A LINEAR

DESIGN
MANUAL HEF-2 EXTRUDED
RADIANT CEILING
SYSTEM

BL
M
CONTENTS AIRTEX LINEAR HEF-2 RADIANT CEILING SYSTEMS 2

SYSTEM FUNDAMENTALS 3

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 4

PANEL SELECTION PROCEDURE 5

PERIMETER HEATING PERFORMANCE 7

PRESSURE DROP TABLES 8

HEF-2 EXTRUDED SECTIONS 9

SUSPENSION DETAILS 10

PANEL ASSEMBLY 13

PIPING COMPONENTS 14

DESIGN EXAMPLES 16

SPECIFICATIONS 19

HISTORICAL NOTES 21

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 22

 A irtex, HEF-2 linear radiant ceiling
panels were developed as a
specific response to the priorities and
is concealed in the ceiling, allowing
unlimited creativity in interior design.

criteria expressed by the majority of The HEF-2 Linear radiant panels

architects and designers we’ve worked provide a narrow monolithic border that
with over the years. contrasts or compliments the most
creative ceiling, and they naturally lend
Linear ceiling panels are made of to creation of a perimeter soffit drop or
extruded aluminum. They are available continuous window pocket.
AIRTEX LINEAR in virtually any width and in lengths
compatible with perimeter planning The uniform, draftless heating provided
HEF-2 RADIANT modules or the materials-handling by the system allows utilization of the
CEILING SYSTEM limitations of each particular project up total interior, even at those locations
to a maximum of 16ft. (4877mm). where an occupant is seated adjacent
to large areas of glass.
On the plenum side of each panel there
is an innovative housing for copper Re-allocation of space and occupant
tubes which form changes are easily accommodated
circulating coils. The when the open-office concept of floor-
unique design of this to-ceiling partitions are involved. Since
housing and the the radiant panels can be furnished in
efficiency of the lengths compatible with perimeter
mechanical bonding planning modules, zoning changes
technique provide the resulting from relocation of demising
panels exceptionally walls may be accomplished by simply
high performance. adjusting terminal connections and
adding thermostatic controls.
These highly efficient
panels supply the Sound transmission is not a problem
heating requirements because the HEF-2 Linear extruded
for a typical building panels have a higher STC rating than
while usually taking most acoustical ceiling systems.
only 8 to 24in. (203 to
610mm) of perimeter It has long been recognized that radiant
ceiling plane. This energy transfer is the most effective
innovative product known method of transferring energy.
affords not only the Millions of square feet of radiant ceilings
human comfort and have been installed in various types of
efficiency long buildings but the convergence of today’s
associated with radiant high fuel costs and the technical
systems, but also developments that led to creation of
unrestricted design HEF-2 Linear panels make the benefits
freedom, outstanding of radiant ceiling systems economically
aesthetics, space utility advantageous for much broader
and flexibility, and applications, and especially for office
economic feasibility. buildings.

The elimination of wall- The HEF-2 Linear panels represent the

mounted units creates an unobstructed production, application, and refinement
perimeter wall that allows integration of of radiant heating ceiling systems since
glazed walls into the interior design. the early 1960’s. We believe it
There are no unsightly perimeter epitomizes both functional and
baseboard or wall fin element units and economic efficiency in heating today’s
consequently, there is no need for costly buildings.
architectural covers. The heating source

2
 R adiant panels do not rely on the
movement of air but rather
transfer energy directly to any building
No heating system is more amenable
to integrated building design than
Airtex radiant ceiling system. The
surface the panel “sees” in much the performance of the ceiling is related
same way that light energy from a light directly to the structure in which it is
fixture illuminates the room. The located. Actively involved in the
uniformity of temperature long continuous process of absorbing and
associated with radiant systems reradiating energy from radiant
comes from the natural absorption panels, the structure and the objects
and re-radiation of energy between all within it are, in effect, functioning
SYSTEM interior surfaces. components of the system. Through
FUNDAMENTALS this on-going transfer of energy, all
Radiant heat, like that from the sun, surfaces within the space tend to
travels in straight lines, until it reaches assume an equilibrium temperature,
a solid object. The heat warms that resulting in a uniform, draftless
thermal environment.

The critical design parameter for a

radiant ceiling system is the difference
between the mean panel temperature
and the average unheated
temperature of all surfaces within the
space. If the average unheated
surface temperature (AUST) and the
temperature of the air in a room equal
the mean panel temperature (MPT),
there will be no net energy exchange.
When the AUST falls below the MPT,
the panels radiate energy into the
room. The energy radiated does not
initially warm the air, it warms the
glass areas, walls, furniture, floors,
and people, and they, in turn, warm
the air.

The radiant ceiling provides the

energy source, but it is the
spontaneous and dynamic interaction
among the structure, the interior
objects, the occupants, and the
radiant panels that produces and
maintains a uniform thermal
object and is then re-radiated to a environment.
nearby colder object. Unlike
convection heat, which is actually a It has been well established that the
current of warmed air, radiant heat mean radiant temperature within a
does not rise. The floor is kept warm space is one of the most important
as all other absorbing surfaces. factors influencing occupant comfort.
Through this silent, non-mechanical As Airtex radiant panels effect the
process, the HEF-2 Linear radiant mean radiant temperature directly by
ceiling system creates a thermal raising the surface temperatures in
barrier at the perimeter of the building, the space, they provide occupants
providing a uniform, draftless, wall of superior control of comfort conditions.
warmth.

