GB2555925A - Underfloor heating - Google Patents

Underfloor heating Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2555925A
GB2555925A GB1714156.5A GB201714156A GB2555925A GB 2555925 A GB2555925 A GB 2555925A GB 201714156 A GB201714156 A GB 201714156A GB 2555925 A GB2555925 A GB 2555925A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
live
heating element
core
heating
cores
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1714156.5A
Other versions
GB201714156D0 (en
Inventor
Richard Bell Alistair
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tguk Holdings Ltd
Original Assignee
Tguk Holdings Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tguk Holdings Ltd filed Critical Tguk Holdings Ltd
Publication of GB201714156D0 publication Critical patent/GB201714156D0/en
Publication of GB2555925A publication Critical patent/GB2555925A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D13/00—Electric heating systems
    • F24D13/02—Electric heating systems solely using resistance heating, e.g. underfloor heating
    • F24D13/022—Electric heating systems solely using resistance heating, e.g. underfloor heating resistances incorporated in construction elements
    • F24D13/024—Electric heating systems solely using resistance heating, e.g. underfloor heating resistances incorporated in construction elements in walls, floors, ceilings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/026—Heaters specially adapted for floor heating
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]

Abstract

A connector 15 arranged for use in an underfloor heating system (1, fig. 1) includes means for fixedly connecting a live core 35 of a power supply 13 and one or more live cores 25, 27 of a heating element having two or more live cores. After installation, one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the power supply core. An underfloor heating system comprises: a heating element having two or more live cores with different resistances, which provide different heating powers when a current passes through them; a power supply element, for providing power to the heating element, having a live core arranged such that it generates no heat when a current passes therethrough; a connector as above; and a controller controlling power provided to the various live cores. A method includes selectively forming a fixed connection of this system using the above connector. A further method for a heating system, comprising a heating element having two or more cores as above, includes: receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the system; and, based on the identified covering, selectively activating one or more of the live cores.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Underfloor heating
Abstract Title: Underfloor heating system having conducting cores with different resistances (57) A connector 15 arranged for use in an underfloor heating system (1, fig. 1) includes means for fixedly connecting a live core 35 of a power supply 13 and one or more live cores 25, 27 of a heating element having two or more live cores. After installation, one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the power supply core. An underfloor heating system comprises: a heating element having two or more live cores with different resistances, which provide different heating powers when a current passes through them; a power supply element, for providing power to the heating element, having a live core arranged such that it generates no heat when a current passes therethrough; a connector as above; and a controller controlling power provided to the various live cores. A method includes selectively forming a fixed connection of this system using the above connector. A further method for a heating system, comprising a heating element having two or more cores as above, includes: receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the system; and, based on the identified covering, selectively activating one or more of the live cores.
Figure GB2555925A_D0001
1/3
Figure GB2555925A_D0002
—1J 'oo UP UU
FIG. IB z3
Figure GB2555925A_D0003
FIG. 2
2/3
Figure GB2555925A_D0004
Figure GB2555925A_D0005
FIG. 3B
Figure GB2555925A_D0006
FIG.3C
3/3
Figure GB2555925A_D0007
HG. 5
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
The present invention relates to an underfloor heating systems, a connector unit arranged to be used in an underfloor heating system, a method of providing an underfloor heating system, and a method of operating an underfloor heating system.
Electric underfloor heating uses an elongate heating element that is provided under a floor covering such as tiles, stone or wood. The heating element is a resistive element that heats up when a current is passed through it. The heating element may be laid directly on the surface the floor covering is installed on, or may be mounted in a webbing or support to form a mat that can be laid on the surface.
If a floor covering is heated too fast, it can suffer thermal shock. This can cause damage. Different coverings can be heated at different speeds without suffering thermal shock. For example, stone can be heated much faster than wood.
The output heating power of underfloor heating can be used to control how fast the floor heats up. One way in which the output heating power is changed is controlled is using the resistivity of the heating element. Therefore, it is necessary for manufacturers, suppliers and installers to have a range of different heating elements and/or underfloor heating mats, in order to provide a range of output heating powers.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an underfloor heating system comprising: a heating element having two or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers; a power supply element having a live core, the live core arranged such that substantially no heat is generated when a current is passing through it, the power supply element for providing power to the heating element; a connector for coupling the power supply to the heating element, wherein the connector comprises means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, such that the one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation; and a controller arranged to switch on and off power provided through the live core of the power supply element and the one or more live core of the heating element heating element connected to the power supply element.
The underfloor heating system is formed in such a way that a single heating element may be used for providing a range of different heating outputs. The use of the connector means that a single heating element can be connected in a number of different ways, making installation simple. Furthermore, because a single heating element can be used for a range of heating outputs, manufacture and stocking is simplified.
The heating element may comprise a return core; wherein the heating element connects to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, the return core of the heating element is coupled to the two or more live cores of the heating element.
The power supply element may include: a return core; and wherein the connector includes means for forming a connection between the return core of the heating element and the return core of the power supply element.
The connector may include: a conductor input; and two or more conductor outputs; wherein the live core of the power supply element is connected to the conductor input; wherein each of the two or more live cores of the heating element is connected to one of the conductor outputs; and wherein the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element comprises means for selectively connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs.
The connector may include: a multi-way switch for connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs. Alternatively, the connector may include: a plurality of conductor inputs, each conductor input connected to a different one of the first output or combination of the first outputs; and wherein the live core of the power supply element is coupled to a chosen conductor input. A first conductor input may be connected to a first conductor output; a second conductor input may be connected to a second conductor output; and a third conductor input may be connected to the first and second conductor output.
The live core of the power supply element may be connected to one or more of the live cores of the heating element, based on the floor covering to be provided in association with the underfloor heating system.
The connector may be provided underneath a floor covering or in a wall.
