EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1264-3

NORME EUROPÉENNE

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EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2021

ICS 91.140.10 Supersedes EN 1264-3:2009

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English Version

Water based surface embedded heating and cooling

systems - Part 3: Dimensioning

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Systèmes de surfaces chauffantes et rafraîchissantes Raumflächenintegrierte Heiz- und Kühlsysteme mit
hydrauliques intégrées - Partie 3 : Dimensionnement Wasserdurchströmung - Teil 3: Auslegung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 12 April 2021.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references

member.
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concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
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Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
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EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

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COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1264-3:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

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Contents Page

European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3

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1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Heating systems ............................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Floor heating systems .................................................................................................................................... 5

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4.1.1 Basic principles ................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.1.2 Boundary conditions...................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1.3 Design .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
4.1.4 Peripheral areas ........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Ceiling heating systems.............................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1 Basic principles ............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.2 Boundary conditions................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.3
4.3
4.3.1
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Design ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Wall heating systems .................................................................................................................................. 13
Basic principles ............................................................................................................................................. 13
4.3.2 Boundary conditions................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.3 Design ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
5 Cooling systems ............................................................................................................................................ 14
5.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
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5.1.1 Basic principles ............................................................................................................................................. 14

5.1.2 Temperature differences .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.1.3 Regional dew point and standard indoor room temperature ..................................................... 14
5.1.4 Temperature difference between room and cooling water ......................................................... 15
5.1.5 Characteristic curves .................................................................................................................................. 15
5.1.6 Field of characteristic curves ................................................................................................................... 15
5.1.7 Limit curve ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
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5.1.8 Thermal insulation ...................................................................................................................................... 16

5.2 Design ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.1 Pressure loss .................................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2.2 Design specific cooling load ..................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.3 Determination of the design flow (inlet) temperature and the design specific
thermal output .............................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2.4 Determination of the design cooling water flow rate ..................................................................... 18
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Annex A (normative) Figures ................................................................................................................................ 19

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

European foreword

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This document (EN 1264-3:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 130 “Space
heating appliances without integral heat sources”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.

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This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2021, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2021.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of

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patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 1264-3:2009.

The main changes compared to the previous edition are listed below:

a) Clarification of the Scope;

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b) Improved wording, especially the term “prove method”;

c) Deletion of the Note in 4.1.2.2;

d) Addition of new subclauses 4.1.3.1, 4.2.3.1, 4.3.3.1 and 5.2.1.1 Pressure loss;

e) Modification of the maximum average surface temperature for ceiling heating systems in 4.2.1.4;
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f) Figures 1 and 3 replaced with Figures A.2 and A.3;

g) Correction of Formula (15) from 1/α = 0,009 3 (m2∙K)/W to 1/α = 0,092 6 (m2∙K)/W.

EN 1264, Water based surface embedded heating and cooling systems, consists of the following parts:

— Part 1: Definitions and symbols;

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— Part 2: Floor heating: Methods for the determination of the thermal output using calculations and
experimental tests;

— Part 3: Dimensioning;

— Part 4: Installation;
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— Part 5: Determination of the thermal output for wall and ceiling heating and for floor, wall and ceiling
cooling.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
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Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

1 Scope

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The EN 1264 series gives guidelines for surface embedded heating and cooling systems installed in
buildings, residential and non-residential (e.g. office, public, commercial and industrial buildings) and
focuses on systems installed for the purpose of thermal comfort.
The EN 1264 series gives guidelines for water based heating and cooling systems embedded into the

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enclosure surfaces of the room to be heated or to be cooled. It also specifies the use of other heating
media instead of water, as appropriate.
The EN 1264 series specifies standardized product characteristics by calculation and testing the
thermal output of heating for technical specifications and certification. For the design, construction and
operation of these systems, see EN 1264-3 and EN 1264-4 for the types A, B, C, D, H, I and J. For the

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types E, F and G, see the EN ISO 11855 series.
The systems specified in the EN 1264 series are adjoined to the structural base of the enclosure
surfaces of the building, mounted directly or with fixing supports. The EN 1264 series does not specify
ceiling systems mounted in a suspended ceiling with a designed open air gap between the system and
the building structure which allows the thermally induced circulation of the air. The thermal output of
these systems can be determined according to EN 14037 series and EN 14240.