3
 T he design of a radiant ceiling perimeter system follows the usual design for
re-circulating water systems which incorporate remote terminals for space
heating.

Standard controls govern the supply of heated water to the panels on demand
from the room or zone thermostat. The light-weight panels respond almost
instantaneously, and the space quickly receives the desired heat. The piping and
controls are similar to those used with conventional perimeter hot-water systems,
but all pipes are in the ceiling plenum where they are readily accessible.
DESIGN
As Airtex radiant ceiling panels raise the mean radiant temperature in the space
CONSIDERATIONS they afford occupants greater thermal comfort at ambient temperatures lower
than those required with convective systems. Accordingly, an inside dry bulb design
temperature 3 to 4°F(1.7 to 2.2°C) below that normally used with convective
systems is recommended.

Room loads should be calculated in the normal manner, using the procedures
set forth in the ASHRAE Guide. Calculations based on overly safe room loads
should not be used because such assumptions result in an excessive number of
panels being specified. Using too many panels actually reduces both the
effectiveness and efficiency of the system.

4
 1. CALCULATE THE PERIMETER HEAT LOSS PER LINEAL FOOT OF PANEL.

Initially, panel layout must be determined in order to make the correct performance
selection. For example, the panels may be laid out as a continuous strip, between
columns only, or in some other fashion. The BTUH per net lineal foot of panel
required to meet the loads is calculated in order to use the performance tables in
this design manual. See page 7.

Airtex recommends that for buildings employing Linear radiant panels at the
PANEL SELECTION perimeter, the width of the panels should be based on floor-to-floor heat loss
calculations. The performance data developed since 1965 by Airtex are for total
PROCEDURE heat from the panel. Tabulated heating performance is therefore applied against
total calculated heat loss.

Supply air heating requirements are dealt with by other conventional methods.
During non-occupied periods, the ventilation system may be turned off and the
radiant panels will maintain the desired temperature.

2. DETERMINE LENGTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL PANELS REQUIRED PER

ZONE

Experience has shown that the most aesthetically pleasing panel arrangement is
wall to wall. When panels are installed in a continuous band, select panel lengths
in 2ft. (610mm), 4ft. (1219mm) or 5ft. (1524mm) increments to line up with acoustic
ceiling grids. Reducing the number of panel joints helps to reduce installed costs.
Costs are minimized when panel sizes and configurations are standardized for
each application.

3. DETERMINE THE PANEL WIDTH

The basic equation for radiation exchange cited by ASHRAE, the Stefan-Boltzman
equation, includes mean panel temperature (MPT) as one of the variables. The
MPT is a function of the mean water temperature (MWT). Because MWT is more
relevant to the design of other building systems, the Heating Performance Table
and Design Examples presented in this manual are based upon MWT to facilitate
calculations.

The selected MWT is a correlation of panel width and performance. For a given
performance, the narrower the panel, the higher the MWT must be. Refer to the
Design Examples included in this manual for instructions on using the Heating
Performance Table.

Airtex HEF-2 linear radiant panels are constructed from the aluminum extrusions
shown on page 9. Any 1in. (25mm) incremental panel width from 8in. (203mm) to
48in. (1219mm) wide can be constructed from a combination of 4in. (102mm),
5in. (127mm) or 6in. (152mm) radiant extrusions.

4. DETERMINE THE WATER FLOW RATE PER ZONE

Water quantity should be based upon velocity and pressure drop considerations,
and water temperature drop should be a consequence of quantity rather than a
determinant. While the customary 20°F(11.1°C) WTD is often used in design
calculations, higher temperature drops allow smaller pipe sizes and smaller
pumps, providing both initial and operating cost savings. Any effect of WTD on
performance over the length of a zone is eliminated by the serpentine circuitry of
panel tubing.
5
 5. DETERMINE PIPING ARRANGEMENT AND WATER PRESSURE DROP
PER CIRCUIT

One of the benefits of perimeter radiant ceiling systems is the minimized

requirement for individual room controls. Long zones, even entire exposures may
be regulated by a single control with no reduction of occupant comfort.

Guidelines for determining the most desirable number of panels per circuit are
included in the Design Examples in this manual.
PANEL SELECTION
PROCEDURE (cont.) The Pressure Drop Table presented on page 8 includes pressure loss through
Airtex return bends. The pressure drop for Airtex interconnects for typical piping
arrangements must be added. See notes at bottom of table on page 8.

6. ACOUSTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In discontinuous applications when the panel is interrupted by a partition, the

HEF-2 Linear radiant panel has a Class 46 STC rating. In a continuous application
with a sound-sealing material between the panel and the partition, the rating is
Class 38.