The controller may not operate the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element
The heating element may be provided in a mat.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating element for use in the system of the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector arranged to be used in an underfloor heating system, the connector including means for forming a fixed connection between a live core of a power supply element and one or more live cores of a heating element having two or more live cores, such that the one or more live cores are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation
The use of the connector means that a single heating element can be connected in a number of different ways, to provide a range of power outputs. Furthermore, because a single heating element can be used for a range of heating outputs, manufacture and stocking is simplified.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing an underfloor heating system comprising: providing an underfloor heating mat having a heating element with two or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers; providing a power supply element having a live core, the live core arranged such that substantially no heat is generated when a current is passing through it, the power supply element for providing power to the heating element; selectively forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, based on a floor covering the system is to be used in conjunction with, such that the one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation; and providing a controller arranged to switch on and off power provided through the live core of the power supply element and the one or more live core of the heating element heating element connected to the power supply element.
The method results in a way of providing a range of different heating outputs using a common heating element. The common heating element can be connected in a number of different ways, making installation simple. Furthermore, because a single heating element can be used for a range of heating outputs, manufacture and stocking is simplified.
The method may further include: providing a connector to form the fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, wherein the connector comprises means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element.
The heating element may comprise a return core; wherein the heating element may connect to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, the return core of the heating element may be coupled to the two or more live cores of the heating element.
The connector may include: a conductor input; and two or more conductor outputs; wherein the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element comprises means for selectively connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs, and wherein the method may comprise: connecting the live core of the power supply element to the conductor input; and connecting each of the two or more live cores of the heating element to one of the conductor outputs.
The connector may include a multi-way switch for connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs, and the method includes actuating the switch for selectively connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs to form the fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element
The connector may include a plurality of conductor inputs, each conductor input connected to a different one of the first output or combination of the first outputs; and wherein the live core of the power supply element is coupled to a chosen conductor input.
A first conductor input may be connected to a first conductor output; a second conductor input may be connected to a second conductor output; and a third conductor input may be connected to the first and second conductor output.
The heating element may comprise a return core; wherein the heating element connects to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein the method may further include: at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, selectively connecting the return core a defined one or more live cores; and at the first end of the heating element, connecting the defined one or more live cores to the live core of the power supply element.
The method may further include: forming an underfloor heating mat including at least the heating element; and installing the underfloor heating mat.
The method may further include: selectively connecting the return core to the defined one or more live cores; and forming the underfloor heating mat subsequent to connecting the return core.
The live core of the power supply element may be connected to one or more of the live cores of the heating element, based on the floor covering to be provided in association with the underfloor heating system.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating an underfloor heating system, wherein the heating system comprises a heating element having two or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers, the method comprising: receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the underfloor heating system; based on the identified floor covering, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating element.
The method provides for a way of operating underfloor heating whilst protect the floor covering from thermal shock. The method results in a way of providing a range of different heating outputs using a common heating element. The common heating element can be connected in a number of different ways, making installation simple. Furthermore, because a single heating element can be used for a range of heating outputs, manufacture and stocking is simplified.
Each live core of the heating element may be either on or off.
The method may include: receiving a measured current temperature; receiving a set temperature; determining a temperature differences; and based on the identified floor covering and the temperature difference, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating element.
The method may include: repeating the steps of receiving a measured temperature, and determining a temperature difference between the measured temperature; and based on the identified floor covering and the temperature difference, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating element, such that a ramp rate of the underfloor heating system is controlled based on the type of flooring.
The method may include: at installation, programming a controller controlling operating of the underfloor heating system such that the type of flooring is stored in a memory of the controller, wherein receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the underfloor heating system comprises retrieving the type of flooring from the memory.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an underfloor heating system having: a heating element having two or more conducting cores received in an insulating layer, the conducting cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, the conducting cores having different resistances such that, in use, each conducting core provides a different output heating power; means for connecting the conducting cores to receive current from a power supply in one of a plurality of possible arrangements, each arrangement enabling one or more complete electrical circuits to be formed, wherein the conducting cores are arranged such that in at least one of the plurality of possible arrangements, at least one conducting core is redundant, and not included in the complete electrical circuits formed by the arrangement.
The use of redundant cores in some of the possible arrangements means that the same heating element can be used across different underfloor heating systems having different power outputs.
The means for connecting the conducting cores may include a junction at a first end of the heating element, arranged to connect to a power supply element.
The power supply element may have a single conducting core for passing current from the power supply to the two or more conducting cores of the heating element.
The junction may be arranged to connect the single conducting core of the power supply element to one or more of the conducting cores of the heating element.
At a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, one or more of the conducting cores of the heating element may be connected to a return core, arranged to pass current to a return core of the power supply element, wherein redundant conducting cores may be connected to the return core, but not connected to the power supply element at the first end.
The junction between the power supply element and the heating element may comprise a direct connection between the conducting cores of the power supply element and the heating element.
Alternatively, the junction between the power supply element and the heating element may comprise a switching unit, wherein the switching unit includes terminals for connection of the conducting and return cores of the heating element and the power supply element, and wherein the switching unit directly connects the return core of the power supply element to the return core of the heating element.
The switching unit may comprise a single terminal for the conducting core of the power supply element, and a switching means arranged to connect the conducting core of the power supply element to one or more of the conducting cores of the heating element.
The switching means may be controlled from a control unit of the underfloor heating system, the control unit also arranged to control when current is provided to the heating element.
Alternatively, the switching unit may comprise a plurality of terminals for the conducting core of the power supply element, each of the plurality of terminals connected to one or more of the conducting cores of the heating element, such that each of the terminals corresponds to a one of the possible completed circuits.
The heating element may include a cold region, in which the conducting cores are arranged such that they do not provide heat when a current is passed through them.
The heating element may be provided in a heating mat.
