Study on heat transfer process for in-slab heating floor

In order to improve the accuracy of computational model of the existing heat transfer process for in-slab heating floor, two heat transfer models, the revised composite-fin model and the equivalent heat resistance model, were developed in this paper. The revised composite-fin model was developed from its original type. The equivalent heat resistance model is a new method that has the ability to calculate the heat gain from floor by introducing the concept of equivalent heat resistance. The expression of equivalent heat resistance depends on the shape factor of floor, and then a simplification treatment is adopted to calculate heat gain of floor. The accuracy of two models was assessed by laboratory test and numerical simulation based on different heat conduct equations. It is believed that the two models can provide a rather simple method to calculate the heat gain of floor and to increase the design flexibility for various types of floors.

► The revised composite-fin model for embedded-pipe heated floor is presented. ► The equivalent heat resistance model for embedded-pipe heated floor is presented. ► The calculation accuracy of the two models are proved by test and simulation.