EN 1264-5.
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EN 1264-3 specifies the use in practical engineering of the results coming from EN 1264-2 and

For heating systems, physiological limitations are taken into account when specifying the surface
temperatures. In the case of floor heating systems the limitations are realized by a design based on the
characteristic curves and limit curves determined in accordance with EN 1264-2.
For cooling systems, only a limitation with respect to the dew point is taken into account. In
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predominating practice, this means that physiological limitations are included as well.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1264-1:2021, Water based surface embedded heating and cooling systems — Part 1: Definitions and
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symbols

EN 1264-2:2021, Water based surface embedded heating and cooling systems — Part 2: Floor heating:
Methods for the determination of the thermal output using calculations and experimental tests

EN 1264-4:2021, Water based surface embedded heating and cooling systems — Part 4: Installation
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EN 1264-5:2021, Water based surface embedded heating and cooling systems — Part 5: Heating and
cooling surfaces embedded in floors, ceilings and walls — Determination of the thermal output

EN 12831 (all parts), Heating systems in buildings — Method for calculation of the design heat load
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EN 15243, Ventilation for buildings — Calculation of room temperatures and of load and energy for
buildings with room conditioning systems

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

3 Terms and definitions

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For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1264-1:2021 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp

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— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/

4 Heating systems
4.1 Floor heating systems

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4.1.1 Basic principles

4.1.1.1 Temperature difference between heating water and room

The temperature difference between the heating water and the room is calculated using Formula (1),
see also EN 1264-2. In this Formula, the effect of the temperature drop of the heating water is taken into
account.

∆ϑH =V
ϑ − ϑR
ϑ V − ϑi
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ln
ϑR − ϑ i

4.1.1.2 Characteristic curve

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The characteristic curve describes the relationship between the specific thermal output q of a system
and the required temperature difference between heating water and room ΔϑH. For a simplification, the
specific thermal output is taken directly proportional to the temperature difference, see Formula (2):
q = K H ⋅ ∆ϑH
(2)

where the gradient is the equivalent heat transmission coefficient determined according to EN 1264-2.
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4.1.1.3 Field of characteristic curves

The field of characteristic curves of a floor heating system with a specific pipe spacing T shall at least
contain the characteristic curves for values of the thermal resistance Rλ,B = 0 (m2∙K)/W,
Rλ,B = 0,05 (m2∙K)/W, Rλ,B = 0,10 (m2∙K)/W and Rλ,B = 0,15 (m2∙K)/W in accordance with EN 1264-2
(see Figure A.1, in Annex A). Values of Rλ,B > 0,15 (m2∙K)/W shall not be used if possible.
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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.1.1.4 Limit curves

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The limit curves in the field of characteristic curves describe in accordance with EN 1264-2 the
relationship between the specific thermal output q and the temperature difference ΔϑH between the
heating water and the room in the case where the physiologically agreed limit values of surface
temperatures ϑF,max = 29 °C (occupied area) or ϑF,max = 35 °C (peripheral area) are reached 1. For

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bathrooms (ϑI = 24 °C) the limit curve for (ϑF,max − ϑi) = 9 K also applies. For design purposes, i.e. the
determination of design values of the specific thermal output and the associated temperature difference
between heating water and room, the limit curves are valid for the temperature drop σ of the heating
water in a range of:
0K<σ≤5K

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The limit curves are used to specify the maximum permissible flow temperature (see 4.1.3.2 and
Figure A.2).
4.1.1.5 Thermal inertia

The difference between the minimum and the maximum surface temperature of a floor heating system
is low. This means for design purposes that no consideration of thermal inertia is required.
4.1.2 Boundary conditions

4.1.2.1 Flow pipes to adjacent rooms

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The heat output of service pipes, not serving rooms through which they pass, shall be limited by careful
design, or by use of thermal insulation coverings, so that any room temperature should not be increased
substantially. The heat output of service pipes passing through the room in question to adjacent rooms
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is taken into account if the same type of room usage can be assumed.
4.1.2.2 Thermal insulation

To limit the heat flow through the floor to rooms below, the required thermal resistance of the
insulating layer Rλ,ins (see Figure A.3) shall be at minimum in accordance with of EN 1264-4 2, Table 1. It
is calculated according to Formula (3).
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s ins
R λ , ins = (3)
λ ins

where

sins is the thickness of the insulating layer in m;

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λins is the thermal conductivity of the insulating layer in W/(m∙K).

