ᐅ Cooling via underfloor heating with a ground-source heat pump
Created on: 30 Apr 2015 11:27
S
SirSydom
Hello everyone,
I am very sensitive to heat, so this will be a major focus in our new build.
In addition to an automatic shading system with venetian blinds and roller shutters, and a solid construction method, as well as a ventilation system with a bypass (and possibly a ground heat exchanger), I am considering whether "passive" or "free" cooling through the underfloor heating system makes sense. This is said to have only low operating costs since only electricity for the pumps is required. The technology also seems quite simple—a heat exchanger between the brine circuit and the underfloor heating circuit, possibly with a few valves and a mixer.
Now I am wondering if the effort is worthwhile—does it really make a difference? Does anyone have a direct comparison in the same house, once with and once without?
My wife is still quite hesitant because she fears having cold feet. "In summer, I want to walk barefoot." Is this concern justified?
Are there alternatives for cooling that won’t immediately break the budget? A separate cooling ceiling would certainly cost several thousand euros.
With a conventional split air conditioning unit, I can already hear my wife complaining about drafts, so that option is probably off the table.
I am very sensitive to heat, so this will be a major focus in our new build.
In addition to an automatic shading system with venetian blinds and roller shutters, and a solid construction method, as well as a ventilation system with a bypass (and possibly a ground heat exchanger), I am considering whether "passive" or "free" cooling through the underfloor heating system makes sense. This is said to have only low operating costs since only electricity for the pumps is required. The technology also seems quite simple—a heat exchanger between the brine circuit and the underfloor heating circuit, possibly with a few valves and a mixer.
Now I am wondering if the effort is worthwhile—does it really make a difference? Does anyone have a direct comparison in the same house, once with and once without?
My wife is still quite hesitant because she fears having cold feet. "In summer, I want to walk barefoot." Is this concern justified?
Are there alternatives for cooling that won’t immediately break the budget? A separate cooling ceiling would certainly cost several thousand euros.
With a conventional split air conditioning unit, I can already hear my wife complaining about drafts, so that option is probably off the table.
Unfortunately, I did not do it, but if possible, I would definitely go for concrete core activation. It not only makes cooling more efficient but also heating, as the required supply temperature can be reduced further. The effort is very minimal—just “simply” a pipe in the suspended ceiling and connected to the heating manifold; it doesn’t get any easier than that. You just have to remember to do it.
With the same principles as for underfloor heating (maximum circuit length 100 m (330 ft), avoid small circuits), etc.?
How does it work with the precast concrete slab? Are the pipes for the radiant ceiling heating, electrical cables, controlled mechanical ventilation ducts, etc., installed before the concrete is poured? And then the concrete is poured over them. Is there anything to consider regarding insulation or similar?
How does it work with the precast concrete slab? Are the pipes for the radiant ceiling heating, electrical cables, controlled mechanical ventilation ducts, etc., installed before the concrete is poured? And then the concrete is poured over them. Is there anything to consider regarding insulation or similar?
Phew, I can’t help with the detailed questions regarding BHE; I did my entire trench collector and heating system planning through the purple forum, where the experts on this topic are; however, I never really discussed BHE in detail, so I don’t know how to size them precisely. But I believe, as you said, the loops are roughly the same length as in the rest of the heating system.
As a heating engineer, I never install cooling in underfloor heating systems! The system can only lower the floor temperature by about 2 to 3 degrees Celsius (4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) – the result: cold feet! The room temperature remains too warm, so a separate air conditioning system in the living and bedrooms is necessary. This way, you can sleep comfortably without cold feet, and if needed, cool the living room at head height without chilling your feet. What I build for myself is also what I recommend to my clients.
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