Potentially the most efficient heating system of the six is the eutectic salt chamber. The salt being used is sodium sulfate deca-hydrate (NaSO4 • H2O -- Glauber's salt).
At the right is a curve representing the energy stored as a function of
temperature of a substance as it transitions from solid to liquid
(phase-change). For example, it takes 80 calories to melt one gram of ice. In
reverse, one gram (1 cc) of water gives off 80 calories as it turns to ice;
this is called the heat of fusion. This heat of fusion principle is often used
to save orchard blossoms from freezing if the temperature drops below freezing
in the Spring by sprinkling them with water. As the water freezes, it gives
off this heat of fusion and saves the blossoms. Thermal storage using water is
not nearly so efficient, as water only stores one calory per gram per degree
centigrade. Glauber's salt has the nice property that it melts at 90o
F and has about 83 calories per gram. It does not take a lot of salt to heat
several rooms. The salt in the chamber is stored in black tubes to pull in the
day-time sun so that the salt melts. At night as the salt freezes at 90o
F, the air is heated around the tubes like a radiator, which then rises, forces air through the floor joist -- dropping down in the
cooler rooms needing heat with return air going through ducting under the
floors.
Radiant floor heating is becoming increasingly popular in both homes and commercial premises, due to its space saving design and efficiency. Differing from standard methods of indoor heating, such as wall radiators, or heated fans, radiant floor heating relies on warming a large element, in this case, an entire floor space. Because the surface area of this heated floor space is much greater than other systems, the actual temperature can be much lower to achieve the same level of heat transfer.
There are many benefits to using this type of heating in the home, with the main one being the efficient transfer of heat. When comparing to forced air heating options, in floor heating creates an even distribution of heat, and also does not create an air floor, which can stir up allergens and dust, and has been proven to reduce the dust mite population in homes that use this under floor heating.
Floor Coverings for Radiant Floor Heating
Under floor heating needs a surface through which it can radiate heat efficiently, and one of the best for this purpose is ceramic tile. Not only does it conduct heat well, but it also adds thermal storage, as ceramic tiles are naturally high in heat capacity. Thin carpets provide better heat transfer than thick ones. Carpet quality should be taken into account when planning the look and the design of any room that will use this type of solar heating!
Call EE Solar to scheduled a free site survey and analysis of your heating needs. We will provide you the customer with New Floors and the solar heating apparatus built under a quality carpet or tile. Every home or business owner can reduce green house gas emissions and provide a clean energy solution for all your heating needs.
The Benefits of Using a Solar Radiant Floor Heating System
The benefits of utilizing this type of heating system are numerous. Beginning with benefits that are common to all radiant floor heating options, a solar-based system is going to be more efficient, cost effective, and comfortable than other systems. With radiant floor heating your temperature remains consistent rather than going through the heating and cooling cycles of forced air. It also resolves many of the humidity issues that plague homes in the cold weather environments. With high quality finishing materials, you can even end up with a floor that maintains and dissipates heat for incredibly long periods of time.
What sets the solar-based system apart from other radiant floor heating solutions is the fact that you're not using an outside source to heat the water. For those who are concerned about the environment, or just don't want to spend the money on gas, oil, or electricity, using solar voltaic panels to heat the water is the best way to go. The panels themselves aren't cheap, but once properly installed you could potentially have a heating system that doesn't cost you another dime.
If you don't trust a solar-based system because of a lack of sunshine in your area, there still might be room for this as a backup system. Many new customers of radiant floor heating systems are in fact installing solar panels in backup storage tanks to be used in case electricity goes out. With a simple opening of a valve and a solar powered pump, you could potentially still have heat for an endless amount of time regardless of how long you're without utility service.
Call Evan at 631-404-9718 or send an email to Stopoilwars@gmail.com
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