Radiant Heat Layout Software - Is this layout going to work?

[Jmatlock88]

I spent the day working with a trial version of LoopCAD 2016. I must say I am impressed with how intuitive the user interface is despite the software being very technical and powerful.

I originally had a straight forward radiant heat loop design in mind...several uniform serpentine loops like I have seen many others do. However, the software led me down a different path. As I drew out my original plan, certain areas over-temped, had zone control problems, surface temperature problems, etc.

The end result (PDF) is so different than what I've seen, I am asking for a sanity check from you guys that have one of these systems in your shop.

Has anyone subdivided their space like I'm doing and had good results? Any heat balancing problems? (If you have subdivided your space, can you post your layout?)

Those of you who are very technical, do you see any problems with the Heating System Summary Reports, etc?

Things you wish you would have done differently or lessons learned? Thanks!

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

Heat source?

Use schedule?

24" o.c.?

Supply water temperature?

50% PG?

 

[79rallysport]

What is the difference between the main floor and the ground floor? Are those just the names of the two zones?

 

[Jmatlock88]

Hi guys, I found a datasheet that gave me some further guidance. The main thing that caused me to do a version 2.0 was that my flow rates were way above the recommendation of .25gpm/100' of tube and delta T target is supposed to be 10F to 15F. The other thing I read was to target 80F degrees floor temp and not exceed 85F

So here is version 2.0 PDF with that flow rate, delta T, and floor temp maximum.

Heat Source: Natural Gas Tankless Boiler

Use Schedule: Constant On

24" O.C: It varies between 12" all the way to periphery runs only, depending
on the demand of the room per the Manual J calculated by LoopCad.

50% propylene glycol is what I have spec'd out right now, not knowing what is acceptable.

 

[Jmatlock88]

What is the difference between the main floor and the ground floor? Are those just the names of the two zones?

The ground floor is the ground floor level. Part of the ground floor is covered by a mezzanine, which the software named "main floor". At this time I'm not planning on doing radiant heating up in the mezzanine...I doubt it will need it.

There is an explanation of the 5 radiant heat zones (Zone 101, 102, 103, 104, 105) on the table on Sheet 8 of the Version 2 PDF. It tells you what rooms are covered by each zone.

 

[Jmatlock88]

Keep in mind this is Oklahoma...the design point (lowest outdoor temp) is 17F.