Heat balance (definition)

Heat balance — is a concept that reflects the balance between the incoming and outgoing thermal energy in a system. In the context heating systems and climate control heat balance helps determine how much heat is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature and operate the system efficiently.

Heat balance: basic principles and assessment methods

1. Heat loss:
   • Convective losses: Heat loss through air and surfaces such as windows, doors, walls and ceilings.
   • Heat transfer through walls: Heat lost through the structural elements of a building such as external walls, roof and floors.
   • Ventilation losses: Heat loss through ventilation and airing of the room.
   • Infiltration losses: Heat lost through minor leaks in a building's structure, such as cracks and crevices.
2. Heat inputs:
   • Heat from heating devices: Heat generated by boilers, radiators, convectors and other heating sources.
   • Solar heat: Energy coming from solar radiation through windows and other transparent surfaces.
   • Heat from household appliances: Energy emitted by household appliances, electronics and lighting.
   • Warmth from people: Heat generated by human bodies and their activities.

The main objectives of heat balance analysis are:

1. Optimization of the heating system: Correct calculation of the heat balance helps to determine how much energy is needed to maintain the set temperature and comfort. This allows you to optimize the operation of the heating system to minimize energy costs.
2. Effective design: When designing new buildings or heating systems, heat balance is used to calculate the required heating capacity and select the most efficient solutions.
3. Energy efficiency: Heat balance analysis helps identify sources of heat loss and potential opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, such as better insulation or ventilation optimization.

Principle of operation:

1. Measuring input energy: Identification of all sources of heat input into the system, such as heating appliances, solar radiation and household appliances.
2. Estimation of output energy: Measurement of all types of heat losses such as convective losses, losses through walls and ventilation.