Baseboard heaters are located directly beneath windows to prevent. the air cooled by the window from washing across the floor. It is difficult to judge the effectiveness of this orientation because air movement cannot. be accurately monitored at the low velocities associated with the bouyancy driven flow. This study used a scale model to simulate a room with baseboard heat. Airflow patterns were measured by full field flow visualization techniques. Temperature distributions in the model room were also measured. The results demonstrate that a single air circulation loop forms when the baseboard heater is continuously on or off, with the flow direction reversed between the two cases. The thermal stratification can be severe. For intermittent heater operation or continuous operation during extremely cold conditions, two circulation loops form that enhance air mixing in the room and reduce the thermal stratification.

Units: Dual