Electric Radiant Ceiling Panels as Main Heating System: Field Measurements and Survey

The application of electric radiant ceiling panels can be an interesting choice in for example renovation projects. In the Netherlands the aim is to stop, or at least strongly reduce, the use of gas-fired heating systems in the near future. One approach could be the the use of electric radiant heating ceiling panels. Concerns have been present whether this system can results in a thermally comfortable indoor environment. This study presents measurements of thermal conditions in an office room equipped with electric radiant ceiling panels, as well as results from a thermal comfort survey. The results show that no issues with respect to the perceived thermal environment were present during the study period, e.g. for θpanel ≈ 74°C the radiant asymmetry is Δθpr = 4.3°C, which is below the recommended value of 5°C. In addition, local discomfort to the head was indicated only in 2% of the moments registered using the survey. Further research is required to draw more general conclusions.