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IOM 53, Issue 13 - Thermatile TEN-TWELVE
3. Operation
Ensure that the panels are piped together and
into the heating (cooling) system as required
by the application. Manual and or automatic air
vents should be fitted at high points in the piping
systems. Ensure that all manual valves are opened
and allow fluid to circulate through the heating
system. Open air vents to ensure that there is no
air trapped; close manual vents as soon as water is
released.
Zone valves should open and close in response
to the sensed room or zone temperature and
sensors should be positioned in representative
position within the space to achieve optimum
comfort.
3.1 Cooling Applications
When chilled water is used it is important that its
temperature is not less than the dewpoint of the
air in the space; In this way the panels will not
sweat. The temperature of the chilled water must
be controlled in response to the humidity in the
space and/or condensation sensors must be fitted.
Note that the pipework to and from the panels will
also sweat and should be insulated/vapour sealed
wherever possible.
3.2 Sensors
For radiant systems black bulb sensors are
often used as they give a better indication of the
effective temperature in the space. If standard
air temperature sensors are used then allowance
needs to be made for the radiant effect – setpoints
can be a couple of degrees lower in heating mode
and higher in cooling mode.
3.2 Fault Finding
Fault
Remedy
Air in system
Open vent plug(s)
Low water temperature in heating mode
Check operation of boiler and mixing valves
High water temperature in cooling mode
Check operation of chiller and mixing valves
Low water flow rate
Check operation of pump and diverting valves
Valves closed
Check valve settings
4. Maintenance
Radiant panels are largely maintenance free. The
surface of the panel can be cleaned using a dry
cloth or non-abrasive/corrosive detergents; if
unsure first try cleaning fluid on a small area of the
panel.
The waterways consist of copper pipes and flexible
hoses will normally be EPDM rubber, any flushing
undertaken or inhibitors used need to be suitable
for use with these materials.
