Selected excerpts from, "Numerical Simulation of 3-D Turbulent Room Airflow Pattern and Temperature Field in UC Solar Decathlon House" by P. Rojatkar:
“Hence, the velocity and temperature field are completely coupled in case of pure natural convection heating. Different from the case of forced convection, the velocity of the particles in case of radiant floor heating (natural convection) is only influenced by the temperature of the air particles.”
“It thus implies that hotter particles have higher velocity than the colder ones.”
“Velocity magnitude near walls and ceiling is lower as compared to velocity magnitude in the core of the house.”
“On the contrary the velocity magnitude of particles near windows is more than that in the core. This is due to the differential thermal resistance (insulation values) offered by windows as compared to the ceiling and walls.”
“This shows that for radiant floor heating system the air temperature distribution is superior over forced air heating. Thus, uniform heating and temperature distribution is achieved in the complete domain by the radiant floor.”
Source/credit: Rojatkar, P., Numerical Simulation of 3-D Turbulent Room Airflow Pattern and Temperature Field in UC Solar Decathlon House, Master of Science Thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2007
Link to paper: http://etd.ohiolink.edu/send-pdf.cgi/Rojatkar%20Prachi.pdf?ucin1196019483
RBc: The results of this paper are consistent with earlier ASHVE (ASHRAE), Danish Technical University and Kansas State University research from 1953. The difference of course is the use of computers to simulate mass and energy flow in a space whereas the earlier work was done with actual in-space setups. We discuss these and many other related topics in our thermal comfort training programs.