Depending on the construction of the floor heating system, the effective thickness of the insulating layer
sins is determined differently.
For floor heating systems with flat thermal insulating panels (see Figure 1), sins is identical with the
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thickness of the thermal insulating panel.

1 National regulations may limit these temperatures to lower values.

2 National regulations may vary the requirements given in Table 1 of EN 1264-4.

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

For floor heating systems with profiled thermal insulating panels (see Figure 3), a surface-related
weighted calculation is made for the effective thickness of the insulating layer sins:

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s ins =
( )
sh ⋅ T − D + sl ⋅ D
T (4)

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For profiled thermal insulating panels shaped differently from that shown in Figure 3, the average
effective thickness of the insulating layer shall be calculated with an accordant application of
Formula (4).

The thermal resistance Rλ,ins of the insulating layers of the heating/cooling system shall be calculated as

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reported in EN 1264-4:2021, Table 1.
This calculation can be done with the assumption that the thermal insulation is continuous parallel to
the pipes. For floor heating systems with thermal insulation panels with studs according to Figure 2
(Type A and Type C systems), only the flat part of the panel (without studs) shall be considered in
calculation of sins.

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Figure 1 — Average thickness of insulating layer flat insulating panels

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

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Key
1 floor covering
2 weight bearing and thermal diffusion layer
3 thermal insulation with studs
4 acoustic insulation (if present)
5 structural base
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6 pipes

Figure 2 — Type A and Type C System with studs

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Key
1 floor covering
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2 weight bearing and thermal diffusion layer

3 thermal insulation
4 heat diffusion device
5 structural base

Figure 3 — Average thickness of insulating for layer for profiled insulating panels

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.1.3 Design

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4.1.3.1 Pressure loss

The maximum pressure loss per heating circuit should be minimized in order to limit the electrical
power consumption of the pump, e.g. by hydronic balancing (see EN 1264-4:2021, 4.1). It should not

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exceed 350 mbar.
4.1.3.2 Design specific thermal output

The design value qdes to design a floor heating system for a room is equal to the standard heat load QN,f
(see EN 1264-1) divided by the heating surface AF:

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Q N, f
q des =
AF
(5)

The standard heat load QN,f shall be calculated in accordance with EN 12831 (all parts). Normally, the
heat output QF of the floor heating system shall be equivalent to the standard heat load QN,f. If this is not
possible, additional heating surfaces shall be used, see Formula (12).

Q F= q ⋅ AF
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The design thermal output QF of the entire heating surface AF is calculated using Formula (6):

(6)

Where peripheral area is used, q shall be distributed between the peripheral area AR and the occupied
area AA according to a surface weighted calculation, see Formula (7) (see also 4.1.4):
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AR AA
q= ⋅ qR + ⋅ qA
AF AF
(7)

where
qA is the specific thermal output of the occupied area;
qR is the specific thermal output of the peripheral area.
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4.1.3.3 Determination of the design flow temperature

The design flow temperature is determined for the room (or the rooms respectively) with the maximum
specific thermal output qmax = qdes (excluding bathrooms). In the rooms being heated, it is assumed that
floor coverings with a uniform thermal conduction resistance are used. Generally for the design of floor
heating systems in residential rooms, uniform floor coverings with Rλ,B = 0,10 (m2⋅K)/W are assumed.
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In the case of using higher values Rλ,B, these values shall be taken.
For the room used for design, the temperature drop of the heating water is specified to σ ≤ 5 K. If
necessary, a subdivision of this room into heating circuits should be performed. Under these conditions,
the maximum value qmax may reach until the limit value qG of the specific thermal output (see
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Figure A.2) 3.

3 This means that above the flow pipe the maximum floor temperature ϑF,max can be exceeded compared with
the centre of the room, corresponding to the higher heating water temperature by σ/2.