The heating mat may be prewired to select a one of the possible complete circuits, such that the heating mat has a fixed output heating power.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a switching unit for use in the underfloor heating system of the sixth aspect.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing an underfloor heating system, the method including: providing a heating element having two or more conducting cores received in an insulating layer, the conducting cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, the conducting cores having different resistances such that each conducting core provides a different output heating power; and connecting the conducting cores to a power supply and a return core in one of a plurality of possible arrangements, each arrangement enabling one or more complete electrical circuits to be formed, wherein the conducting cores and return core are arranged such that in at least one of the plurality of possible arrangements, at least one conducting core is redundant, and not included in the complete electrical circuits formed by the arrangement.
The use of redundant cores in some of the possible arrangements means that the same heating element can be used across different underfloor heating systems having different power outputs.
The method may include the step of selectively connecting the conducting cores to the return core and to a power supply to select the output heating power of the underfloor heating system.
The method may include selectively connecting the cores during manufacture of the heating system, prior to installation, such that the heating system has a fixed output heating power, or selectively connecting the cores during installation, after manufacture, such that the heating system has affixed output heating power, or selectively connecting the cores during use of the underfloor heating system.
Alternatively, the cores may be selectively connected through a switching unit.
The method may include determining a desired output heating power based on the material of a floor covering of the floor.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided an underfloor heating system having: a heating element having two or more conducting cores received in an insulating layer, the conducting cores arranged to carry current away from a power supply, and to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and a return core arranged to carry current towards the power supply, wherein the conducting cores have different resistances such that each conducting core provides a different output heating power; a power supply element arranged to pass a current from the power supply to the heating element, the power supply element having a single conducting core arranged to carry current from the power supply to the heating element and a return core arranged to carry current from the return core of the heating element to the power supply, wherein the conducting core of the power supply element is arranged to provide a current to one or more of the conducting cores of the heating element, such that the conducting cores of the heating element can be used individually or in combination.
Using a heating element with multiple conducting cores allows for the same heating element to be used in underfloor heating systems with a variety of different output heating powers.
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided an underfloor heating system having: a heating element having two or more conducting cores received in an insulating layer, the conducting cores arranged to carry current away from a power supply, and to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and a return core arranged to carry current towards the power supply, wherein the conducting cores have different resistances such that each conducting core provides a different output heating power, wherein a heating circuit is formed by coupling the return core to a one of the conducting cores, such that at least one conducting core is redundant, and not used in the heating circuit.
The use of redundant cores in some of the possible arrangements means that the same heating element can be used across different underfloor heating systems having different power outputs.
According to a eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided an underfloor heating system having: a heating element having two or more conducting cores received in an insulating layer, the conducting cores arranged to carry current away from a power supply, and to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and a return core arranged to carry current towards the power supply, wherein the conducting cores have different resistances such that each conducting core provides a different output heating power, wherein the return core is coupled to each of the conducting cores at a first end of the heating element; and a switching unit arranged to provide current to the conducting cores of the heating element, wherein the switching unit includes: one or more live output terminals, each live output terminal corresponding to a respective conducting core of the heating element, each live output terminal arranged to connect to the conducting core at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first end; and a single live input terminal arranged to receive an input current from a power source.
Using a heating element with multiple conducting cores allows for the same heating element to be used in underfloor heating systems with a variety of different output heating powers. The switching unit provides a simple and efficient way to connect the cores in a variety of different arrangements, to provide different output powers.
It will be appreciated that optional features discussed in relation to any of the above aspects may be applied to any of the other aspects.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1A schematically illustrates an underfloor heating system in plan view;
Figure IB schematically illustrates the underfloor heating system of Figure 1A in cut-through side view through line X-X;
Figure 2 illustrates a heating element according to embodiments of the invention;
Figure 3A schematically illustrates a circuit for an underfloor heating system with a first power output, according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B schematically illustrates a circuit for an underfloor heating system with a second power output, according to the first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3C schematically illustrates a circuit for an underfloor heating system with a third power output, according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 schematically illustrate a first example of a connector unit for use in in a second or third embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 5 schematically illustrates a second example of a connector unit for use in the second embodiment or third embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1A and IB show a schematic illustration of an underfloor heating system 1 for heating a room. The underfloor heating system 1 includes a heating element 3 which is arranged over a horizontal surface 5. The heating element 3 is fitted into place in a material webbing 7 to form an underfloor heating mat 9. A floor covering 11, such as tiles, laminate floor, wooden flooring and the like, is provided over the underfloor heating mat 9 to form the final appearance of the floor.
Figure 1A shows the system 1 in plan view without the floor covering 9 fitted. Figure IB shows a cross section through line X-X, with the floor covering 9 in place.
At one end, the heating element 3 is connector to a connector cable 13 at a junction 15. The connector cable 13 connects the heating element to a controller 17, which is also connected to a temperature sensor 19.
In use, the controller 17 passes a current from a power supply to the heating element 3. The heating element 3 includes at least two live cores 25,27, and one neutral core 23 connected to each other at the opposite end 33 of the heating element 3 to the junction 15. Current passes from a power source, through the live cores 25,27, and then back through the neutral core 23. The neutral core 23 may be referred to as a return core.
The live cores 25,27 of the heating element 3 have sufficiently high resistance, so the current passing through them causes the generation of heat to heat the room. The current passing through the live core(s) 25,27 is either off, or on, at a fixed on level. The switching of the current between the off state and on state is determined by the controller 17, based on a user input of a desired heat level, set through a user interface 21 in the controller 17, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 19. If the room is below the set temperature, then power is provided to the heating element 3. Otherwise the power is turned off. The controller 17 may also include instructions to turn the power off before the desired temperature is reached, to avoid overshoots and the like. The controller 17 may also include instructions to cycle between the on and off states, to maintain a temperature, and any other suitable instructions for controlling underfloor heating.
The controller 17 may be placed some distance away from the heating mat 9, with the controller 17 in a convenient place for a user to access the user interface 21. Therefore, the connector cable 13 must pass through walls, or other obstacles (not shown). The cores 35, 37 of the connector cable 13 (and the natural core 23 in the heating element) are of sufficiently low resistance that no heat is generated when current passes through them, or sufficiently little is in generated such that no damage is caused and there is no fire risk. The connector cable 13can be referred to as a cold tail.