6
 PERIMETER HEATING PERFORMANCE
Heating Performance shown in BTUH/Lineal Foot (W/m) of Panel
Table Performance Values from Certified Curves

NOMINAL PANEL WIDTH (INCHES / MM)

6 INCH 8 INCH 9 INCH 10 INCH 12 INCH 16 INCH 18 INCH 18 INCH 24 INCH 30 INCH 36 INCH
(152mm) (203mm) (229mm) (254mm) (305mm) (406mm) (457mm) (457mm) (610mm) (762mm) (914mm)
1 TUBE 2 TUBE 2 TUBE 2 TUBE 2 TUBE 4 TUBE 3 TUBE 4 TUBE 4 TUBE 5 TUBE 6 TUBE
120 47 60 62 64 69 89 96 117 145 153 198
(48.9) (45.2) (57.7) (59.6) (61.5) (66.3) (85.5) (92.3) (112.4) (139.4) (147.0) (190.3)
125 55 70 74 77 83 107 116 136 170 183 231
(51.7) (52.9) (67.3) (71.1) (74.0) (79.8) (102.8) (111.5) (130.7) (163.4) (175.9) (222.0)
130 63 81 86 90 98 125 135 154 194 212 264
(54.4 (60.5) (77.8) (82.7) (86.5) (94.2) (120.1) (129.7) (148.0) (186.4) (203.7) (253.7)
135 71 91 97 102 112 143 154 173 218 241 297
(57.2) (68.2) (87.5) (93.2) (98.0) (107.6) (137.4) (148.0) (166.3) (209.5) (231.6) (285.4)
MEAN WATER TEMPERATURE (DEG. F / DEG. C )

140 79 101 108 114 126 161 173 192 243 270 331
(60.0) (76.0) (97.1) (103.8) (109.6) (121.1) (154.7) (166.3) (184.5) (233.5) (259.5) (318.1)
145 87 111 119 126 140 179 192 210 267 299 364
(62.8) (83.6) (106.7) (114.4) (121.1) (134.5) (172.0) (184.5) (201.8) (256.6) (287.3) (349.8)
150 95 121 130 138 155 198 211 229 291 329 397
(65.6) (91.3) (116.3) (124.9) (132.6) (149.0) (190.3) (202.8) (220.1) (279.7) (316.2) (381.5)
155 104 131 146 150 169 216 231 248 316 358 430
(68.3) (99.9) (125.9) (140.3) (144.2) (162.4) (207.6) (222.0) (338.3) (303.7) (344.0) (413.2)
160 112 141 152 162 183 234 250 266 340 387 464
(71.1) (107.6) (135.5) (146.1) (155.7) (175.9) (224.9) (240.3) (255.6) (326.7) (371.9) (445.9)
165 120 151 163 175 198 252 269 285 364 416 497
(73.9) (115.3) (145.1) (156.6) (168.2) (190.3) (242.2) (258.5) (273.9) (349.8) (399.8) (477.6)
170 128 161 174 187 212 270 288 303 389 446 530
(76.7) (123.0) (154.7) (167.2) (179.7) (203.7) (259.5) 276.8) (291.2) (373.8) (428.6) (509.3)
175 136 171 185 199 226 288 307 322 413 475 563
(79.4) (131.7) (164.3) (177.8) (191.2) (217.2) (276.8) (295.0) (309.4) (396.9) (456.5) (541.0)
180 144 181 196 211 241 307 326 341 438 504 597
(82.2) (138.4) (173.9) (188.4) (202.8) (231.6) (296.0) (313.3) (327.7) (420.9) (484.3) (573.7)
185 152 191 207 223 255 325 345 359 462 533 630
(85.0) (146.1) (183.6) (198.9) (214.3) (245.1) (312.3) 331.6) (345.0) (444.0) (512.2) (605.4)
190 160 201 218 235 269 343 365 378 486 562 663
(87.8) (153.8) (193.2) (209.5) (225.8) (258.5) (329.6) (350.8 (363.3) (467.1) (540.1) (637.1)
195 168 211 230 248 284 361 384 397 511 592 696
(90.6) (161.5) (202.8) (221.0) (238.3) (272.9) (346.9) (369.0) (381.5) (491.1) (568.9) (668.9)
200 176 221 241 260 298 379 403 415 535 621 730
(93.3) (169.1) (212.4) (231.6) (249.9) (286.4) (364.2) (387.3) (398.8) (514.1) (596.8) (701.5)
205 184 231 253 272 312 397 422 434 559 650 763
(96.1) (176.8) (222.0) (243.1) (261.4) (299.8) (381.5) (405.5) (417.1) (537.2) (624.7) (733.2)
210 193 241 263 284 326 416 441 453 584 679 796
(98.9) (185.5) (231.6) (252.7) (272.9) (313.3) (399.8) (423.8) (435.3) (561.2) (652.5) (765.0)
215 201 252 275 297 341 434 460 471 608 708 829
(101.7) (193.2) (242.2) (264.3) (285.4) (327.7) (417.1) (442.1) (452.6) (584.3) (680.4) (796.7)
220 209 262 286 309 355 452 480 490 632 738 863
(104.4) (200.9) (251.8) (274.9) (297.0) (341.2) (434.4) (461.3) (470.9) (607.4) (709.2) (829.3)

Outputs for panel widths not shown may Performance based on 70°F (21.1°C) Air Select the most economical panel width
be interpolated from above table. temperature, 67°F (19.4°C) AUST with which will satisfy the heat loss by
natural convection. 1in. (25mm) thick ¾ adjusting the Mean Water Temperature
lb/ft3 (12 kg/m3) fiberglass insulation was (MWT).
placed on the reverse side of the panels.
For cooling performance data contact
Engineered Air.

