The results of a series of computer simulations show how peak heating load varies with changes of building structure, insulation level and period of heating. It is shown that timber-frame houses have inherently lower total heating requirements but higher peak loads, and that higher plant size ratios are needed in highly insulated houses for a given preheat period. A sizing equation has been derived from the simulations. A simple method of evaluating two parameters is needed to enable it to be easily used as a design tool. The paper also discusses the importance of the assumed characteristics of heating systems and the choice of external design temperatures.
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