Figure 2 shows an example of a heating element 3 that can be used in the underfloor heating system 1 of Figures 1A and IB. The heating element 3 has three conducting cores 23, 25, 27 passing through an earth screen 29. The earth screen 29 is then covered in an outer insulating layer 31. Each of the conducting cores 23, 25, 27 is formed by a conducting wire wrapped around an elongate insulating member (not shown).
A first of the conducting cores 23 is the neutral core in the completed circuit for the underfloor heating system 1. The other two conducting cores 25, 27 can act as live cores in the completed circuit. The live cores 25, 27 are formed of intertwined strands of a Nickel/Copper alloy. The neutral core 23 is a copper wire, either stranded or single core. It may however be a specific resistance conductor forming part of the specified total loop resistance.
The resistivity of the alloy in the live cores 25, 27 and the layout of the conductor 3 in the mat 9 are selected to control the output power of the underfloor heating system 1. The resistivity of the two live cores 25, 27 are different, so that they provide different output powers, if a current is passed through them. A first of the live cores 25 provides a power of 50W/m2 when a current is passed through it. The second live core 27 provides a power output of 100W/m2 when a current is passed through it.
To produce the heating mat 9, a length of the heating element 3 is fixed to the material webbing 7. At one end, the heating element 3 is joined to the cold tail 13 at the junction 15. The opposite end of the heating element 3 forms a free end 33.
There are a number of ways in which the conducting cores 23, 25, 27 can be wired to provide different types of underfloor heating circuits.
Figures 3A to 3C illustrate the circuit diagram for a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the cold tail 13 is a dual core cable, having a live core 35 and a neutral core 37. The cores 35, 37 are surrounded by an earth shield and insulating cover (not shown) and are formed by simple copper wires.
Figure 3A shows the circuit required to provide a heating power of 150W/m2. At the junction 15, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to both live cores 25, 27 of the heating element 3, and the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3 is connected to the neutral core 37 of the cold tail. At the free end 33 of the heating element 3, both live cores 25, 27 are connected to the neutral core 23. Therefore, the two live cores 25, 27 are operated in parallel. In this way, both live cores 25, 27 are used to provide heating, when power is provided to the mat 9 via the controller 17.
The connections between the cores 23, 25, 27 of the heating element 3 and the cores 35, 37 of the cold tail 13 are by spliced connections, such as crimping. This forms the junction 15. The connections between the live cores 25, 27 and the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3 are formed in a similar manner.
Figure 3B shows the circuit required to provide heating of 100W/m2. In this example, at the junction 15, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is only connected to the second live core 27 of the heating element 3. The neutral core 37 of the cold tail 13 is still connected to the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3. At the free end 33 the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3 is only connected to the second live core 27. In this way, the first live core 25 is redundant and unused, in that it is not connected to anything. Therefore, only the second live core 27 is used to provide heating, when power is provided to the mat 9 via the controller 17.
Figure 3C shows the circuit required to provide heating of 50W/m2. In this example, at the junction 15, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is only connected to the first live core 25 of the heating element 3. The neutral core 37 of the cold tail 13 is still connected to the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3. At the free end 33 the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3 is only connected to the first live core 25. In this way, the second live core 27 is redundant and unused, in that it is not connected to anything. Therefore, only the first live core 25 is used to provide heating, when power is provided to the mat 9 via the controller 17.
By the scheme illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C, a single heating element 3 can be used in underfloor heating mats 9 having a variety of different power output, rather than having to have different heating elements 3 for each power output. This makes manufacture and installation of floors much simpler. The power output can be selected based on the type of flooring, to reduce thermal shock.
During assembly of the mat, the free end 33 is wired according to the desired heating output, and the mat 9 is marked to indicate the power output. In this way, the installer can connect the correct live core(s) 25, 27 at the junction 15 when installing the mat 9. Alternatively, the installer may also wire the free end 33 during installation, so that a single mat 9 can be used in any underfloor heating system 1.
By selection of which live core(s) 25,27 are connected to the neutral core 23 and cold tail 13, the heating output of the underfloor heating system 1 is fixed, and the connections between the live cores 25,27 and neutral core 23 are also fixed. This fixing occurs either at the time of installation or manufacture. The heating output being fixed means that selected cores 25,27 are permanently connected in the desired way, and the connections cannot be changed during use of the heating system 1. In use, the heating system 1 is either off, or on. When the heating system 1 is on, it provides the same power output all the time. In order to change the power output, the floor covering 11 must be removed, and the mat replaced or rewired.
In a second embodiment of the invention both of the live cores 25, 27 of the heating element 3 are connected to the neutral core 23. In this embodiment, the junction 15 between the heating element 3 and the cold tail 13 is formed by a switching unit 36 (or connector 36).
Figure 4 shows an example of a switching unit 36 for use in this embodiment. The switching unit 36 includes a neutral terminal 38, an earth terminal 39 and a live terminal 41 for the cold tail 13. The live terminal for the cold tail 41 may be considered a conductor input. Similarly, there is a neutral terminal 43, an earth terminal 45 and a pair of live terminals 47, 49 for the heating element 13. The live terminals 47,49 for the heating element may be considered conductor outputs. The connections to the terminals can be formed in any suitable manner, such as plugs and sockets, terminal connections and the like.
The neutral terminal 38 for the cold tail 13 is directly connected to the neutral terminal 43 for the heating element 3. Similarly, the earth terminal 39 for the cold tail 13 is directly connected to the earth terminal 45 for the heating element 3. The live terminal 41 for the cold tail 13 and the live terminals 47, 49 for the heating element are connected to a three way switch 51 that allows the live terminal 41 for the cold tail 13 to be connected to either one or both of the live terminals 47, 49 of the heating elements.
