Presents a numerical study of a floor radiant heating system. An explicit nonlinear finite-difference network model was developed to study the performance of a floor heating system with high solar gains. An outdoor test room with a floor heating system is considered. The model permitted the study of various control strategies, including variable setpoint. A number of problems encountered in radiant heating system control, including response time when the setpoint is changed, floor surface temperature exceeding the comfort limit, and development of control strategies that permit storage of solar gains while reducing overheating, are discussed.

KEYWORDS: calculating, heating, floor heating, radiant heating, performance, solar heat gain, testing, overheating, energy storage, controls.