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

For the room with qmax, a pipe spacing is chosen with which qmax remains less or equal to the limit
value qG (qmax ≤ qG, see Figure A.2). For this, small pipe spacing is recommended. In case of qmax ≤ qG,

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design values of the temperature difference between flow heating water and room
ΔϑV,des ≤ ΔϑH,G + 2,5 K are permitted (see Figure A.2). The maximum permissible temperature
difference between flow and room comes to:

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σ
∆ϑ V ,des = ∆ϑH,des +   
where ∆ϑH,des ≤ ∆ϑH,G (8)
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Formula (8) applies if σ/ΔϑH ≤ 0,5. If σ/ΔϑH > 0,5, Formula (9) applies:

σ σ2

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∆ϑ V ,des =∆ϑH,des + + (9)
2 12 ⋅ ∆ϑH,des

The temperature drop σ in Formula (8) and in Formula (9), in Figure A.2 is designated σdes.
The result of Formula (8) or Formula (9) provides the design flow temperature ϑV,des = ΔϑV,des + ϑi.
For all other rooms operated at the same flow temperature ϑV,des, for σ/ΔϑH,j ≤ 0,5 the associated the

Figure A.2) or calculated according to Formula (10):

σj
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temperature drops σj of the heating water are taken from the field of characteristic curves (see

= ∆ϑ V ,des − ∆ϑH, j (10)

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using the temperature differences ΔϑH,j corresponding to the respective values of the specific thermal
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output qj (see Figure A.2).

For σ/ϑH,j > 0,5 the temperature drop σj has to be calculated using Formula (11):

 1 


σ j = 3 ⋅ ∆ϑH, j ⋅  1 +
(
4 ⋅ ∆ϑ V ,des − ∆ϑH, j ) 2



(11)
3 ⋅ ∆ϑH, j  − 1
 
 
 
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 

Formulae (8) and (10) are the result of simplifications and therefore valid only under the specified
condition σ/ΔϑH ≤ 0,5. Compared to this, Formulae (9) and (11) generally are applicable, i.e. for any
relationship σ/ΔϑH.
If the value qdes according to Formula (5) under the aforementioned conditions cannot be obtained by
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any pipe spacing, it is recommended to include a peripheral area or to provide supplementary heating
surfaces. The supplementary heating surfaces shall be selected to suit the purpose and the location. The
additional required thermal output Qout is determined with Formula (12):

Q=
out Q N, f − Q F
(12)
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In this case, the maximum specific thermal output qmax now may occur in another room.

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.1.3.4 Heating Mode — Determination of the water flow rate

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The total thermal output of a floor heating system is composed of the specific thermal output q and the
downward heat loss qU, see EN 1264-2:2021, Clause 8. The design heating water flow rate mH of a
heating circuit is calculated using Formula (13):
AF ⋅ q  

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R ϑ − ϑu
m
= H ⋅ 1 + o + i 
σ ⋅ c W  Ru q ⋅ Ru 
 (13)

where (also see Figure A.3):

cW specific heat capacity of water; cW = 4 190 J/(kg⋅K) 4;

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Ro upwards partial heat transmission resistance of the floor structure (see Formula (14));
Ru downwards partial heat transmission resistance of the floor structure (see Formula (15));
ϑi standard indoor room temperature in accordance with EN 1264-2;
ϑu indoor temperature of a room under the floor heated room.

1
R o = + R λ ;B + u
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With respect to the thermal resistances indicated in Figure A.3, Formula (14) and (15) are valid:
s
(14)
α λu

Ru =
R λ , ins + R λ ,ceiling + R λ , plaster + Rα ,ceiling (15)
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where
1/α is the heat transfer resistance on the heating floor surface; 1/α = 0,092 6 (m2∙K)/W;
Rα;ceiling is the heat transfer resistance on the ceiling under the floor heated room;
Rα;ceiling = 0,17 (m2⋅K)/W.
NOTE The calculation procedure above described on the basis of Figure A.3 is to understand as a principle
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one. For other structures, an appropriate modification can be necessary.

