IMPACT OF ROOM HEIGHT ON HEAT TRANSFER EFFICIENCY IN VARIOUS HEATING SYSTEMS: A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Abdolali Sabeti Monfared, Ahmad Moghaddasi, Mojtaba Pourgholamali

Abstract


The purpose of the study. This study investigates the impact of varying room heights on the heat transfer efficiency of heating systems, specifically comparing conventional radiator-based heating with underfloor heating. Methods. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, we analysed temperature distributions at three ceiling heights (2.7 m, 3 m, and 3.3 m). The numerical model was used to examine airflow behaviour, thermal stratification, and temperature variation within the occupied space under different heating conditions. Results. The results indicate that lower room heights tend to reduce vertical temperature stratification, thereby increasing the overall perceived temperature, while taller rooms exhibit greater temperature gradients between the floor and ceiling. The simulations also show that the location and mode of heat delivery have a substantial influence on indoor temperature distribution. Furthermore, underfloor heating systems demonstrated superior thermal uniformity and energy efficiency compared to radiator-based systems by distributing heat more evenly across the lower occupied zone. Conclusions. These findings contribute to optimizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort in building design by tailoring heating strategies to specific room dimensions. The study also highlights the importance of considering room geometry alongside heating-system selection when evaluating indoor thermal performance and developing energy-conscious design solutions for enclosed indoor spaces.

Keywords


floor heating, heat transfer, natural displacement, computational fluid dynamics.

Full Text:

PDF

References


(IEA), International Energy Agency. (2022). Energy Efficiency 2022, Paris: IEA.

Cui, G. (2024). Geometric optimisation of the space around the buildings based on the improvement of thermal comfort efficiency of the building. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Vol. 19: pp. 1288–1300.

d’Adamo, Aю, Haslinger, M., Corda, G., Höflinger, J., Fontanesi, S., and Lauer, T. (2021). Modelling Methods and Validation Techniques for CFD Simulations of PEM Fuel Cells, Processes, Vol. 9, Issue 4: p. 688.

Ghahramani, A., Galicia, P., Lehrer, D., Varghese, Z., Wang, Z., and Pandit, Y. (2020). Artificial intelligence for efficient thermal comfort systems: Requirements, current applications and future directions, Frontiers in Built Environment, Vol. 6: p. 49.

Hesaraki, A., Bourdakis, E., Ploskić, A., and Holmberg, S. (2015). Experimental study of energy performance in low temperature hydronic heating systems, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 109: pp. 108–14.

Iranzo, A. (2019). CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation: An Introduction to Published Reviews, Processes, Vol. 7, Issue 12: p. 883.

Koca, A., Gemici, Z., Bedir, K., Böke, E., Kanbur, B.B., and Topaçoğlu, Y. (2014). Thermal Comfort Analysis of Novel Low Exergy Radiant Heating Cooling System and Energy Saving Potential Comparing to Conventional Systems. In Progress in Exergy, Energy, and the Environment edited by Dincer, I., Midilli, A., and Kucuk, H. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Lund, H, Werner, S., Wiltshire, R., Svendsen, S., Thorsen, J. E., Hvelplund, F., and Mathiesen, B. V. (2014). 4th Generation District Heating (4GDH): Integrating smart thermal grids into future sustainable energy systems, Energy, Vol. 68: pp. 1–11.

Pereira, M. L., Graudenz, G., Tribess, A., and Morawska, L. (2009). Determination of particle concentration in the breathing zone for four different types of office ventilation systems, Building and Environment, Vol. 44: pp. 904–11.

Stern, F., Wilson, R. V., Coleman, H. W., and Paterson, E. G. (2001). Comprehensive approach to verification and validation of CFD simulations – Part 1: Methodology and Procedures, Journal of Fluids Engineering, Vol. 123, Issue 4: pp. 793–802.

Tol, H. İ. and Madessa, H. B. (2024). Return-Temperature Reduction at District Heating Systems: Focus on End-User Sites, Energies, Vol. 17, Issue 19: p. 4901.

Vijayalaxmi, J. (2023). Study of Indoor Thermal Performance Due to Varying Ceiling Heights in a Hot-Humid Climate. In Building Thermal Performance and Sustainability, pp. 45–38. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




     

ISSN: 2500-0055