Measuring Performance

Open Source Radiator Output Booster

Measuring Performance

There is a product already on the market, which formed the basis of my first prototype. Interestingly the product has not been physically tested as one would expect. There are claims that it increases radiator output, but no definitive numbers and no test certificates. As a building services engineer, to me this is a major flaw. I could not specify such a product for a client.

Demonstrating the performance of the OpenRadBooster is a major challenge. Currently my ideas are;

1. Calculate theoretical performance using heat transfer theory. Nusselt number etc. Not sure how accurate this will be due to the number of assumptions, but will give it a go.

2. Monitor room temperature against outdoor temp with an without the device running, analyse to determine any difference in heat up times etc. I have an openenergymonitor project underway which will soon allow me to monitor air temps through the house as well as external temp.

3. Monitor radiator temperature (flow, return and surface) to determine output difference with/without the device active. This is tricky due to untethered variables; boiler flow temp (varies according to water return temp) and room temp (increases as rad heats room but also affected by external temp, air movement through house and heat emitted by me!).

4. Measure air temperatures on and off the radiator. Find the flow rates of each fan. Use Q=mc*deltaT to estimate the heat transfer. 


5. Build a test rig. More research needed but suspect this will be mighty expensive, which would be a shame if it demonstrated that the device didn't work! Confidence building using 1-4 needed first.

What performance should I be looking for? I reckon I need to increase radiator output by at least 40% for the device to be feasible. E.g., a 1000W radiator increased to 1400W. That feels about right.