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Over the last year, almost half of our private enquiries concern underfloor heating. We have designed systems to run in conjunction with most commonly available underfloor systems, as well as some rather unique custom systems. A sample of those is listed below.
Technical Editorial on Underfloor Heating
The following table links to specifications which provide both underfloor heating, as well as radiator. Such systems are typically more common than UFH alone, with the upstairs floor typically being on radiators.
Underfloor Buffer Store
To make the store act as a buffer between the boiler and the underfloor system, we use the primary heating coil (in the store) to both heat the store, and transfer heat back out of the store to the heating. The boiler is controlled entirely by the store, only firing when there is a sufficient amount of water in the store that needs heating. This overcomes cycling of the boiler at low heating loads. The underfloor pulls its heat out of the bottom half of the store via the coil, until the store drops in temperature enough for the boiler to fire again. We have also managed to do away with all motorised valves, instead using two primary pumps - one for the boiler and one for the heating circuit. This makes for a simpler and more reliable system, that is also easier to service. Temperature control of the underfloor flow is provided by a very reliable thermostatic mixing valve. Underfloor Buffer Store This system is a 'true' thermal store, in the sense that the water in the store is the same water that flows through the boiler and the underfloor heating. Because of this, it is not possible an option to have a sealed primary system - there must be a feed and expansion tank higher than the store and all primary pipework. If the store is to be located on the top floor then the F&E tank can go in the cupboard directly above the store. Indirect Store with Underfloor This system is a as near to a standard S-Plan system that underfloor gets. The controls provide for both a radiator circuit, and a temperature controlled under-floor circuit. The primary system is sealed, with all the necessary controls. Underfloor Buffer Store This system combines the rapid response GX system with the ability to drive a sealed underfloor system via a coil in the store - no underfloor controls are provided. Radiators are fed directly from the store, and will respond extremely quickly when turned on. Underfloor Buffer Store This system combines the rapid response GX system with a direct fed high output underfloor system. It also includes a secondary return system to ensure hot water is available immediately at taps - no cold water to run off first.
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