7
 PRESSURE DROP TABLES

1/2" O.D. 12.7mm O.D.

1/2" I.D. Panel Tubing 12.7mm I.D. Panel Tubing Connecting Tubing Connecting Tubing
GPM / FT PER GPM / FT PER L/SEC L/SEC GPM/ FT PER L/SEC
Pa/m Pa/m kPa/m
TUBE 100 FT TUBE 100 FT TUBE TUBE TUBE 100 FT TUBE
0.05 0.01 1.55 7.34 0.003 0.98 0.098 719.8 0.10 0.10 0.006 0.01
0.10 0.05 1.60 7.78 0.006 4.90 0.101 762.9 0.20 0.36 0.013 0.04
0.15 0.10 1.65 8.24 0.009 9.81 0.104 808.0 0.30 0.76 0.019 0.07
0.20 0.17 1.70 8.71 0.013 16.67 0.107 854.1 0.40 1.30 0.025 0.13
0.25 0.25 1.75 9.19 0.016 24.52 0.110 901.2 0.50 1.96 0.032 0.19
0.30 0.35 1.80 9.68 0.019 34.32 0.114 949.2 0.60 2.75 0.038 0.27
0.35 0.47 1.85 10.18 0.022 46.09 0.117 998.3 0.70 3.65 0.044 0.36
0.40 0.60 1.90 10.70 0.025 58.84 0.120 1049 0.80 4.68 0.050 0.46
0.45 0.74 1.95 11.22 0.028 72.56 0.123 1100 0.90 5.81 0.057 0.57
0.50 0.91 2.00 11.76 0.032 89.23 0.126 1153 1.00 7.07 0.063 0.69
0.55 1.08 2.05 12.31 0.035 105.9 0.129 1207 1.10 8.43 0.069 0.83
0.60 1.27 2.10 12.87 0.038 124.5 0.133 1262 1.20 9.90 0.076 0.97
0.65 1.47 2.15 13.45 0.041 144.1 0.136 1319 1.30 11.48 0.082 1.13
0.70 1.69 2.20 14.03 0.044 165.7 0.139 1376 1.40 13.17 0.088 1.29
0.75 1.92 2.25 14.63 0.047 188.3 0.142 1435 1.50 14.96 0.095 1.47
0.80 2.16 2.30 15.23 0.050 211.8 0.145 1493 1.60 16.86 0.101 1.65
0.85 2.42 2.35 15.85 0.054 237.3 0.148 1554 1.70 18.86 0.107 1.85
0.90 2.68 2.40 16.48 0.057 262.8 0.151 1616 1.80 20.96 0.114 2.06
0.95 2.97 2.45 17.12 0.060 291.2 0.155 1679 1.90 23.16 0.120 2.27
1.00 3.26 2.50 17.77 0.063 319.7 0.158 1743 2.00 25.47 0.126 2.50
1.05 3.57 2.55 18.44 0.066 350.1 0.161 1808 2.10 27.88 0.133 2.73
1.10 3.89 2.60 19.11 0.069 381.5 0.164 1874 2.20 30.38 0.139 2.98
1.15 4.23 2.65 19.80 0.073 414.8 0.167 1942 2.30 32.98 0.145 3.23
1.20 4.57 2.70 20.49 0.076 448.1 0.170 2009 2.40 35.69 0.151 3.50
1.25 4.93 2.75 21.20 0.079 483.4 0.174 2079 2.50 38.49 0.158 3.77
1.30 5.30 2.80 21.92 0.082 519.7 0.177 2149 2.60 41.38 0.164 4.06
1.35 5.68 2.85 22.65 0.085 557.0 0.180 2221 2.70 44.38 0.170 4.35
1.40 6.08 2.90 23.99 0.088 596.2 0.183 2352 2.80 47.46 0.177 4.65
1.45 6.49 2.95 24.14 0.091 636.4 0.186 2367 2.90 50.65 0.183 4.97
1.50 6.91 3.00 24.90 0.095 677.6 0.189 2442 3.00 53.92 0.189 5.29

NOTES:
3. For range in tables, pressure drop in perimeter obstructions when Airtex
1. Design flow rates below 0.5 GPM Airtex return bends may be ignored. pigtails are unsuitable.
(0.032 l/s) are not recommended.
4. 1/2in. (13mm) O.D. tubing is used for 5. Adjust flow for Glycol solutions
2. For Airtex pigtail interconnects add supply and return connections as well compensating for specific heat and
18in. (457mm) to tubing length. as interconnection through or around specific gravity.

8
 HEF-2 EXTRUDED SECTIONS

Airtex HEF-2 Linear Radiant Panels are constructed from the aluminum extrusions
shown above. Any 1”(25mm) incremental panel width from 8”(203mm) to 48”(1219mm)
wide can be constructed from a combination of 4”(102mm), 5”(127mm) or 6”(152mm)
radiant extrusions. Splice lines between extrusions are hidden from view when male
edge is installed toward perimeter wall. Panel lengths can be provided to suit perimeter
planning modules up to 16’ (4870mm) long. For additional custom extruded sections,
see LM-2 or contact Engineered Air.

