OK... it's not a typical hvac application, but Thermoboard, Wavin's underfloor heating division, has proved that underfloor heating can be used in virtually any setting, regardless of design, space or floor type.
Property developers Gill Kelway and Aidan Boyd chose Thermoboard underfloor heating (UFH) for the renovation of a 70ft barge moored at Thames and Kennett Marina near Henley.
The couple selected a combination of Thermoboard's timber batten and modular chipboard UFH systems for the barge's lounge, back corridor and bedroom areas.
Ms Kelway says: 'UFH is great for use in a barge as there are obvious space constraints. By using UFH instead of radiators we were able to utilise the space much more effectively. Thermoboard's UFH was also much cheaper than the radiators we would have needed for this application.'
Mr Boyd adds: 'We selected Thermoboard's UFH due to its adaptability. We have had several challenges to overcome; for example the soil tanks are situated half way down the boat but due to the design flexibility of this particular UFH solution, we were able to run the pipes down the side of the barge in the gunnels.'
Thermoboard's FullSpec service provided assistance through a dedicated project manager who aided the couple with heat loss calculations, design with CAD drawings to ensure the project used the best systems and advice on the manifold and control centre.
'We used Thermoboard's Timber Batten UFH system as it could be trimmed to suit the unusual shape of the barge in the kitchen diner area,' explains Mr Boyd. 'This was then combined with a Modular Wood UFH system throughout the rest of the barge.'
Thermoboard's Timber Batten system includes insulation panels with pre-cut channels for pipe.
Mr Boyd comments: 'We added Celotex insulation between the timber battens to maximise efficiency in the barge... A Modular Wood UFH system was installed throughout the entrance corridor area in straight lengths.
'This system was particularly suited to this area of the barge as it means we can lift the panels at any time to gain access to the floor void. The two systems work together with a manifold and control centre to ensure we have a really efficient system in place. It's perfect because it doesn't rely on heating air beneath the floor deck, which would be difficult on a barge as the bottom of the structure is very cold.'
http://thermoboard.wavin.com