Petal: Energy
Imperative: Net Positive Energy
 

Radiant Heating and Cooling

Water-based radiant heating and cooling systems are typically comprised of tubes cast within concrete through which warm or cool water is circulated. The Kendeda Building relies on this system throughout the majority of the building.

The main advantage of this system is that the radiant effect directly heats or cools the occupants (think of the warming effect of the sun on your face), rather than traditional airside systems that indirectly provide comfort by conditioning the space. This heating or cooling energy is also delivered more efficiently via water – a one inch pipe can deliver the same amount of energy as a 12 inch x12 inch duct. It also takes advantage of the thermal mass of concrete, which retains temperature for a longer period once heated or cooled.

The Kendeda Building's radiant flooring system is served by the campus central chilled water loop. When the building needs to provide cooling, the mechanical system draws chilled water directly from the campus loop and distributes it through the pipes in the floor. When the building needs to provide heating, the building’s heat pumps operate to provide heating hot water, while at the same time producing “waste” chilled water. This chilled water is returned to the campus chilled water loop and reduces the cooling load of the campus plant, not unlike how excess electricity produced by the building’s solar array lowers the electrical load on campus.

The building's proportional share of the campus chilled water plant water and electricity use are factored for the annual net positive calculations​.