I don't know about the condensation factor. It crossed my mind, but I didn't think that there would be enough heat exchange to make condensation. Then agin I really don't know. If worried about bacteria, one could keep the radiant flooring seperate from the fresh water and use one of those heat exchangers. I don't know how to describe them except that they are a tank into which the heating system fluid flows to/from and through which would pass a coil of copper pipe carrying the fresh water. The fresh water would absorb heat from the flooring water. The drawback is that if you used this system you would probably need a pump to run and circulate the flooring fluid. I suppose that theere would still be the posibillity of bacteria growing in the short amount of tubing that goes through the tank. Hence.................... Plan B: what if you just ran the fluid that you were trying to cool through the ground, say around your foundation an back to the flooring or whatever the final destination of this cooling fluid would be, and kept it an enclosed system. Who cares if the pipes in the floor have bacteria in them? You could even use bleach or anti-freeze if you fancied. As far as the wall thing goes, I'm not sure that I understand what you mean to do. If condensation is going to be a problem, I am sure that I would not want it in my wall or anywhere near the bales. Now if you are talking about a free standing wall in the middle of the house that would be different. Please send me more details. Matt ----- Original Message ----- From: Ted Shelton Sent: Friday, June 29, 2001 6:52 AM To: MCHX2@msn.com Subject: Re: SB: Radiant floors for A/C Hi. The problem you run into is condensation on the slab. As you remove
heat, you remove humidity. The second issue, is the possibility of heating
cool water up to a temperature where bacteria can multiply. Over on the
Greenbuilding List, there are many discussions on the formation of
Legionella bacterium in radiant/HW heater combinations. The archives are
full of discussions. I am a big radiant heat fan, but...
Now I would like your input on a similar idea. A thermal mass
wall,designed to handle the condensation, (watering plants perhaps). The
tubing, as you suggested, would be densely laid in the wall. It's just a
thought with a few drawings at this stage. It also faces the problem of
Legionella. Have a good day. Ted
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