO2 emissions were also achieved, as well as a 25.19% reduction in energy demand compared to convection systems. The incorporation of 24 m2 of solar thermal panels into the system, combined with solar cooling systems based on lithium chloride, was also analysed. A reduction in energy demand of 57.46% was obtained compared to all-air convection systems. Finally, the amortisation periods of the investments in TCP panels and solar panels were calculated and compared to a convection system. Underfloor TCP panels proved to be more cost-effective than a wall installation. The additional cost of EUR 21,844 could be amortised over approximately 14 years with the radiant underfloor TCP system, while the wall TCP would be amortised over 17.4 years.

Highlights

Conditioning systems using radiant surfaces—floors, ceilings, or walls—provide high standards of comfort and can lead to significant energy savings
This study describes the implementation large format thermal conditionThis study describes theofimplementation of largeceramic format thermal ceramic conditioning ing panels (TCP) inpanels an isolated detached house located at the crossroads of Horacio (TCP) in an isolated detached house located at the crossroads of Calle Horacio and and Calle Virgilio in
3332.73 kg Results shown in Table 6 allow us to conclude that the energy demand of the all-air system with air-to-air heat pump for air distribution in Scenario 1 (SC1) is 126.8% higher than water distribution to thermal ceramic conditioning panels (TCPs) panels in radiant walls in Scenario 2 (SC2), and 133.7% higher than in Scenario 3 (SC3) with underfloor TCP panels

Summary

Introduction

Conditioning systems using radiant surfaces—floors, ceilings, or walls—provide high standards of comfort and can lead to significant energy savings They have been used since ancient times, mainly underfloor, through hot air distribution. Underfloor systems based on hot water circulation through thick tubes, usually made of crosslinked polyethylene, have proliferated in recent decades because of the high standards of user comfort they offer [4]. This solution saves energy and allows incorporating alternative energies into the system, such as solar energy from solar thermal panels, or geothermal systems [5,6]. When distributing cold water from a chiller—a heat pump or a

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