DiscreteHeat’s ThermaSkirt radiant heating system was chosen for a part new build, part renovation of a Secondary High School in Rostock, Germany.

The school was undertaking a major regeneration, and the local education Authority decided it should become an “Energie Plus” project; i.e. it generated more power and energy than it actually consumed.

To achieve this, the school was renovated using solar PV panels to the roof and front elevation, and 2 wind turbines. The school also became connected to the Municipal District Heating system, using warm water from the cooling system of the nearby power station.

Manufactured in the UK by DiscreteHeat Ltd, ThermaSkirt is a radiant heating system that is designed to replicate a skirting board trim or profile. Made from aluminium, the warm water from the primary heat source passes through integral tubes on the back of the profile. The front face then heats up and radiates heat from a low level all around the room.

This not only has the advantages of providing a very evenly distributed comfortable heat, it is also very responsive to the rapidly changing heat demands of a busy school. With very low water content compared to a radiator or even underfloor heating, it is an ideal emitter for use with renewable energy or low grade heat sources such as heat pumps.

ThermaSkirt.de suggested a new profile: Deco PR which has a unique centre mounting enabling a very quick installation. With stainless steel covers at the joints, it is a very durable and robust heating solution. Supplied in 6m lengths and cut on site, most walls are done in a single length, minimising joints for a clean, sleek, continuous emitter with no nooks or crannies for detritus to accumulate.

The ThermaSkirt system has been running for over 18 months without problem or incident.

With a flow temperature of only 45°C and a return of only 35°C, the ThermaSkirt system is still able to provide enough heat to comfortably warm the classrooms to the target temperature of 20°C, even in the winter months as Rostock is on the Baltic coast. However, being above ground, ThermaSkirt can operate at higher temperatures if it is ever required without the risk of damaging the floor as would be the case with UFH.