During installation of the mat 9, the neutral core 23 of the heating element 3, the neutral core 37 of the cold tail 13, the earth shield 29 of the heating element 3, the earth shield (not shown) of the cold tail 13, and the live core 35 of the cold tail 3 are connected to the corresponding terminals 38, 39, 41, 43, 45. The first live core 25 of the heating element 3 is connected to the first live terminal 47 for the heating element 3, and the second live core 27 of the heating element 3 is connected to the second live terminal 49 for the heating element. An installer is then able to operate the switch 51 to set which of the live cores 25, 27 of the heating element 3 are connected to the live core 35 of the cold tail 13.
In this way, the switching unit 36 can form an electrical circuit in which both live cores 25, 27 are connected to provide a heating mat 9 with a power of 150W/m2.
Alternatively, only the second live core 27 of the heating element 3 may be connected to the live core 35 of the cold tail 13, to provide a power of 100W/m2. In this example, although the first live core 25 is connected to the neutral core 23 and the second live core 27 at the free end 33, it is not connected at the junction 15. Therefore, the first live core 25 is redundant and unused.
In yet a further example, only the first live core 25 of the heating element 3 may be connected to the live core 35 of the cold tail 13, to provide a power of 50W/m2. In this example, although the second live core 27 is connected to the neutral core 23 and the first live core 25 at the free end 33, it is not connected at the junction 15. Therefore, the second live core 27 is redundant and unused.
During installation, the switching unit 36 is operated to select the desired heating output of the underfloor heating system 1. The power output can be selected based on the type of flooring, to reduce thermal shock. The switching unit 36 is then fitted in a location near the floor and covered. For example, the switching unit 36 may be provided in a wall, or underneath the floor covering 11, or in other inaccessible locations.
Therefore, by operating the switching unit 36 to select which live core(s) 25,27 are connected to the neutral core 23 and cold tail 13, the heating output of the underfloor heating system 1 is fixed, and the connections between the live cores 25,27 and neutral core 23 are also fixed. This occurs at the time of installation. As with the first embodiment, the heating output being fixed means that selected cores 25,27 are permanently connected in the desired way, and the connections cannot be changed during use of the heating system 1. In use, the heating system 1 is either off, or on. When the heating system 1 is on, it provides the same power output all the time. In order to change the power output, the floor covering 11 must be removed, and the switching unit 36 operated.
In the second embodiment, a single heating mat 9 can be used to provide a floor having any desired output heating power, rather than having to have separate mats 9 for each different power output. This makes manufacture, installation and stocking of floors much simpler, as only a single mat 9 is required.
It will be appreciated that any type of switch 51 may be used in the switching unit 36. The switch may be any type of three way switch. However, instead of a three way switch, an array of two way switches, or any other type of switches may also be used.
Figure 5 shows an alternative example for the switching unit 36, which can also be used to form fixed connections and a fixed heating output. As with the example shown in Figure 4, the switching unit 36 includes a neutral terminal 38, and an earth terminal 39 for the cold tail 13. Similarly, there is a neutral terminal 43, an earth terminal 45 and a pair of live terminals 47, 49 for the heating element 13. However, unlike figure 4, three separate terminals (conductor inputs) 41a-c are provided for the live core 35 of the cold tail 13.
The first of the terminals 41a for the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is directly connected to the first live terminal 47 for the heating element 3, and the second of the terminals 41b for the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is directly connected to the second live terminal 49 for the heating element 3.
The third terminal 41c for the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to both of the live terminals 47, 49 for the heating element 3.
During installation of the mat 9, the neutral 23 of the heating element 3, the neutral 37 of the cold tail 13, the earth 29 of the heating element 3, and the earth (not shown) of the cold tail 13 are connected to the corresponding terminals 38, 39, 43, 45. The first live core 25 of the heating element 3 is connected to the first live terminal 47 for the heating element 3, and the second live core 27 of the heating element 3 is connected to the second live terminal 49 for the heating element.
The installer then connects the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 to one of the three remaining terminals 41a-c, depending on the desired power output. The power output can be selected based on the type of flooring, to reduce thermal shock.
When a power output of 150W/m2 is desired, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the third live terminal 41c. The other two terminals 41a,b are not used. In this way, both live cores 25, 27 of the heating element are used when power is provided, since the connection of the live core 35 to this terminal 41c completes the circuit connecting both live cores 25, 27 of the heating element 3.
When a power output of 100W/m2 is desired, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the second live terminal 41b. Thus the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the second live core 27of the heating element 3, through the second live terminal 49b. The other two terminals 41a,c are not used, and . the first live core 25 is redundant and unused, in that it is not connected to anything.
When a power output of 50W/m2 is desired, the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the first live terminal 41a. Thus the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the first live core 25 the heating element 3, through the first live terminal
49a. The other two terminals 41b,c are not used, and the second live core 27 is redundant and unused, in that it is not connected to anything.
In the heating element 3, the first live core 25, second live core 27 and neutral core 23 are connected to each other at the free end 33.
Furthermore, in the switching unit 36, the third live terminal 41c for the cold tail is connected to both live terminals 47,49 for the heating element 3. In addition, the first live terminal 47 for the heating element 3 is connected to the first live terminal 41a for the cold tail 13, and the second live terminal 49 for the heating element 3 is connected to the second live terminal 41b for the cold tail 13. Therefore, an electrical conduction path may be provided from the second live terminal 41b for the cold tail 13 to both live terminals 47,49 for the heating element 3, or from the first live terminal 41a for the cold tail 13 to both live terminals 47,49 for the heating element 3. In both cases this path is provided via third live terminal 41c.
However, the connections from the third live terminal 41c for the cold tail 13 to the live terminals 47,49 for the heating element 3 are arranged such that current cannot pass through this conduction path. For example, both connections may include a diode so that current can pass from the live terminal 41c for the cold tail 13 to the live terminals 47,49 for the heating element, but not the other way round. Alternatively, the third terminal 41c may be arranged so that the complete path is only formed when the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the terminal. For example, the terminal may include two electrically isolated plates (not shown). Each plate is connected to a different one of the liver terminals 47,49 for the heating element 3. The live core 35 of the cold tail 13 may be required to form an electrical connection between the plates.