4.1.4 Peripheral areas

Peripheral areas AR, with an increased surface temperature (up to a maximum of 35 °C) are generally
situated along the outer walls of a room with a maximum width of 1 m. As described in 4.1.3, design of
peripheral areas is based on the higher limit curve (ϑF,max − ϑi) = 15 K (see Figure A.1). In case a series
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circuit is formed with a heating circuit in the occupied area, the temperature drop in the peripheral area
shall be selected, so that the flow temperature, calculated from the lower limit curve, is not exceeded by
entry of the heating water from the peripheral area into the occupied area.
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4 Using this value together with q in W/m2 in Formula (13), m is provided in kg/s.
H

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.2 Ceiling heating systems

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4.2.1 Basic principles

4.2.1.1 Temperature difference between heating water and room

For ceiling heating systems, the specifications and Formula (1) given in 4.1.1.1 apply.

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4.2.1.2 Characteristic curve

For ceiling heating systems, Formula (2) and the respective specifications given in 4.1.1.2, apply. The
gradient KH is determined according to EN 1264-2 and EN 1264-5. For detailed information about the
procedure, see EN 1264-5.

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4.2.1.3 Field of characteristic curves

In principle, the specifications given in 4.1.1.3 also apply. With respect to the calculation method (see
EN 1264-5), the field of characteristic curves should contain the values of Rλ,B specified in 4.1.1.3, even
though not all together are needed for practical application.
4.2.1.4 Limit curve
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Physiological limitations concerning the surface temperatures of ceiling heating systems depend on
geometrical conditions, i.e. in practice on the respective application. Therefore, in this document only
average conditions can be taken into consideration. Consequently, it is emphasized, in practical
engineering the real conditions shall be taken into account.
For rooms with a height ≤ 2,7 m, the average surface temperature (see EN 1264-1:2020, 3.4.2) should
not exceed ϑF,m = 33 °C. As a result, the limit curve within the field of characteristic curves is a
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horizontal straight line in the distance qG (see below).

Using the heat transfer coefficient α = 6,5 W/(m2∙K) coming from EN 1264-5, the limit of the specific
output at a room temperature of 20 °C results to:
qG = 85 W/m2 (rounded)

At room heights > 2,7 m the average surface temperature of the heated ceiling can be increased. If
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values ϑF,m > 33 °C are used, the compliance with physiological limitations should be proved. In general,
refer to EN ISO 7730.
4.2.2 Boundary conditions

4.2.2.1 Flow pipes to adjacent rooms

The same procedure described in 4.1.2.1 applies.

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4.2.2.2 Thermal insulation

To limit the heat flow through the ceiling to rooms above, the required thermal resistance of the
insulating layer Rλ,ins (in principle see Figure A.3) shall be at minimum in accordance with
EN 1264-4:2021, Table 1.
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As for the rest, the content of 4.1.2.2 applies accordingly.

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.2.3 Design

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4.2.3.1 Pressure loss

The maximum pressure loss per heating circuit should not exceed 250 mbar in order to limit the
electrical power consumption of the pump, e.g. by hydronic balancing (see EN 1264-4:2021, 4.1).

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4.2.3.2 Design specific thermal output

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.2 accordingly.

4.2.3.3 Determination of the design flow temperature

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.3 accordingly. In the case of operating with

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floor heating connected in parallel and using uniform flow temperature, the flow temperature of the
floor heating system shall be used.
4.2.3.4 Determination of the water flow rate

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.4 accordingly taking into account the
reversed position of the structure shown in Figure A.3 and the changes of the transfer resistances on
the surfaces as follows:
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1/α is the heat transfer resistance on the heating ceiling surface; 1/α = 0,154 (m2∙K)/W;
Rα;ceiling is replaced by Rα;floor, the heat transfer resistance on the floor above the ceiling heated room;
Rα;floor = 0,10 (m2∙K)/W.
4.3 Wall heating systems
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4.3.1 Basic principles

NOTE The test results coming from EN 1264-2 and EN 1264-5 are valid for wall heating systems where the
respective wall is fully covered with the heating surface. But the accuracy is also sufficient for cases where the wall
is partially covered.

