Optimization of a Radiant System for Hydrothermal Performance Using Taguchi and Utility Concept

Abstract

Radiant floor panel technology is gaining popularity as an alternative system over the conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to maintain the room temperature for the desired comfort. This research paper aims to optimize the hydrothermal performance of a radiant system by implementing the Taguchi technique and utility concept for cooling and heating mode of operation. Five geometrical and thermal parameters such as pipe diameter, pipe spacing, concrete layer thickness, wall temperature, and inlet and outlet water temperature difference with three levels are chosen as controlling factors to perform optimization. Considering five parameters and three levels, a total of 27 trial runs (L27) are constructed and computed by mathematical calculation. Two different sets of optimum parameters are obtained for maximizing heat flux and minimizing pressure drop. Furthermore, the utility concept is employed to get a single set of parameters to achieve maximum utilization of the radiant system. Taguchi analysis revealed that thermal parameters like temperature difference and wall temperature are the most influential parameters to reach maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop followed by geometrical parameters like pipe spacing and diameter for heat flux and pressure drop, respectively. Providing more weightage to heat flux than pressure drop, utility analysis showed 32% and 42% augmentation in heat flux for cooling and heating mode, respectively, at the cost of an increase in pressure drop.