Therefore, the connections between the live terminals 41a-c, 47, 49 are arranged so that the live terminals 47, 49 for the heating element 3 are electrically isolated from one another, unless the live core 35 of the cold tail 13 is connected to the third live terminal 41c for the cold tail 3.
In a third embodiment, the heating element 3 is wired in the same way as the second embodiment. Furthermore, a switching unit 36 similar to the one shown in Figure 4 is also used. However, in this embodiment, the switch 51 is operated by the controller
17. The controller 17 may be connected to the switch 51 through an additional core provided in the cold tail 13, a separate core, or through wireless communications.
Alternatively, the controller 17 may communicate with the switch through modulation of the power supplied via the cold tail 13.
In one example, the controller 17 may be pre-programmed to set the power output of the floor 1 based on an input through the user interface 21. For example, the controller 17 may include a memory (not shown) which includes a look up table setting different requirements for different floor types. The user selects the floor type from a list displayed on the interface 21, and the controller looks up the desired power output, and sets the switch accordingly.
Alternatively, the installer may directly select the power output through the user interface 21. As in the first and second embodiments, the power output is set at installation, and so is considered permanent or fixed.
In the above examples, the power output is set at installation only (or when a floor covering is changed), and so is fixed. There is no action by the controller 17 that operates the switching unit 36. However, in a fourth embodiment, the power may be varied. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, where the switch 51 is controlled by the controller 17. In the fourth embodiment the power output of the floor may change during use, through a user input at the user interface 21, or through instructions provided by the controller 17.
For example, in addition to determining when the floor should be in the on or off state, the controller 17 may also determine the level of power required, and thus which of the live cores 25, 27 in the heating element 3 should be used.
The determination may be based solely on the flooring type. Alternatively, the determination of the power level may be based on the set temperature, the measured temperature, and the flooring type. This information may be used to set a desired ramp rate to achieve the set temperature, without causing thermal shock damage to the floor. The temperature may be continually measured so that the power output of the underfloor heating system 1 is changed as the temperature changes.
In one example, if the measured temperature is significantly below the set temperature, and the floor covering 11 is resistant to thermal shock. In this example, the controller 17 may set the switch 51 so that the floor has a power output of 150W/m2 immediately. As the measured temperature approaches the set temperature, the controller 17 gradually reduces the power output through 100W/m2 and 50W/m2 and then to the off state.
In another example, where the floor covering 11 is more prone to thermal shock, the power may be ramped up at the start of a heating cycle, to gradually heat the floor covering 11.
This allows for more efficient use of power, by reducing overshoot of the temperature (where the measured temperature exceeds the set temperature), whilst increasing the speed of heating, even with floor coverings 11 with low resistance to thermal shock. Furthermore, it also allows for a finer level of control of the temperature, since the floor has greater level of control than simply being on or off.
In the examples discussed above in relation to the second and third embodiments, the switching unit 36 is provided at the junction 15 between the cold tail 13 and the heating element 3. This is by way of example only.
In some examples, the switching unit 36 can be incorporated into the controller 17. In this case, the cold tail 13 will include the same number of live cores 35 as the heating element.
In other examples, the switching unit 36 is provided between the junction 15 and the controller 17. In these cases, the cold tail 13 is split into two separate parts. The first part of the cold tail 13 extends between the controller 17 and the switching unit 36, and includes a single live core 35. It may also include a core for communication between the controller 17 and the switching unit 36, if required. The second part of the cold tail 13 extends from the switching unit 36 to the junction 15, and includes as many live cores 25, 27 as the heating element 3. The cores within the cold tail 13 are connected to the cores in the heating element 3 at the junction 15 by spliced connections such as crimping. The cold tail 3 is still formed with low resistance, such that it does not heat up.
In all of the above examples, the heating element has two live cores 25, 27. It will be appreciated that this is by way of example only. In other examples, the heating element 3 may include three, four, or more live cores to provide a range of heating powers. No matter how many live cores are provided, they may be used individually, or in any combination, leaving cores redundant, or using all cores.
Furthermore, in the examples discussed above, the resistance of the cores is chosen to provide heating powers of 50W/m2, 100W/m2 and 150W/m2. These values are also given by way of example only, and any desired powers can be chosen for the cores.
In the above examples, the earth connection for the circuit is provided as an earth shield 29. However, it will be appreciated that the earth connection may be provided as a further core, in which case the earth shield is omitted, and the cores are encased within the insulating layer 31.
In the above, the conducting cores 23, 25, 27 in the heating element are formed by a conducting wire wrapped around an insulating core. This is also by way of example, and any suitable conducting element may be used. Furthermore the wires may be formed of any suitable material to provide the desired resistance.
Similarly, the conducting cores 35, 37 in the cold tail 13 may be formed in any suitable manner, and of any suitable material, and any suitable power supply element may be used to provide power to the heating element 3. The cold tail 13 discussed above is just one example of a power supply element.
The neutral cores 23 may be provided separately from the live cores 25, 27 so the heating element only includes the live cores 25, 27. The same may be true for the cold tail 13.
The material webbing 7 for the mat 9 can be of any suitable material, and can be manufactured in any suitable way. Furthermore, the heating element 3 may be fixed to the webbing 7 in any suitable way.
The mat 9 may be of any standard size. In one example, the mat may be manufactured as a continuous length of fixed width (for example 1 metre or 2 metres). The mat 9 can then be cut to the desired length, and the free end 33 of the heating element 3 wired as desired. Alternatively, mats 9 of predetermined size may be provided.
In some examples, the mat 9 may include means for connecting the heating element 3 to the heating element 3 of an adjacent mat (not shown). In this way, underfloor heating can be provided over a large area, with only a single connection to the controller 17.