The descriptions given for ceiling heating systems (see 4.2.1.1 through 4.2.1.3) also apply for wall
heating systems (in the respective wordings replace “ceiling heating” by “wall heating”).
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Concerning the limit curve depending on physiological considerations, refer in principle to the first
statement in 4.2.1.4. For wall heating systems the average surface temperature (see EN 1264-1:2021,
3.4.2) should not exceed ϑF,m = 40 °C. As a result, the limit curve within the field of characteristic curves
is a horizontal straight line in the distance qG (see below).

Using the heat transfer coefficient α = 8 W/(m2∙K) coming from EN 1264-5, the limit of the specific
output at a room temperature of 20 °C results to:
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qG = 160 W/m2

If values ϑF,m > 40 °C are used, the compliance with physiological limitations shall be proved. In general,
refer to EN ISO 7730.
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4.3.2 Boundary conditions

4.3.2.1 Flow pipes to adjacent rooms

The same procedure described in 4.1.2.1 applies.

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

4.3.2.2 Thermal insulation

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To limit the heat flow through the wall to rooms adjacent or to the external environs, the required
thermal resistance of the insulating layer Rλ,ins (in principle see Figure A.3) shall be at least in
accordance with EN 1264-4:2021, Table 1.
As for the rest, the contents of 4.1.2.2 apply accordingly.

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4.3.3 Design

4.3.3.1 Pressure loss

The maximum pressure loss per heating circuit should not exceed 250 mbar in order to limit the

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electrical power consumption of the pump, e.g. by hydronic balancing (see EN 1264-4:2021, 4.1).
4.3.3.2 Design specific thermal output

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.2 accordingly.

4.3.3.3 Determination of water flow temperature

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.3 accordingly. In the case of operating with

floor heating system shall be used.

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floor heating connected in parallel and using uniform flow temperature, the flow temperature of the

4.3.3.4 Determination of the design heating water flow rate

It is recommended to apply the procedure described in 4.1.3.4 accordingly taking into account the
changed position of the structure shown in Figure A.3 and the changes of the transfer resistances on the
surfaces as follows:
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1/α is the heat transfer resistance on the heating wall surface; 1/α = 0,125 (m2⋅K)/W;
Rα;ceiling is replaced by Rα;back, the heat transfer resistance on the surface of the back side of the wall;

Rα;back = 0,13 (m2⋅K)/W, in case of adjacent rooms;

Rα;back = 0,04 (m2⋅K)/W, in case of outside environments.

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5 Cooling systems
5.1 General
5.1.1 Basic principles

The content of the following clauses, for cooling systems embedded in floors, ceilings and walls apply.
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5.1.2 Temperature differences

Temperature differences are formulated in such a manner that the thermal output gets positive sign; i.e.
cooling output and heating output are not distinguished by sign.
5.1.3 Regional dew point and standard indoor room temperature
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Cooling systems shall operate within a temperature range above the dew point ϑDp. A regional dew
point ϑDp,R shall be specified depending on the respective climatic conditions. In this document the
default value is ϑDp,R0 = 18 °C, corresponding with an air moisture content of x = 13 g/kg. If for design
other regional values ϑDp,R are applicable or design values ϑDp,des are set (for instance if air is
dehumidified), these values shall be used (see 5.2.3.2).

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

In this document for cooling systems the standard indoor room temperature is specified to ϑI = 26 °C. If
other values are designed, these shall be taken into consideration.

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5.1.4 Temperature difference between room and cooling water

The temperature difference ΔϑC between room and cooling water is calculated using Formula (16),

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corresponding with the procedure for heating systems, i.e. the effect of the temperature increase of the
cooling water is taken into account as well.
ϑC,out − ϑC, in
∆ϑC = (16)
ϑC, in − ϑ i
ln
ϑC,out − ϑ i

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where
ϑC,out is the outlet (return) temperature of the cooling water;
ϑC,in is the inlet (flow) temperature of the cooling water;
ϑi is the standard indoor room temperature, ϑI = 26 °C.
5.1.5 Characteristic curves
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The characteristic curve describes the relationship between the specific thermal output qC of cooling
systems and the required temperature difference ΔϑC between room and cooling water. For
simplification, the specific thermal output is taken directly proportional to the temperature difference,
see Formula (17):
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q = K H ⋅ ∆ϑC
(17)

where the gradient KH (same designation as for heating systems) is provided as a combined result
coming from EN 1264-2 and EN 1264-5. Detailed information about the procedure, see EN 1264-5.
5.1.6 Field of characteristic curves
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In principle, the specifications given in 4.1.1.3 for floor heating systems also apply accordingly. With
respect to the calculation method (see EN 1264-5), the field of characteristic curves should contain the
values of Rλ,B specified in 4.1.1.3, even though not all together are needed for practical application.
5.1.7 Limit curve

