Roberts Gorden CRV-B-4 - Manual (Page 10)

CRV-S ERIES D ESIGN M ANUAL
4
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.