Roberts Gorden CRV-B-2, CRV-B-8, CRV-B-6, CRV-B-4 service manual Fuel Savings and Comfort

CRV-SERIES DESIGN MANUAL

2.3 Fuel Savings and Comfort

Space heating can be accomplished with less input capacity when a radiant heating system is utilized, rather than with a conventional convective heating system. Why is this so?

A conventional, convective heating system, such as a unit heater or central furnace works by heating the air, which then indirectly heats the area and occupants. CRV-Series utilizes infrared energy to heat objects, people and surfaces directly, not the air. The warm objects and floor create a heat reservoir, which then re-radiates to the surroundings and also heats the air by convection.

The radiant energy received by the occupants, directly from the heater or indirectly from the surroundings via re-radiation, serves to increase the mean radiant temperature (MRT) of the space. In a manner similar to direct sunlight, the increased MRT allows the occupant to perceive a comfort condition at a reduced air temperature. The resulting reduced air temperature within the space provides the following fuel-saving advantages:

•Reduced stratification of air in the space.

•Reduced transmission heat loss due to lower tem- perature inside than assumed design condition.

•Reduced air change heat loss, to the extent that exfiltration through cracks or openings near the roof will be decreased because of decreased stack effect.

•Decreases the actual degree days experienced.

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