3. Ceiling radiant

systems

The first question people ask when you propose a ceiling sys-

tem is: How can a ceiling system heat a space if hot air tends to

gather in the upper part of the room?

The first comparison to make is with the primary source of heat

- the sun.

By means of radiation it transfers heat to the structures around

it.

Applying the same principle, the ceiling system transfers heat

to the room’s structures, increasing or reducing the mean sur-

face temperature, and taking it as close as possible to the air

temperature.

Optimum comfort inside a room is obtained when the human

body is able to exchange heat with the structures around it, in

the correct proportions:

•

40-45% - RADIATION (depends on the mean temperature

of the surfaces).

•

15-20% - CONVECTION (depends on the air temperature).

•

0,5-1% - CONDUCTION (depends on the points of contact

with the structures).

•

30-40% - EVAPORATION (depends on the activity inside

the room).

As can be seen, by guaranteeing an adequate surface tempera-

ture for the structures, we are able to guarantee optimum com-

fort inside the room.

One needs to get away from the idea that heat on the head is

not comfortable. An adequately sized ceiling system does not

create any bothersome sensation caused by heating the top of

the head.

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Ceiling and wall radiant system – Product guide

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