Abstract

The paper presents an evaluation of a heating system installed in a church, focusing on the thermal comfort provided to both churchgoers and the interior finishes. Ensuring a comfortable environment is a critical objective for designers, particularly when considering both the well-being of occupants and the preservation of the building's aesthetic elements. The heating system utilizes hydronic radiators, and its performance is assessed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling. CFD simulations were conducted in Autodesk CFD, offering a detailed analysis of the system's efficiency and performance. The results highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks of using this heating system in a church setting. One advantage is that the hydronic radiators provide a steady, even distribution of heat, which is beneficial for maintaining a comfortable interior climate. However, challenges such as uneven heat distribution in larger spaces and potential energy inefficiencies were also identified. Alternative heating systems, such as underfloor heating or forced-air systems, could offer different benefits. Underfloor heating provides even heat distribution and can be less visually intrusive, while forced-air systems may have faster response times but might be less energy-efficient or effective in preserving the interior finishes. Each of these systems presents distinct trade-offs that must be carefully considered based on the church's specific needs, including comfort, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and preservation of the building's structure and decor.