9
 SUSPENSION DETAILS

Wall
Channel
Hanger Wires Moulding

Cross Channel Brace

Acoustic
Tile
Main T-Bar Perimeter
Runner Wall
Ceiling opening: refer to Table 1

Typical suspension. Panel supported by wall channel and main T-bar

Allow expansion space between wall and balance of ceiling as per Table 1, page 11

Wall
Channel
Hanger Wires Moulding

Suspended
Steel
Channel
Cross Channel Brace

GWB
Ceiling
Main T-Bar Perimeter
Runner Wall
Ceiling opening: refer to Table 1

10
 TABLE 1

AIRTEX HEF-2 LINEAR PANEL CEILING OPENING SCHEDULE

NOMINAL CEILING OPENING:

PANEL Add dimension below to
WIDTH nominal width
inches
(mm) (inches) (mm)
Less than 15"
1/4" 6
(381)
15" to 19"
3/16" 5
(381 to 483)
20" to 24"
1/8" 3
(508 to 610)
25" to 29"
1/16" 2
(635 to 737)
30" to 36"
0 0
(762 to 914)

Note: For panels wider than 36”(914mm), contact Engineered Air.

11
 SUSPENSION DETAILS (cont.)

Hanger Wires

Cross Channel Brace

Acoustic
Tile

Main T-Bar
Runner Perimeter
Wall
Ceiling opening: refer to Table 1

This detail compensates for an uneven outer wall or perimeter obstructions

and permits a better view factor of the glass by the panel

Wall Wall
Angle Channel
Hanger Wire Moulding
Moulding

Cross Channel Brace

Drop Soffit
or
Bulkhead
Perimeter
Wall
Ceiling opening: refer to Table 1

Typical window pocket installation where panel is higher than ceiling.

Channel moulding on one side and angle wall moulding on the other.
Similarly, this detail may be used for a drop soffit where panel is
lower than balance of ceiling.

12
 PANEL ASSEMBLY

Yellow Colored
Center Clips

Silver Colored
End Clip

Cross Channel

Silver Colored
Center Clip

Install correct number of cross channel braces as per Table 2.

Place one channel within 2” (51mm) of each end of panel. Slip
end clips onto channel. Hammer clips onto edge of panel. Then
install centre clips to secure channel and male/female joint as
illustrated in Fig. 1. Alternate direction of centre clips.

TABLE 2
Number of
Cross Channels
required for Panel
Widths 24" (610mm) or less
Minimum no.
Panel Length
of Channels
Less than
3
10'(3048mm)
10' to 13'
4
(3048 to 3962mm)
Over 13' to 16'
5
(3962 to 4877mm)

Note: For 30” (762mm) and 36”

(914mm) wide panels add
one or more additional
cross channels.
Figure 1

13
 PIPING COMPONENTS REFERENCE

Typical connection for supply, return and

trimmed panels.

Connect with type L or M 3/8” (9.5mm) nominal

(1/2” (12.7mm) O.D.) soft copper tubing.

Slip into tubing 0.504” (12.8) I.D. elevated to the

connected position by factory supplied Airtex
bending tool.

Typical soldered joint. No fittings required.

2"(51mm) O.C.
4"(102mm) O.C.
Airtex Return Bends.
5"(127mm) O.C.
6"(152mm) O.C.
Factory supplied in sizes indicated. No fittings
required.

Install, and solder in place, factory

supplied Airtex return bends as
illustrated. No fittings required.

Connect panel to supply and return

using 1/2” (12.7mm) O.D. soft
copper tubing. No fittings required.

Figure 2

Airtex Interconnects.

Interconnect ends are sized to accept panel tubes

with no fittings. No panel tubing adjustment is
required if the panels have not been trimmed.

14
 PIPING COMPONENTS (cont.)

When panels are to be connected in series,

factory supplied Airtex interconnects are to f
be installed as illustrated. No fittings
required.

AIRTEX INTERCONNECT
Figure 3

Multiple pass panels showing the use of Airtex

Interconnects and connection to supply and
return lines. Parallel flow can be used to
reduce pressure drop for long zones.

15
 DESIGN EXAMPLE #1

The following criteria apply to this design example. The building is multi-story, and the
example is calculated for a typical intermediate floor.

150ft. (45720mm) x 150ft. (45720mm) Square Building

12ft. (3658mm) floor-to-floor
Inside Design = 70°F (21.1°C) Dry Bulb
Supply Hot Water = 200°F (93.3°C)
Heat loss for Each Floor = 160,000 BTUH (46.9kW)
DESIGN Owner requires 1 zone per 30ft. (9144mm) bay.
EXAMPLES
Step #1
CALCULATE THE HEAT LOSS PER LINEAL FOOT OF THE OUTSIDE WALL
Total Load 160,000 BTUH
= 267 BTUH/L.ft.
Floor Perimeter 600 ft.

Total Load 46.9kW

= 257 W/m
Floor Perimeter 182.880 m

Step #2
DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL PANELS TO BE USED IN EACH PART
OF THE ZONE

(Actual panel lengths are 3/8in. (9.5mm) less than nominal. Use 12ft. to 16ft. (3658 to
4877mm) lengths for lowest first cost. Use the same size and configuration where possible).
For this project we would use two 15ft. (4572mm) panels on each 30ft. (9144mm) zone.
With 20 zones per floor there will be 40 panels for each floor of the building.

