Experimental and Numerical Simulation of a Radiant Floor System: The Impact of Different Screed Mortars and Floor Finishings

Abstract

The radiant floor system market is growing rapidly because Europe is moving toward a low-carbon economy and increased awareness about environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, stimulated by the ambitious EU Energy Efficient Directive and nZEB challenge. The high growth rate of the market share is due to the involvement of homeowners in the specifications of their living commodities, so they are thus willing to invest more at the initial stage to obtain long-term benefits and lower energy exploration costs. We performed an experimental campaign over three slabs with a hydronic radiant floor system of equal dimensions, shape, and pipe pitch with different screed mortar formulations to assess their performance throughout a heating/cooling cycle. The temperature at different heights within the interior of the screed mortars and at the surface were monitored. The results revealed that an improved screed mortar has a relevant impact on the efficiency of the system. Moreover, a three-dimensional transient heat transfer model was validated using the experimental data. The model was used to evaluate the impact of different finishing materials, namely wood, cork, ceramic, and linoleum, on the floor surface temperatures. The results showed differences of 15% in the surface temperature when using different floor finishing solutions.

Estudo de Formulações de Argamassas para Sistemas de Pavimento Radiante com Incorporação de Agregado Siderúrgico

“…Na segunda linha de ação, foram utilizados em estudos de simulação numérica os resultados obtidos na fase experimental, para se avaliar o comportamento térmico das argamassas desenvolvidas quando aplicadas num sistema de pavimento radiante hidráulico. Para tal foi usado o software FEMIX num modelo anteriormente calibrado e validado [11]. Os ensaios realizados seguiram as normas vigentes.…”

Thermal Performance Analysis of Functional Parameters of the Floor Heating System in Africa

“…According to the findings of the economic analysis, the system payback period was between 7 and 13 years. Ricardo M. S. F. Almeida et al [5] carried out a three-panel experiment using a radiant floor system of comparable dimensions, shapes, and tubes with various screed mortar formulas. The results demonstrated that the system's efficiency is appropriately impacted by the improved screed mortar.…”