Solar underfloor heating is an innovative process that provides a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional radiator systems. It will help you cut down energy expenses and reduce your carbon footprint. But how does it work? This blog will go in-depth on the heating procedure, suitable flooring types, and understand the cost factors as well.
Can Solar Panels Run Underfloor Heating?
Yes, solar panels can power underfloor heating systems, and there are two methods to do so:
1. The first option involves a hot water system. The energy from solar panels is utilized to heat water in a tank which is then circulated beneath the floor through pipes to generate heat. However, this method may result in insufficient power or even battery depletion.
2. You can also use an electric mat system that is powered directly by solar panels. In this method, the electric mat is placed beneath the floor and supported by materials that radiate heat upwards.
These methods demonstrate solar panels’ versatility in producing energy in underfloor heating systems.
Solar Underfloor Heating Guide: Embrace the Warmth of Sunlight
Solar underfloor heating is a hidden, effective, and environmentally friendly way to heat indoor spaces that outperforms conventional radiators. This technology uses the sun’s energy to convert the entire floor into a radiant heat source, ensuring a consistent and comfortable temperature in the space. To learn about this system in detail, let’s see how it works.
How Solar Powered Underfloor Heating Works?
The workings of solar underfloor heating involve using solar panels to capture sunlight energy, which is then utilized to power heating coils in a hot water thermal store for wet systems or to run electric underfloor heating for dry systems. However, the system faces the difficulty of nighttime operational downtime, which can be avoided by using solar batteries to store extra energy generated during the day.
Nevertheless, there are two basic types of solar-powered underfloor heating systems which are as follows:
1. Wet Systems
Wet underfloor heating systems, also known as hydronic systems, heat water using a heat source such as solar panels, boilers, or heat pumps. This hot water is then circulated through a network of pipes or circuits built within or above the subfloor to ensure even heat distribution across the floor.
When combined with solar applications, these systems typically include a thermal store cylinder that heats the water to a temperature of 60°C – 70°C. Within this cylinder are two interconnected coils through which mains water runs, gradually raising its temperature to the required level. The cylinder also has two dedicated tappings for producing heat for the underfloor system, as well as a solar coil located in the cylinder’s lowest, coolest area that captures solar energy for heating.
Wet systems are best suited for stone or tile floors, but they are capable of taking carpets with an insulating value of up to 1.5 togs. Though these systems are operationally efficient, they are best suited for new constructions due to possible modifications to the structure in existing buildings, such as raising the floor. While solar underfloor heating installation can be challenging due to the required piping, the system’s long-term efficiency often outweighs the initial installation costs.
2. Dry Systems
A dry system usually referred to as an electric underfloor heating system, makes use of heated mats or cables. The mats have ultra-thin electric heating wires attached to a pre-sized mat, while the heating cables are freestanding wires inserted within or on top of the flooring.
Solar PV panel electricity, supplemented by grid power, is converted into radiant heat via mats or wires. Due to its greater installation costs, this technology is often preferred for smaller projects in existing structures (such as heating a bathroom). However, utilizing free solar energy can help offset these expenditures. Because of their high thermal conductivity and heat retention, stone or tiled floors, like wet systems, improve the efficiency of electric underfloor heating systems.
Also See: What is HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)?
What are the Factors that Affect the Functions of Underfloor Heating System?
Before learning how does solar water heating system work let us have a look at the crucial aspects that can affect the efficiency and functionality of the underfloor heating system:
1. Installation and Operating Costs
Solar underfloor heating is a cost-effective and efficient technique of heat generation that operates at lower temperatures for quieter operation. While it does not provide rapid heat and thermostat changes may take several hours to fully take effect, the overall efficiency of the system remains high.
Installation can be costly, especially in existing structures, but in new construction properly intended for underfloor heating, these expenses can be greatly reduced. Moreover, the wet system is more cost-effective to operate due to its superior energy efficiency when compared to dry systems.
2. Energy Efficiency
Depending on the system, the energy efficiency of solar underfloor heating varies. Wet solar underfloor heating systems are often more energy efficient, using 15-40% less energy than a radiator system. To know more about energy conservation, take a glance at how to conserve heat energy at home.
3. Flooring Type
The type of flooring can have a big impact on the efficacy if your flooring is overly thick or has a low heat transmission, heat will be retained and may cause damage. To avoid this, you may need to replace your flooring.
High heat transfer makes modern flooring options like luxury vinyl tiling and ceramic tiles ideal for underfloor heating, whereas appropriate selections can overcome the heat transfer challenges posed by thicker materials like carpets. Nevertheless, Laminate flooring can also be used with these systems, as long as the maximum floor temperature is kept at 27 degrees Celsius to avoid damage.
Both wet and dry solar powered underfloor heating use radiant heat transfer to warm surfaces while utilizing the entire floor space. Electric systems are less expensive and faster to install, but they lack the energy efficiency of wet systems. On the other hand, wet systems have higher installation costs and longer heat-up times, they offer lower operating costs and superior energy efficiency.
Cross-Reference: Thermal and economic modeling and optimization of solar-assisted underfloor heating system considering hourly analysis
How does Solar Water Heating System Work?
Solar water heaters utilize free and renewable solar energy; providing an efficient way to generate hot water for your home. These systems primarily comprise storage tanks and solar collectors and come in two forms: active and passive systems.
1. Active Solar Water Heating Systems
Active solar water heating systems are defined by their circulating pumps and controllers. These systems typically contain a huge flat plate collector linked by two pipes to a solar storage or backup water heater. One pipe carries antifreeze fluid into the tank through a pump, where it is converted into a double-wall heat exchanger coil that circulates within the tank before returning to the collector. Two additional pipes at the top of the water heater tank enable the inflow of cold water and the outflow of hot water to the home.
For a better understanding, you can go through the 4 advantages of solar water heater.
These systems can be divided into direct and indirect circulation systems:
A. Direct Circulation Systems
Pumps in direct circulation systems transport household water via collectors and into the residence, and they work well in cold regions.
B. Indirect Circulation Systems
Pumps are used in indirect circulation systems to transport a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid via collectors and a heat exchanger. This action heats the water, which is subsequently circulated throughout the house and works well for cold-weather settings.
2. Passive Solar Water Heating Systems
It is less expensive but less efficient than active systems. However, they frequently give greater dependability and have a longer lifespan.
If interested, you can also check out What is Passive Solar Heating?
These water systems can be further divided into integral collector-storage passive systems and thermosyphon systems:
A. Integrated Collector-Storage Passive System
It is made up of a storage tank that is covered in a transparent material that allows the sun’s heat to warm the water. This hot water then enters the plumbing system of the house. These systems work best in areas where freezing temperatures are infrequent, and they are great for households that use a lot of hot water during the day and night.
B. Thermosyphon Systems
These heat water in a rooftop collector, which subsequently flows into the home’s plumbing system when a hot water tap is turned on. These systems typically hold roughly 40 gallons.
Ultimately, solar underfloor heating is an efficient combination of both technology and sustainability. The installation process and the type of flooring can have a big impact on its efficacy, ensuring effective heat transmission. Moreover, the wet system is more cost-effective compared to dry systems. To learn more about these interesting subjects, continue reading our blogs.
Source: Solar-thermal Underfloor Heating System with Electrical Heating Auxiliary