Energy Flexibility Assessment of a Zone with Radiant Floor Heating System by Means of Experimental Measurements

Abstract

This article investigates the potential energy flexibility of a thermal zone that contains a hydronic radiant floor heating system embedded in a concrete slab. The energy flexibility of the zone is quantified from experimental measurements for a specific zone air set point change. The experiment was carried out in an experimental perimeter zone test cell (PZTC) designed to simulate the conditions of an office space near a window which has a radiant floor heating system. The PZTC is located inside a controlled environmental chamber (EC). The EC provides the desired exterior conditions. The temperature inside the PZTC is controlled with a thermostat that adjusts the heating power delivered from the hydronic pipes to the slab. It was observed that modulating the zone air temperature setpoint results in significant changes in the heating load, and thus providing a certain amount of energy flexibility. Application of the quantified energy flexibility along with applicable strategies in response to a specific price signal profile are discussed.