Enhancement of panel radiator based hydronic central heating system using flow pulsation

• Main Author: Embaye, Mebrahtu
• Published: University of Birmingham 2016
• Subjects: 697; TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.690825

Enhancing the heat output of the hydronic central heating system in buildings can play a major role in reducing energy consumption and CO2 emission. The main aim of this PhD research is to investigate the effect of pulsed flow input on the energy consumption of panel radiators in hydronic central heating systems and the user indoor comfort defined by ASHRAE standard 55 and EN ISO 7730. The research covers thermal performance of panel radiator and the indoor comfort. The work was performed using dynamic control modelling, CFD and experimental testing to prove the concept. Results from the mathematical and CFD modelling of the hydronic radiator with pulsed flow using various frequencies and amplitudes showed that 20% to 27% of energy saving can be achieved compared to the constant flow while maintaining the same radiator target surface temperature of 50oC as recommended by the BS EN442. The indoor comfort results were also achieved as recommended by international standards including CO2 concentration at 1000PPM±50PPM, relative humidity at 50±9%, comfort temperature at 20±1.6oC, air velocity of below 0.15m/s and draught risk parameters of less than 15%. The numerical results agreed well with experimental results with maximum deviation of radiator temperature output of ±4.1%, indoor temperature ±2.83% and energy saving of ±1.7%. The energy saved due to the pulsed flow is attributed to the enhancement of the radiator heat transfer performance that leads to higher heat output at lower average mass flow rate of the hot water.