LA-2558 (RP-177B) -- An Experimental Comparison of Energy Requirements for Space Heating with Radiant and Convective Systems PDF

The purpose of this project was to compare energy consumption for radiant and convective heating units. Two buildings on the Rose-Hulman campus were selected--one is seated with gas and the other with electricity. They were originally both heated by convective systems. In the fall of 1976 radiant systems were installed in both buildings. Energy consumption and temperature data were recorded daily for two heating seasons with each building heated about a 1/2-yr with radiant heat and a 1/2-yr with convective heat. One reason for a 2-yr test was to be able to have each system operate for both halves of the heating season. For example, with the electric system radiant heat was used during the first part of the first year and the last part of the second year.