A few years ago there were no good, low-cost solutions on the market for heating interiors with large windows. Underfloor heating won’t do it in this case. 1m² of underfloor heating weighs between 150-400 kg. The climate in Poland is characterised by high dynamics, causing problems with an optimal distribution of heat. An ideal alternative to “underfloor heating”, characterised by great thermal inertia, is trench heating.
Trench radiators have very low weight and almost immediately react to each heat pulse, quickly starting to heat at full power. They also protect against the ingress of cold air into the room, in hard to heat areas (exit to the terrace, balcony).
You can use a trench radiator without a fan – its maximum depth is up to 70 cm. However, it is not possible everywhere. If you want to limit the length and depth of the trenches as much as possible, while obtaining adequate heating power, a three-speed fan should help. The fan not only greatly increases the power of the radiator, also causes that the heating is more dynamic, and its quiet operation ensures comfort. Shallowest sets with a fans have a depth of only 8 cm, so their installation does not have to be taken into account at the design stage.
Trench radiators can heat the room independently, or be used as supplementary heating. They can operate at operating temperatures of underfloor heating. It is always a good idea to install rotameters on the distributor. They make it possible to easily change the heating ratio through underfloor heating and trench heating.
The most preferred way to control trench heating are solenoid valves placed on distributors cooperating with the room temperature sensor.
At the end, arguments regarding aesthetics: the only visible part of the system is a metal or wooden panel that can be easily integrated into any interior. In summer, it is a good idea to replace the openwork panel with an off-season panel. It will protect the inside of the trench from dirt when trench radiators are turned off.