In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating element 3 is arranged in an oscillating pattern over the mat 9. It will be appreciated that this is by way of example only. The heating element 3 may be arranged in any suitable pattern, and in some cases, the mat 9 may include multiple heating elements 3 connected at the junction 15.
The use of a webbing 7 to form a mat 9 is optional. In some cases, the heating element 3 may be laid directly onto the horizontal surface 5, and then the floor covering 11 is laid on top of this. Optionally, the heating element may be fixed into place by adhesive, or mechanical fixings such as wire clips. For example, the heating element may be laid into tile adhesive when a tile floor covering 11 is used.
In the examples discussed above, the controller 17 also acts as the power source for the underfloor heating mat 9, providing power to all of the connected cores 23, 25, 27 in the heating element 3. Power may be provided to the controller 17 from any suitable source, such as mains power, battery power, or power generated by solar, wind and the like.
It will be appreciated that in some examples, the power source may be independent of the controller 17. For example, the power source may provide power directly to the junction 15 or to the cold tail 13, and the controller 17 may operate switches provided at the junction 15 or cold tail 13 to toggle between the on and off state. This may the same or different to the switch 51 in the switching unit 36.
In examples where the switching unit 36 is separate from the controller 17, and the switch 51 is only operated manually, the controller 17 may be any suitable thermostat for use in an underfloor heating system 1.
In examples where the controller 17 incorporates the switching unit 36 and/or controls operation of the switch 51, the controller 17 may include the functionality of any suitable thermostat, in combination with the additional functionality.
In the above example, the controller 17 toggles each connected live core 25, 27 in the 10 heating element 3 between an on and an off state. In the on state, the same fixed current is provided to each core 25, 27. It will be appreciated that the controller may be arranged to provide different currents to each core. Furthermore, in some examples, the controller 17 may be arranged to vary the current provided to each live core 25, 27 to provide further levels of control for the underfloor heating system 1.
In the above example, the connection between different cores is formed by spliced technology such as crimping. It will be appreciated that any suitable splicing technique may be used. Furthermore, the connection may be formed in any other suitable means, such as terminal connections, plugs and sockets, soldering and the like. In other examples, splice less technologies may be used, such as varying the material properties of the core to change the resistance.

Claims (22)

  1. An underfloor heating system comprising:
    a heating element having two or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers; a power supply element having a live core, the live core arranged such that substantially no heat is generated when a current is passing through it, the power supply element for providing power to the heating element;
    a connector for coupling the power supply to the heating element, wherein the connector comprises means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, such that the one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation; and a controller arranged to switch on and off power provided through the live core of the power supply element and the one or more live core of the heating element heating element connected to the power supply element.
    The underfloor heating system of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a return core; wherein the heating element connects to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, the return core of the heating element is coupled to the two or more live cores of the heating element.
    The underfloor heating system of claim 2, wherein the power supply element includes a return core; and wherein the connector includes means for forming a connection between the return core of the heating element and the return core of the power supply element.
    The underfloor heating system of any preceding claim, wherein the connector includes:
    a conductor input; and two or more conductor outputs;
    wherein the live core of the power supply element is connected to the conductor input;
  2. 5 wherein each of the two or more live cores of the heating element is connected to one of the conductor outputs; and wherein the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element comprises means for selectively
    10 connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs.
    5. The underfloor heating system of claim 4, wherein the connector includes a multi-way switch for connecting the conductor input to one or more of the
    15 conductor outputs.
  3. 6. The underfloor heating system of claim 4, wherein the connector includes a plurality of conductor inputs, each conductor input connected to a different one of the first output or combination of the first outputs; and wherein the live core
    20 of the power supply element is coupled to a chosen conductor input.
  4. 7. The underfloor heating system of claim 6, wherein:
    a first conductor input is connected to a first conductor output; a second conductor input is connected to a second conductor output;
    25 and a third conductor input is connected to the first and second conductor output.
  5. 8. The underfloor heating system of any preceding claim, wherein the live core of
    30 the power supply element is connected to one or more of the live cores of the heating element, based on the floor covering to be provided in association with the underfloor heating system.
  6. 9. The underfloor heating system of any preceding claim, wherein the connector
    35 is provided underneath a floor covering or in a wall.
  7. 10. The underfloor heating system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller does not operate the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating
    5 element
  8. 11. The underfloor heating system of any preceding claim, wherein the heating element is provided in a mat.
    10
  9. 12. A heating element for use in the system of claims 1 to 11.
  10. 13. A connector arranged to be used in an underfloor heating system, the connector including means for forming a fixed connection between a live core of a power supply element and one or more live cores of a heating element having two or
    15 more live cores, such that the one or more live cores are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation
  11. 14. A method of providing an underfloor heating system comprising:
    providing an underfloor heating mat having a heating element with two 20 or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers;
    providing a power supply element having a live core, the live core arranged such that substantially no heat is generated when a current is
    25 passing through it, the power supply element for providing power to the heating element;
    selectively forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, based on a floor covering the system is to be used in conjunction with,
    30 such that the one or more live cores of the heating element are permanently coupled to the live core of the power supply element after installation; and providing a controller arranged to switch on and off power provided through the live core of the power supply element and the one or more live core of the heating element heating element connected to the power supply element.
    The method of claim 14, further including:
    providing a connector to form the fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element, wherein the connector comprises means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element.
    The method of claim 15, wherein the heating element comprises a return core; wherein the heating element connects to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, the return core of the heating element is coupled to the two or more live cores of the heating element.
    The method of claim 15or claim 16, wherein the connector includes: a conductor input; and two or more conductor outputs;
    wherein the means for forming a fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element comprises means for selectively connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs, and wherein the method comprises connecting the live core of the power supply element to the conductor input; and connecting each of the two or more live cores of the heating element to one of the conductor outputs.
