Underfloor heating
Walking on ThinICE
The latest heating and cooling technology from PCM Products is efficient and environmentally friendly and combines the idea of conventional underfloor heating with a underfloor thermal energy storage system
B
y introducing eutectic products into a radiant heating system, it is possible to capture excess heating during the daytime and maintain that heat into the cold of night. 27°C (81°F) phase change material (PCM) is sealed inside HDPE modules. This material captures energy by melting and releases it when it freezes. All conventional floor finishes are rated to handle these temperatures.
Each module features a number of grooves which are optimally spaced out for runs of underfloor heat pipes. This close contact with the PCM ensures the best heat transfer possible. They allow for pipe lengths to be easily held in place during the installation process requiring no specialist skills. Once installed, the thermal mass of a building may be increased by as much as 10 to 15 times. Thanks to there being no moving parts, PCM TES is effectively maintenance free and once installed it simply becomes part of the building.
System sizing
Eight PCM modules can be installed per m2. This allows for up to 0.995 kWh/m2 TES. For installers, it is important that the heating system has the appropriate power. This can be easily estimated using the formula below:
Example
An individual PCM module is known as a ThinICE. They are filled with 1.6 litres of PCM solution which is then triple sealed for maximum security
Installation
At normal conditions the PCM will be in solid form, making the modules very robust. Rows of modules can be laid directly on top of the insulation layer replacing conventional castellated panels. This creates a grid which allows the heating pipe to be laid easily, holding the heat pipe in place throughout the screeding process to ensure that the finished underfloor heating system will distribute heat evenly.
An underfloor heating system is planned for an 25m2 room. There is an anticipated peak heat load of 1400W and there is a 10-hour charging period available. Using the above, we know that approximately 200 PCM modules could be installed.
www.heatingandventilating.net
THINICE Modules
For the best results, this can be paired with a ground source heat pump (GSHP) or other renewable heating systems so that the entire PCM TES can be charged with free energy and then discharged nightly.
An individual PCM module is known as a ThinICE. They are filled with 1.6 litres of PCM solution which is then triple sealed for maximum security. It is possible to install these modules in the ceiling and other locations as a means of thermal energy storage. It is possible to fill these modules with any of our S-range PCMs, not only S27 or any other suitable temperatures to match any passive cooling applications.
!" September 2020
www.heatingandventilating.net
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