Thermal comfort, heat transfer, energy consumption, and control of radiant heating/cooling systems: a critical literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17512/INSTAL.2026.08.01Keywords:
radiant floor, rediant heating, radiant cooling, control strategies, energy efficiencyAbstract
Radiant heating and cooling (RHC – Radiant Heating and Cooling) systems are increasingly favored due to numerous benefits, including enhanced thermal comfort, low energy usage, quiet operation, efficient use of space and more. As a result, extensive research and analysis have been conducted to progess and optimize RHC systems, allowing them to align with the ambitious energy efficiency targets of the European Union and adapt to changing energy situations. This study presents a comprehensive literature review on RHC systems, examining thermal comfort and energy efficiency from multiple perspectives and across various operational control strategies. The results indicate that RHC systems are continuously being developed, modified, and refined, and that selecting an appropriate control strategy can address energy efficiency issues while simultaneously improving indoor thermal comfort. However, commonly used control algorithms and strategies often rely on steady-state system operating parameters. Furthermore, RHC systems frequently base on a standard approach combining centralized supply medium temperature control (qualitative control at the source) with local medium flow regulation (quantitative control within each underfloor heating/cooling circuit). In an era of rising energy costs and global challenges related to its availability, the proper control method for RHC systems has become a crucial factor for many consumers and a priority for users. To address energy consumption and energysaving issues, unique and modern control technologies need to be developed and adopted for the RHC systems. Based on the literature review, research gaps have been identified, including lack of analysis regarding RHC systems in terms of energy efficiency and thermal comfort with qualitative control - applied both centrally and locally - in combination with various control strategies. This solution should enable overcoming the limitations of RHC systems and extending their application to diverse building types and climate zones.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Łukasz Gmurkowski, Tomasz Cholewa (Autor)
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