For cooling systems the dew point limits the temperature of the cooling water on the regional value
ϑC,des = ϑDp,R or on other design values ϑDp,des. As a result, the limit curve within the field of
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characteristic curves is a vertical straight line in a distance of ∆ϑC,des from the ordinate, depending on
the set dew point.
The above description is a principle one. In practice, the inlet temperature ϑC,in of the cooling water,
that is the lowest system temperature, has to be limited. Depending on the design, therefore the real
limit curves result a little bit lower (see 5.2.2).
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It can be assumed that fulfilling of the dew point limitation satisfies physiological limitations as well.
This shall be proved in special cases.

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

5.1.8 Thermal insulation

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For basic information, see 4.1.2.2. The thermal resistance Rλ,ins of the insulation layer is recommended
in accordance with EN 1264-4:2021, Table 1.
5.2 Design

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5.2.1 Pressure loss

The maximum pressure loss per cooling circuit should be minimized in order to limit the electrical
power consumption of the pump, e.g. by hydronic balancing (see EN 1264-4:2021, 4.1). It should not
exceed 350 mbar.

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5.2.2 Design specific cooling load

In principle, the procedure described in 4.1.3.1 applies, where QN,f has to be replaced by the standard
cooling load QC,f. The standard cooling load shall be calculated in accordance with EN 15243. The result
according to Formula (5) is denominated as designed specific cooling load qC,Ld,des.
5.2.3 Determination of the design flow (inlet) temperature and the design specific thermal
output

5.2.3.1 General
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For the following descriptions it is presumed, a dew point sensor is installed on a suitable place in order
to limit the inlet water temperature ϑC,in. This means, operation only takes place in the range
ϑC,in > ϑDp,des.
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where
ϑC,in is the cooling water inlet temperature;
ϑDp,des is the design dew point.
The procedure described in 5.2.3.2 is based on the case where design dew point is equal regional dew
point, i.e ϑDp,des = ϑDp,R0, where ϑDp,R0 is set equal 18 °C (see 5.1.3). But for other values ϑDp,R or ϑDp,des
respectively, the procedure also applies if the following modification is carried out:
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Modification for ϑDp,des ≠ ϑDp,R0 or ϑDp,R ≠ ϑDp,R0:

Calculate the difference ∆ϑDp = ϑDp,des − ϑDp,R0 or ∆ϑDp = ϑDp,R − ϑDp,R0 respectively, and in 5.2.3.2
replace the term ΔϑC,N by ΔϑC,N − ∆ϑDp.
5.2.3.2 Design based on standard water temperature difference ΔϑC,N and calculation of the
general design flow (inlet) temperature ϑC,in,des
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In accordance with EN 1264-5, the standard temperature difference between the room and the average
cooling water temperature is ΔϑC,N = 8 K. It should be noticed that this value is set with regard to the
regional dew point ϑDp,R0. Design based on standard water temperature difference means, ΔϑC,N is used
with the characteristic curve of the respective cooling system to get the design specific thermal output
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qC,des.
It shall be allowed to use this value ΔϑC,N for design if the design temperature increase
σC = (ϑC,out − ϑC,in) does not exceed 2 K (σC ≤ 2 K). Including for design the range ∆ϑC,des ≤ ∆ϑC,N, this
leads to Formula (18):

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

σ
∆ϑC, in,des = ∆ϑC,des + C where ∆ϑC,des ≤ ∆ϑC,N (18)

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2

where
∆ϑC,des is the design temperature difference between room temperature and average temperature of

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the cooling water.
Formula (18) specifies the range:
σ
∆ϑC, in,des ≤ ∆ϑC,N + C (19)
2

