There recently is a great deal interest in all electrical hydronic heated homes across the country, spurred by California’s commitment to all-electric homes powered by renewable electricity. The collapse of solar panel and storage costs and the rise of superefficient heat pumps make this possible
By definition, net-zero homes should meet all the electric demands of the structure with solar electric or some other renewable energy source, including the heating and cooling. This normally means using a heat pump of some sort to deliver warm and cool water.
Net Zero Energy and RadiantBoard
The capacity and efficiency of any hydronic heat pump, whether ground source or air source, is directly related to the supply water temperature from the hydronic heat pump to the hydronic radiant system. The lower the water temperature that any radiant heat delivery system requires to meet a given heat load the better. Different radiant heat delivery systems have very different efficiency data so it is a very good idea to select the type of radiant floor heat delivery system that matches well with a hydronic heat pump. Ecowarm RadiantBoard is an excellent choice.
Due to the inherent resistance of concrete and underfloor systems and resulting in lower efficiencies, they are not good selections, while a grooved radiant floor panel system with a surface aluminum laminate, like RadiantBoard, is the best place to look for a good match with your hydronic heat pump system.
Notice the efficiency charts below of, for example, a 2” gypsum concrete pour and that of Ecowarm RadiantBoard. The Gypsum concrete system requires a 120F supply water temperature, while RadiantBoard requires a 107F to meet the exact same 20 btu/sq./ft. heat load with flooring goods with R1 resistance. This is a big deal for hydronic heat pump capacity and efficiency!
Compare RadiantBoard to Gypsum Concrete Pour
Net Zero Energy System Design
For more information about net zero energy mechanical and solar design, contact http://meg4.com/nzen/.