Step #3
DETERMINE THE PANEL WIDTH REQUIRED

The Performance Table for the linear panel on page 7 shows that a MWT of 190°F(87.8°C)
produces 269 BTUH/L.ft (259W/m) of 12in. (305mm) wide panel. The 190°F(87.8°C) MWT
suggests a 20°F (11.1°C) WTD. A 12in. (305mm) panel has two copper tubes which will
provide supply and return passes. Airtex interconnects will be used between panels. Supply
and return connections will be at one end of the zone, with an Airtex return bend at the
other end. (See page 14).

Step #4
DETERMINE THE FLOW RATE REQUIRED PER ZONE

Total BTUH / zone

Gallons/min =
500 x water temp. drop deg. F

30 x 267 BTUH / L.ft.

GPM = = 0.8 GPM
500 x 20 deg. F

Total W/zone
Liter/sec. =
4190 x water temp. drop deg. C

9.14 x 257 W/m

l/s = = 0.05 l/s
4190 x 11.1 deg. C

Thus: 0.8 GPM(0.05 l/s) at 190°F (87.8°C) MWT will be required for each zone.
16
 Step #5

DETERMINE THE PIPING ARRANGEMENT AND WATER PRESSURE DROP PER

CIRCUIT

For this example we selected two (2) panels per 30ft. (9144mm) zone. The panel
has two tubes. One tube will be a supply and the other tube a return.

Determine the length of the tube per circuit.

DESIGN EXAMPLES (cont.) Equivalent length of ½in. (12.7mm) I.D. copper tube
30ft. (9144mm) zone x 2 passes (supply & return) = 60ft. (18288mm)

2 interconnects at 1.5ft. (457mm) = 3ft. (914mm)

(The Airtex return bends may be ignored).
Total equivalent ft. = 60ft. (18288mm) + 3ft. (914mm) = 63ft. (19202mm)

Since we have 0.8 GPM (0.05 l/s) per Circuit the Water Pressure Drop Table on
page 8 shows 2.16 ft per 100ft. (211.8Pa per m) of water pressure drop. Total pressure
drop this circuit:

63 x 2.16
100
= 1.36 ft. of water ( 19.2 mx 0.212 = 4.07kPa of water)
DESIGN EXAMPLE #2

The following criteria apply to this design example. The building is multi-story, and
the example is calculated for a typical intermediate floor.

• 100ft.(30480mm) x 200ft. (60960mm) rectangular building, 12ft.(3658mm)

floor-to-floor
• Inside design 70°F(21.1°C) dry bulb
• Supply hot water available 200°F(93.3°C)
• Heat loss for each floor 225,000 BTUH (65.9kW)
• Bay length 33ft. 4in. (10160mm)
• Column size 2ft. (610mm) x 2ft.(610mm)
• Owner required 1 zone per 3 bays

Step #1

CALCULATE THE HEAT LOSS PER LINEAL FOOT OF OUTSIDE WALL

For this example, the panels will be installed from the column face to column face.
Because the finished column size is 2ft. (610mm) x 2ft. (610mm), the panel required
per bay is 33ft. 4in. (10160mm) – 2ft.(610mm) = 31ft. 4in. (9550mm).

225,000 BTUH
Output = = 399 BTUH/L.ft.
(18 bays) (31.33ft.)

65900W
Output = = 383 W/m
(18 bays) (9.55m)
17
 Step #2

DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL PANELS REQUIRED PER ZONE

Since column face to column face spacing is 31ft. 4in. (9550mm), we will use two (2)
16ft. (4877mm) panels cut to length. The zone size will be 100ft. (30480mm) perimeter,
however total panel length is 3 x 31ft. 4in. (9550mm) or 94ft. (28651mm).

Step #3
DESIGN EXAMPLES (cont.)
DETERMINE THE PANEL WIDTH REQUIRED

Based on 399 BTUH/linear foot (383 W/m) output needed, the panel width required is
24in. (610mm) using a MWT of 172°F(77.8°C). The 24in. (610mm) panel is composed
of (4) 6in. (152mm) wide extrusions, each housing one copper tube. We will use (2)
tubes for supply and (2) tubes for return water (see page 15).

Step #4

DETERMINE THE FLOW RATE REQUIRED PER ZONE

In order to minimize flow rate and water pressure drop, a 40°F(22.2°C) WTD will be
selected. (This would require 192°F(88.9°C) supply water).

94 ft x 399 BTUH/ft
GPM = = 1.9 GPM per zone
500 x 40
28.65m x 383 W/m
Step #5 l/s = = 0.12 l/s per zone
419 x 22.2
DETERMINE THE PIPING ARRANGEMENT AND WATER PRESSURE DROP PER
CIRCUIT

Since the zone is composed of 2 circuits, each circuit will require 0.95 GPM (1.9/
2)(0.06 l/s(0.12/2)). Water pressure drop includes pressure drop through both panel
and interconnects.