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where
∆ϑC,in,des is the design temperature difference between room temperature and inlet temperature of
the cooling water.
Formulae (18)/19) are valid for σC/ΔϑC ≤ 0,5.
For the design inlet temperature, Formula (20) applies:
∆ϑC, in,des= ϑ i − ∆ϑC, in,des de
which results in the final Formula (21) for the possible range of the design inlet temperature:
(20)

 σC 
ϑC, in,des ≥ ϑ i −  ∆ϑC,N +  (21)
 2 

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where ϑI = 26 °C.
As a result, for cooling systems limited by a dew point for example ϑDp,des = 18 °C, the possible range for
the design inlet temperature is given by:
for example 1: ϑC,in,des ≥ 17 °C

As a result, for cooling systems limited by a dew point for example ϑDp,des = 17 °C, the possible range for
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the design inlet temperature is given by:

for example 2: ϑC,in,des ≥ 16 °C

The procedure above allows designing the inlet temperature to remain up to 1 K below the design dew
point. In case the design dew point really is reached, the dew point sensor prevents to reach this lower
temperature. In this case it means only a lower maximum average value ΔϑC < ΔϑC,des can be reached,
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i.e. ΔϑC = ΔϑC,des − σC/2. Under these conditions, a restricted decrease of the respective thermal output
occurs which shall be tolerated.
It shall be noticed that a lower inlet temperature range than calculated with the procedure above
cannot be reached. Therefore a result obtained above for the design inlet temperature ϑC,in,des is a
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general one and shall unchanged be used for design with values σC > 2 K, see below.

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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

5.2.3.3 General design, especially design with higher values σC

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The results of 5.2.3.2 are presumed.
For higher values σC > 2 K the result of Formulae (20)/21) for the inlet temperature remains valid. The
design inlet temperature ϑC,in,des presumed, the further calculation concerns the determination of the
average temperature difference ∆ϑC,des. But in the case σC > 2 K for design, the standard temperature

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difference ΔϑC,N cannot longer be used. In this case and generally, if in the range of Formula (20)/21)
any value for the design inlet temperature ϑC,in,des is set, the design average cooling water temperature
difference ΔϑC,des is calculated with Formula (22):

 

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σ σ C2
∆ϑC,des =
∆ϑC, in,des −  C +  (22)
 2
 (
12 ⋅ ∆ϑC, in,des − σ C / 2 ) 



which is valid for any relation σC/ΔϑC.

Using the characteristic curve, from ΔϑC,des results the corresponding design specific thermal output
qC,des. Comparison with the specific cooling load qC,Ld,des (see 5.2.1) clarifies the degree of load
accomplishment. de
The procedure above described shall be carried out for all room circuits which are operated at the same
design inlet temperature ϑC,in,des.
5.2.4 Determination of the design cooling water flow rate

The respective Formula (13) of 4.1.3.3 is changed in:

nto

AF ⋅ qC,des  R ϑ − ϑi 
mC
= ⋅ 1 + o + u 
σ C ⋅ cW   Ru q ⋅ Ru 
 (23)

For the rest, the procedure of 4.1.3.3 should be used accordingly.

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

Annex A
(normative)

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Figures

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Key
q specific thermal output
ΔϑH temperature difference between heating water and room
1 limit curves
a peripheral area
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b occupied area
2 characteristic curves

Figure A.1 — Field of characteristic curves for T = constant with limit curves included
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EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

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Figure A.2 — Determination of the design temperature difference ΔϑH,des between flow and
room, and temperature drop σj for the other rooms
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Figure A.3 — Model of a floor construction with floor heating system installed

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 EN 1264-3:2021 (E)

Bibliography

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[1] EN ISO 11855 (all parts), Building environment design — Design, dimensioning, installation and
control of embedded radiant heating and cooling systems

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[2] EN 14037 (all parts), Free hanging heating and cooling surfaces for water with a temperature
below 120 °C

[3] EN 14240, Ventilation for buildings - Chilled ceilings — Testing and rating

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[4] EN ISO 7730, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Analytical determination and
interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal
comfort criteria (ISO 7730:

[5] ISO 18566 (all parts), Building environment design — Design, test methods and control of hydronic
radiant heating and cooling panel systems

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