How to calculate floor heating flow
The flow calculation of the floor heating system is a key link to ensure heating effect and energy efficiency. Correct calculation of flow can help users optimize system operation and avoid energy waste. This article will introduce in detail the calculation method of floor heating flow and provide structured data for reference.
1. Basic concepts of floor heating flow

Floor heating flow refers to the amount of water passing through the floor heating pipe per unit time, usually in liters/minute (L/min) or cubic meters/hour (m³/h). The calculation of flow needs to comprehensively consider factors such as heating area, heat load, water temperature difference, etc.
2. Calculation formula of floor heating flow
The calculation formula for floor heating flow is as follows:
| parameters | symbol | unit |
|---|---|---|
| traffic | Q | m³/h |
| heat load | P | kW |
| Water temperature difference | ΔT | ℃ |
Calculation formula:Q = P / (4.18 × ΔT)
Among them, 4.18 is the specific heat capacity of water (kJ/kg·℃), and ΔT is the temperature difference between supply and return water, usually 10℃.
3. Examples of calculation steps
Assuming that the heat load of a certain room is 10kW and the temperature difference between supply and return water is 10°C, the flow rate is calculated as follows:
| steps | Calculation process | result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Q = 10 / (4.18 × 10) | 0.239 m³/h |
| 2 | Convert to L/min: 0.239 × 1000 / 60 | 3.98 L/min |
4. Factors affecting floor heating flow
1.Heating area: The larger the area, the greater the required flow rate.
2.heat load: When the heat load is high, the flow rate needs to be increased accordingly.
3.Pipe length: The longer the pipe, the greater the resistance and the flow rate may be reduced.
4.Water pump performance: The head and power of the water pump directly affect the flow rate.
5. The relationship between flow and system design
Proper floor heating system design should ensure that flow is evenly distributed to each circuit. The following is an example of flow distribution for a typical floor heating system:
| Loop number | Heating area (㎡) | Thermal load (kW) | Flow rate (L/min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 2 | 0.8 |
| 2 | 25 | 2.5 | 1.0 |
| 3 | 30 | 3 | 1.2 |
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What will be the impact of excessive traffic?
A1: Excessive flow will increase the energy consumption of the water pump and may cause noise and pipe wear.
Q2: How to adjust the flow?
A2: The flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the valve on the water collector or replacing the water pump.
Q3: What problems will insufficient traffic cause?
A3: Insufficient flow will lead to poor heating effect and some areas will not be hot.
7. Summary
The calculation of floor heating flow is an important part of system design and operation. Through reasonable calculation and adjustment, the efficient and stable operation of the floor heating system can be ensured. It is recommended that users consult professional technicians to ensure the accuracy of flow calculations when installing or debugging floor heating systems.
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