Equivalent length of ½in. (12.7mm) I.D. copper tube:

94ft. (28651mm) of panel x 2 passes (supply & return) = 188ft. (57302mm)

Pigtail interconnects 3 x 2 passes x 1.5ft. (457mm) = 9ft. (2743mm)
Total equivalent length = 188ft.(57302mm) + 9ft. (2743mm) = 197ft. (60046mm)

Equivalent length of ½in. (12.7mm) O.D. tubing copper interconnects

around columns
= 2 interconnects x 2 passes x 10ft. (3048mm) each = 40ft. (12192mm)

From the Water Pressure Drop table on page 8 the pressure drop for ½in. (12.7mm)
I.D. copper tube at 0.95 GPM(0.06 l/s) is 2.97 ft./100 ft. (291.2 Pa/m). The pressure
drop for ½in. (12.7mm) O.D. connecting tubing at 0.95 GPM (0.06 l/s) is approx.
6.4 ft./100 ft. (0.63kPa/m).
197 x 2.97 40 x 6.4
Pressure Drop = + = 8.4 ft. of water
100 100

60.05 x .291 12.19 x .63

Pressure Drop = + = 25.1 kPa of water
m m
18
 SECTION 15XXX

LINEAR RADIANT PANELS

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE

.1 Linear Radiant Panels

LINEAR HEF-2 1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE

PANEL
SPECIFICATIONS .1 Panels should be manufactured by a company regularly engaged in the
manufacture of radiant panels and having catalogue performance data and certified
test data.

1.3 SUBMITTALS

.1 Manufacturer shall submit complete scale shop drawings showing layouts and
complete details of all areas where radiant panels are indicated. These drawings
shall be co-ordinated with and interference shall be cleared with other trades.

.2 Shop drawings shall indicate location of supply and return hook-ups in addition
to interconnection details for each zone.

2.0 LINEAR RADIANT CEILING PANELS

2.1 .1 Contractor shall refer to architectural reflected ceiling plans and room finish
schedule in addition to mechanical drawings to determine location, quantity and
finish of radiant panels.

.2 This panel specification is based on the AIRTEX HEF-2 Linear radiant ceiling
panel design. Refer to the contract drawings for the details and dimensions. Panels
shall run continuously from wall to wall and specified widths are minimum allowable.

.3 The AIRTEX HEF-2 radiant ceiling extrusions shall be manufactured by

ENGINEERED AIR, and shall consist of extruded aluminum with copper tubing of
0.504in.(12.8 mm) I.D. mechanically attached to the aluminum face plate. The copper
tube shall be held in place by an aluminum saddle which extends more than half
way around the diameter of the tube. A non-hardening heat conductive paste shall
be placed between the copper tubing and the aluminum face plate. Panels shall
weigh no more than 2.15 lb/ft2 (10.5 kg/m2) when operating. The use of adhesive
and/or clips to attach the copper tube to the extrusion will not be acceptable.

.4 Panels shall be finished in the manufacturer’s standard white colour (or as

selected by the consultant).

3.0 EXECUTION

3.1 INSTALLATION

.1 The Mechanical Contractor shall co-operate with other trades working in the
ceiling to achieve a neat, well co-ordinated overall installation. Refer to Architectural
and Mechanical Details for installation requirements.

.2 All interconnecting of radiant panels by the mechanical contractor shall consist

of 3/8in. (9.0mm) nominal, 0.5in. (12.8mm) O.D. soft copper tubing or AIRTEX

19
 accessories as recommended by ENGINEERED AIR, i.e. factory supplied 360 degree
inter-connecting loops and 180 degree return U-bends. Supply first to panel tubing pass
closest to perimeter wall. Multiple panels shall be circuited to ensure serpentine flow
over complete length of zone. Individual serpentine panel coils connected in series is
unacceptable for multiple panel zones.

.3 All radiant panels shall run continuous from wall-to-wall and shall be field trimmed to
length ensuring adequate expansion allowance while maintaining panel end coverage
by architectural mouldings. Inactive filler panels will be permitted only where indicated
LINEAR PANEL on drawings.
SPECIFICATIONS (cont.)
.4 Ceiling support mouldings for radiant panels to be supplied and installed by Division
9. Ensure ceiling openings and wall mouldings are installed as per radiant panel shop
drawings.

.5 All radiant panels shall be installed by personnel wearing clean white gloves, to avoid
soiling of panel face. Hanger wires for safety and seismic restraint shall be installed at
4ft. (1220mm) o.c. or as recommended by the manufacturer.

.6 All system piping shall be thoroughly cleaned, flushed, drained and refilled before
radiant panels are connected into the system.

.7 Each group or zone of coils shall be given a pressure test in accordance with
procedures specified elsewhere.

.8 No installation of finished radiant panels shall begin until all glazing has been
completed and all exterior openings closed in.

.9 All active panels shall be covered with a minimum of 1in.(25mm) thick batt insulation
(refer to insulation specifications).

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE

LINEAR RADIANT PANELS

Description:

All radiant panels to be of single manufacture, Airtex Linear HEF-2.

Designation (Consultant’s Designation)

Manufacturer Airtex by Engineered Air
Model Linear HEF-2
Performance (BTUH/Lin.ft.) (W/Lin.m.)
Minimum Width (Specify)

Notes:

.1 Output based on ___ °F( ___°C) supply, ___ °F (___ °C) return, with 70°F (21°C)
ambient air temperature and 67°F (19.5°C) AUST with natural convection.

