Designing heating systems with convective radiators

Product	InstalSystem 5
Type of article	DESIGN APPLICATION
Source for translation	IS 5.0 Beta Rev. 0.0.B35

Scope of lesson

The article presents the method of designing a heating system with convector heaters from the source to terminal units, inclusive of complete control and balancing.

Modules and program configuration

• InstalSystem 5 package containing the module:
  • Double-pipe heating systems with convector heaters

Inital state

A design that includes the structure of the building (storeys, rooms). The values of design heat load of rooms are defined for heating.

Steps to perform

Loading catalogues and setting project default data

1. Project scope tab - determine project scope: Heating systems.
2. Storeys management tab – verify and append basic parameters:
   • Default distance between floor and pipe-runs for medium distribution to radiator system (ΔH_pipe-run,).
   • Default distance between sill and floor (H_s).
   • Default width of recess - this value has an impact on the length of radiators located elsewhere than under windows (Recess width).
3. Catalogues tab – load catalogues of products required for the project.
4. Thermal systems/Sources tab – verify parameters:
   • Default supply temperature (θ_s,H).
5. Thermal systems/Distribution system/Types and default data tab – append default:
   • Default pipe types and insulation,
   • Default valve types,
   • Default types of fittings and manifolds,
   • Verify Hydraulic regulation options.
     
     

     1. Radiators/Radiator valves - types and default data
     
     
6. Thermal systems/Distribution system/Pipe and insulation sizing options tab – verify pipe and insulation sizing parameters.
7. Thermal systems/Radiators/Radiators/Radiator valves - types and default data tab – append default types:
   • Default radiator type,
   • Default radiator connection system,
   • Default valves for down-feed radiators - note proper application: for double-pipe system,
   • Default radiator valve set - note proper application: for double-pipe system,
   • Default head/ radiator valve actuator.
     
     

     2. Radiators/Radiator valves - types and default data
     
     
8. . Thermal systems/Radiators/Radiator sizing options tab – verify and append basic parameters:
   • Default restrictions of radiator size (Default sizing method),
   • Radiator sizing options,
   • Additions for radiator size.
     
     

     3. Radiator sizing options
     
     

SAMPLE PROJECT IN INSTALSYSTEM

Project files How to calculate downloaded file?	Initial state, isproj heating system with convective radiators, isproj
Designed with	InstalSystem 5 Rev. Beta 35
Required modules	InstalSystem basis Heating systems
Project range	Heating with convective radiators
Used catalogues	PEX/AL/PEX system (pipes and fittings) Brass, cast iron and steel fittings Neutral radiators catalogue Miscellaneous fittings any manufacturer Standard insulation catalogue Neutral valves catalogue - typical design
Type of building	residential building without basement 1-storey
Building structure
Drawings range	Plan drawings
Prepared by	www.instalsoft.com
Legal disclaimer	Copy all or fragments allowed
Calculation results	Complete range of calculation results, xls Complete range of available printouts, pdf Heating calculation results, pdf Bill of materials, pdf
Drawing results	Ground floor, dwg Ground floor, pdf

Editing the system - convector radiators

Inserting convector radiators and graphic editing

Carry out inserting and graphic editing operations using the AUTO mode, Flip horizontally, Select multiple functions.

1. Select editing scope Convectional.
2. Insert multiple radiators under the windows/into recesses. This operation requires the structure of the building to be created beforehand, including windows/recesses.
   For more information, see: Preparation of building structure
3. Insert radiators manually at other locations.
   

Change of radiator installation height/depth

1. Adjust the installation height of bathroom radiators (Distance from floor)/ installation depth of trench heaters (Distance from floor - enter negative value equal to trench depth).
   

Inserting Radiator valves

1. Place components: Radiator valves on selected radiators.
   

Editing Connection type

1. Change Connection type of selected radiators using tools for marking multiple components.
   

Editing the system - append drawings with double-pipe medium distribution system

Source

1. Insert Source.

Arranging the system

1. Arrange the system starting from Source in the separate parts of the building including all radiators without connecting them. Draw the system using the Pipe-run pair with adequate spacing between, using the AUTO and ORTO modes.
   
   
   

Connecting radiators to the system

1. Connect the radiators to the distribution system using the Automatically connect terminal units function and tools for marking multiple components, and, if necessary, using the Pipe-run pair and the AUTO and ORTO modes.
   
   
   

Fittings

1. Insert Valve on feed and return branches of non-integrated radiators. Note whether valves on the branches adhere to radiators and the shape of valves (straight/angle). The shape of valves has an impact on proper selection of radiator connections.
2. Adjust valve orientation where default orientation is incorrect.

Verification of the correctness of building structure

1. Verify the correctness of system structure using the Check connections function (key shortcut: Shift + F2).
2. Verify the correctness of system structure and find conflicts using 3D view.
   
   

   4. 3D view
   
   

For more information, see: Verification of the correctness of building structure

Editing system component data

Radiators

1. Adjust contribution of radiators in heat load coverage in rooms (Contribution [%]).
2. Specify additions due to radiator location other than under window.
3. Change radiator sizing method or default limitations of: Height, Length or Depth.
4. Change radiator type for radiators other than default. When necessary, select specific radiator from catalogue.

Fittings

1. Verify data of valves/fittings inserted on the radiators or in the system.

Calculations and diagnostics

1. Launch complete calculations by clicking the calculator icon in section Calculations of the toolbar.
2. Verify calculation results paying special attention to:
   • heat demand coverage in rooms,
     
     

     5. List of rooms - heating
     
     
   • size of radiators,
     
     

     5. Heating terminal units
     
     
   • selection of radiator connections,
   • messages about unbalanced flow in circuits.

For more information, see: Calculations and diagnostics

Preparing drawings for printing/exporting

For more information, see: Preparation of drawings for export/printing