    The method of claim 17, wherein the connector includes a multi-way switch for connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs, and the method includes actuating the switch for selectively connecting the conductor input to one or more of the conductor outputs to form the fixed connection between the live core of the power supply element and one or more live core of the heating element
  12. 19. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the connector includes a plurality
    5 of conductor inputs, each conductor input connected to a different one of the first output or combination of the first outputs; and wherein the live core of the power supply element is coupled to a chosen conductor input.
  13. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
    10 a first conductor input is connected to a first conductor output;
    a second conductor input is connected to a second conductor output; and a third conductor input is connected to the first and second conductor output.
  14. 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the heating element comprises a return core; wherein the heating element connects to the connector at a first end of the heating element; and wherein the method further includes:
    at a second end of the heating element, opposite the first, selectively 20 connecting the return core a defined one or more live cores; and at the first end of the heating element, connecting the defined one or more live cores to the live core of the power supply element.
  15. 22. The method of any of claims 14 to 21 including:
    25 forming an underfloor heating mat including at least the heating element; and installing the underfloor heating mat.
  16. 23. The method of claim 22, when dependent on claim 21, wherein the method
    30 includes:
    selectively connecting the return core to the defined one or more live cores; and forming the underfloor heating mat subsequent to connecting the return core.
  17. 24. The method of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the live core of the power supply element is connected to one or more of the live cores of the heating element, based on the floor covering to be provided in association with the underfloor heating system.
  18. 25. A method of operating an underfloor heating system, wherein the heating system comprises a heating element having two or more live cores arranged to provide heat when a current is passed through them, and having different resistances, such that the live cores provide different heating powers, the
    10 method comprising:
    receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the underfloor heating system;
    based on the identified floor covering, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating element.
  19. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein each live core of the heating element is either on or off.
  20. 27. The method of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the method includes:
    20 receiving a measured current temperature;
    receiving a set temperature; determining a temperature differences; and based on the identified floor covering and the temperature difference, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating
    25 element.
  21. 28. The method of claim 27, comprising:
    repeating the steps of receiving a measured temperature, and determining a temperature difference between the measured
    30 temperature; and based on the identified floor covering and the temperature difference, selectively activating one or more of the live cores of the heating element, such that a ramp rate of the underfloor heating system is controlled based on the type of flooring.
  22. 29.
    The method of any of claims 25 to 28, comprising:
    at installation, programming a controller controlling operating of the underfloor heating system such that the type of flooring is stored in a memory of the controller, wherein receiving an input identifying a type of floor covering associated with the underfloor heating system comprises retrieving the type of flooring from the memory.
    Intellectual
    Property
    Office
    Application No: GB1714156.5
GB1714156.5A 2016-09-06 2017-09-04 Underfloor heating Withdrawn GB2555925A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1615143.3A GB201615143D0 (en) 2016-09-06 2016-09-06 Underfloor heating

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201714156D0 GB201714156D0 (en) 2017-10-18
GB2555925A true GB2555925A (en) 2018-05-16

Family

ID=57139860

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1615143.3A Ceased GB201615143D0 (en) 2016-09-06 2016-09-06 Underfloor heating
GB1714156.5A Withdrawn GB2555925A (en) 2016-09-06 2017-09-04 Underfloor heating

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1615143.3A Ceased GB201615143D0 (en) 2016-09-06 2016-09-06 Underfloor heating

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201615143D0 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB988476A (en) * 1962-06-05 1965-04-07 Cufflin Holdings Ltd Underfloor electric heating system
DE2419262A1 (en) * 1974-04-22 1975-11-06 Wolfgang Hertel Compact floor heating cable - is formed by pairs of coils with inner ends joined together
GB1456684A (en) * 1974-01-14 1976-11-24 Thermonette Appliances Ltd Electrically-powered heating panels
DE102011103705A1 (en) * 2011-05-31 2012-12-06 Hemstedt GmbH Electric surface heating device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB988476A (en) * 1962-06-05 1965-04-07 Cufflin Holdings Ltd Underfloor electric heating system
GB1456684A (en) * 1974-01-14 1976-11-24 Thermonette Appliances Ltd Electrically-powered heating panels
DE2419262A1 (en) * 1974-04-22 1975-11-06 Wolfgang Hertel Compact floor heating cable - is formed by pairs of coils with inner ends joined together
DE102011103705A1 (en) * 2011-05-31 2012-12-06 Hemstedt GmbH Electric surface heating device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201615143D0 (en) 2016-10-19
GB201714156D0 (en) 2017-10-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR970010986B1 (en) Heating apparatus using ptc thermistor
CA2235697C (en) Heating apparatus
US2533409A (en) Electrical heating system
RU2496060C2 (en) Heating element
CN103216877A (en) Freely moved, assembled and disassembled floor heater
CN106716019A (en) Dynamic heating system
EP2530389A2 (en) Electric area heating device
GB2555925A (en) Underfloor heating
US2042742A (en) Electrical heating system for buildings
KR20060086061A (en) Boards for heating
CN101979925A (en) Electric underfloor heating system and operation control method
US20160313012A1 (en) Electrical heating apparatus, in particular underfloor heating
US7326881B2 (en) Floor heating system
DE19980229C1 (en) Heating panel for floors, ceilings and walls
CN204901869U (en) Multizone of electrified sub - temperature measurement adds thermoelectric terrine
JP3138382B2 (en) Dry double floor floor heating system
CN110701665A (en) Electric heating self-temperature-control heating module and manufacturing method and installation method thereof
RU2121772C1 (en) Wire system for heating of premises
RU108260U1 (en) FILM ELECTRIC HEATER
WO2011110832A1 (en) Control apparatus for electric heating devices and method of use thereof
CN210197434U (en) Independent temperature control geothermal floor
WO2013093494A1 (en) Component for a building
KR100999314B1 (en) Electric-wire connector for carbon pipe of electric heat
CA2889401A1 (en) Electrical heating apparatus, in particular underfloor heating
JPS60117036A (en) Split unit type floor heating system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)