Performance Characteristics of PEX Hot-Water Systems: Phase Two

Project Description:

This project was sponsored and made possible by Uponor Ltd (PEX), The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Applied Research division at Algonquin College. This project is the second phase of the 3- year Uponor-Algonquin College project investigating the performance characteristics of water piping systems utilizing Uponor Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipe. The Canadian winter drops exterior temperatures to lows that require innovative heating solutions. The form of heating tested in this project requires a bigger initial investment, but shows a more promising return on investment, compared to other conventional forms of heating. Based on our research, an annual baseline of at least $1000 per year is required to operate an extremely efficient gas furnace, and upwards of $3000 is required annually to operate an efficient propane furnace.

This experiment explores the application of PEX piping used for radiant heating purposes in conjunction with a Flat Plat Collector (FPC) and respective thermal storage unit in a 100 square ft shed. Typical radiant heating builds mainly use boilers or water heaters to accomplish their heating needs. The Bachelor of Building Science program at Algonquin College encourages its students to look for sustainable and innovative solutions. The project hypothesizes that the use of a FPC as the main heating source for the system will reduce the energy demand of the test shed, especially when compared to its previous form of space heating. The project analyzes the system for its cost of installation and calculates the energy use and reduction to determine proposed savings, which will allow for the analysis of a payback period. Once a payback period is calculated it will then be compared with the initial investment and payback period of other heating systems. The project essentially aims to answer how much savings this system can provide, compared to more conventional systems, given the colder than normal conditions in Ottawa.

To additionally accomplish the objectives of this project, the system must effectively maintain an average optimal interior temperature for occupants of 17-24 degrees Celsius. The ability of the system to maintain these temperatures will be the basis of satisfying occupancy comfort. The test will occur in the winter/spring season where we can also relate to the fall/winter season; summer data will be ignored because the system will be turned off for days above the desired indoor temperature.

The project will upgrade the current test sheds facility used to conduct other forms of standardized testing (blower door) and enable college students and professors to test, analyze and benchmark the performance of the systems used in this project.

Furthermore, the project also aims to promote the use of PEX piping, in accordance with its sponsor, through its ease of installation and maintenance, as well as its applicability to hydronic heating systems.

Contact the Team

Gallery