Predictions’ robustness of one-dimensional model of hydronic floor heating: novel validation methodology using a thermostatic booth simulator and uncertainty analysis

Abstract

Hydronic floor heating models provide predictions in estimating heat transfer rates and floor surface temperature. Information on the model performance and range of validity of its results are often lacking in literature. Researchers have to know the accuracy and robustness of the model outcomes for performing energy and climate comfort calculations. This article proposes a novel validation methodology based on the uncertainty analysis of input data/parameters of one-dimensional model of hydronic floor heating tested in a thermostatic booth simulator and compared with experimental measurements. The main results are: (1) prediction accuracy between 0.4% and 2.9% for ${\overline{\mathrm{T}}}_{\mathrm{f}}$ and between 0.7% and 7.8% for ${\stackrel{·}{\mathrm{q}}}_{\mathrm{up}}$ when the serpentine has tube spacing (p) of 0.30 m, (2) prediction accuracy between 0.5% and 1.4% for ${\overline{\mathrm{T}}}_{\mathrm{f}}$ and between 8.7% and 12.9% for ${\stackrel{·}{\mathrm{q}}}_{\mathrm{up}}$ with p = 0.15 m and (3) ${\overline{\mathrm{T}}}_{\mathrm{fld}}$ mostly affects predictions with oscillations between 6.2% and 2.2% for ${\stackrel{·}{\mathrm{q}}}_{\mathrm{up}}$ . This model provides robust and reliable predictions exclusively for ${\stackrel{·}{\mathrm{q}}}_{\mathrm{up}}$ when p = 0.30 m.