Presents a method for designing radiant panel heating systems using accepted thermal comfort criteria and mean radiant temperature (MRT) as a basis for decision making. The required design space air temperature and proper sizing of panels are determined at the coldest point in the room to maintain optimum comfort conditions. Uniformity of thermal comfort within an enclosure is displayed graphically with this method. States the method is an analytical tool that can be used to optimise the analysis of a radiant panel configuration within a defined enclosure. In addition, the procedures used are applicable to conventional convective systems for rooms with high window-to-wall ratios. Hot water panel performance algorithms can be integrated into the methodology or available product test data for radiant panels. States the automated procedures are applicable to most building types and habitat geometries.

KEYWORDS: Designing, calculating, automatic, radiant heating, radiant panels, algorithms, mean radiant temperature.