.2 Panel lengths and widths to be obtained from drawings.

.3 Panels to be finished to suit Architectural requirements.

20
 T esting of radiant transfer
between surfaces of different
temperatures has taken place over
operation. Additional areas have been
added since the early 1960’s.

many years. These studies of panel In the early 1960’s Airtex developed
heating and cooling have been modular panels consisting of
continued to both determine the effect aluminum sheet to which copper
of asymmetric radiant fields on tubing was soldered. This type of
occupant comfort, and better methods panel was designated as modular
HISTORICAL for designing radiant panel heating high performance panel because the
NOTES and cooling systems. cooling performance was more than
double the snap-on system.
The first lightweight metal ceilings
through which heated or cooled water In the early 1970’s Airtex developed
was passed were introduced into the an extruded aluminum radiant panel
United States in the early 1950’s under with a mechanically attached copper
a license to the Burgess-Manning tube. This panel was called the
Company. At that time Airtex became Architectural Space Mastery Series
involved as the Midwest distributor and was the culmination of a five year
and installer for Burgess-Manning research and developmental effort.
Systems. In the late 50’s Airtex The panel was introduced in 1977 and
developed a snap-on radiant panel the first installation was completed in
system which was used at the 1978.
O= Hare International Airport
terminals. Airtex built a full size mock- In the mid 1980’s research and
up of a perimeter section of the development began to improve the
O= Hare Terminal building. The Airtex extruded aluminum radiant
perimeter wall was 25 ft. (7.6m) high, panel. This second generation
1/2in. (13mm) thick single pane glass. HEF-2 Linear Radiant panel was
The panels were the standard introduced in 1987. This panel
AIRTEX snap-on with pipe 6in. incorporates new design features
(152mm) on center for the first 7ft. reducing manufacturing and
(2.1m) and pipe 12in. (305mm) on installation costs and improving
center for the next 12ft. (3.7m) appearance and efficiency.
parallel to the glass perimeter. (There
were radiant panels throughout the
The performance testing and final
complex, for heating and cooling). The
development of this new HEF-2
initial radiant ceiling at O=Hare Airport
Series panel was accomplished in a
was completed in 1961 and covered
new modern research and
more than 200,000 square feet
development facility at the Airtex
(18,580m 2), much of which is still in Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois.

21
 A irtex Radiant Panels have been
independently tested. The Airtex
testing facility used to test our panels
The performance of the perimeter
panel heating system was measured
with no mechanical air supply to the
incorporated state of the art room, simulating conditions when a
technology. The test room was building is unoccupied with supply and
designed to simulate an exterior room return air systems turned off to save
in a multi-story building. The floor of energy. The perimeter heating system
the test room, the floor above the maintains the temperature of the
RESEARCH AND ceiling plenum, and three interior walls building. This type of testing provides
DEVELOPMENT were surrounded by a temperature- true panel output with no mechanical
FACILITY controlled environment. The supply air in the occupied space. With
temperature and the humidity of the no air motion, stratification may
perimeter space was controlled to increase between the floor and the
meet test requirements. One wall was ceiling of the room. The test
an outside wall. It simulated typical conditions are “worst case” and do not
construction of about 50% glass with represent true comfort conditions.
a 58in.x138in. (1473mmx3505mm) When the building is occupied there
double-glazed thermal pane window. is ventilation air being supplied to the
The test room interior dimensions space and people movement to break
were 12ft. x 12ft. x 10ft. (3658mm x up the stratification. Therefore, when
3658mm x 3048mm) high. A the space is occupied there is
moveable finished ceiling was practically no stratification and
installed, usually between 8ft. and 9ft. comfort levels are superior to other
(2438mm and 2743mm) above the types of perimeter heating systems.
finished floor, for testing. A cold room
outside one wall simulated outside air Maintaining the mean radiant
conditions throughout the year, and temperature of surfaces is one of the
could provide a 15 MPH (24 KMH) most important factors in controlling
wind across the wall to simulate winter occupant comfort. The highest degree
design conditions. Solar simulation of comfort can be achieved with a
was incorporated in the outside room combination of narrow radiant
to correspond to real life design perimeter ceiling panels located within
situations. the first few feet of space as
measured from the outside wall, with
A hydronic system supplied hot or cold a mechanical air system for
water to the ceiling panels. Water flow ventilation. Like any system, the
rate was measured, as were supply designer should make use of
and return water temperatures. Floor manufacturer’s recommendations for
temperatures were measured at a given building, since the façade of
various distances from the outside the building is varied on most
wall. Room air temperatures were buildings for architectural effect. The
measured at one-foot increments placement of the radiant panels in
from the floor to the ceiling. relationship to the outside wall, the
type and location of supply and return
All test work has been conducted by air devices, the type of building (i.e.
Airtex personnel and personnel from multi-story or single-story), and the
the Armour Research Institute or its plenum area between the ceiling and
successor, the Illinois Institute of floor above, all affect recommended
Technology. Performance curves design of the radiant panel heating
have been certified by professors system.
from Illinois Institute of Technology
and the University of Illinois in
Chicago.

22
 A
Sales Offices throughout North America
Manufacturing Facilities:

DESOTO, KANSAS CALGARY, ALBERTA NEWMARKET, ONTARIO

LINEAR0204