i n d o o r c l i m at e

technical guideline

Uponor Gypsum Panel

Heating and cooling

Introduction

Some European countries are now

examining and discussing the use
of air-conditioning systems in
buildings from the point of view of
the amount of energy consumed
and the high costs involved. The
amount of energy consumed for
cooling purposes has a significant
impact on annual budget figures.
There is no doubt that airconditioning systems can provide
better working conditions and thus
aid productivity. There are however
numerous examples of problems
caused by excessively fast air-flow
and by over-noisy air-conditioning
systems.
One of the most common
misunderstandings about the "air
only" systems is to see them as
solutions to create overall comfort.
These systems neither heat nor cool
buildings. They treat the air, and, as
our bodies lose more heat than they
can generate, we feel cold.

Hydronic heating/cooling systems

with radiant surfaces provide an
alternative to the air only system
for heating and cooling and can
offer significant advantages.
With Uponor Gypsum panel, energy
is exchanged between surfaces and
the surrounding areas by radiation
and there is no air movement
involved.
The temperature of the water in the
radiant panels is between 16 and
18C in cooling mode and between
35 and 40C in heating mode.
The absence of radiators, fan coils
or other cumbersome devices
means complete freedom in terms
of layout and furnishing and allows
all available space to be utilised to
its full potential.

Radiant systems also minimise heat

loss that, apart from saving energy,
have a significant impact
on running costs.
The moderate temperature of the
water feeds the radiant surfaces
makes them particularly suitable
to be combined with condensing
boilers, heat pumps, solar panels
and other alternative sources of
energy.
Apart from benefits to the
environment, potential savings
increase to 15-20%.
Uponor sees responsibility towards
the environment as of immense
importance and believes this
commitment can be seen in the
choices a company makes in
choosing energy saving systems
that respect the environment and
the well-being of those that use
them.

Uponor Gypsum Panel

General information
Uponor Gypsum Panel Heating and
Cooling System have an integrated
suspended ceiling support system
and include Uponor Gypsum Panel
active and passive panels and
components.
Uponor Gypsum Panel come with
pre-fitted Uponor PE-Xa piping
with integral oxygen diffusion
barrier.
The body of an active panel is
made from reinforced 15mm
fireproofed plasterboard with an
EPS thermal insulation panel that
improves performance and favours
the dispersal of heat into the
atmosphere while inhibiting heat
loss.

EPS 200 insulation, 27 mm

Uponor EvalPex pipe, 9,9 x1,1 mm

Reinforced plasterboard, 15 mm

The panels come in three sizes:

1200x2000 mm, 1200x1000 mm,
1200x500 mm.
Passive panels are identical but
without the piping and measure
1200x1200 mm. They can be cut
to suit varying needs and serve to
optimise material waste.

Uponor Gypsum Panel include

Uponor EvalPex 9.9x1.1mm piping
with integral oxygen diffusion barrier for mating
with Uponor Q&E couplings: the ideal solution
for high performance with complete safety.

PE-Xa (reticulated polyethylene)

Adhesive layer
EVOH Oxygen diffusion barrier

Uponor Q&E
This outstanding patented
connection system is the result of
excellent research and development
work. A connection is made with the
Uponor Wirsbo PE-Xa pipe with a
pre-fitted reinforcing ring by using
specific Uponor cold expansion
equipment.
On completion, the pipe and
ring return to their original sizes
thus permanently tightening the
connection. The thermal memory of
PE-Xa ensures a perfect seal.

Uponor Q&E was specially designed

for Uponor Wirsbo PE-Xa pipes
made of reticulated polyethylene
manufactured using the Engel
method.

Thanks to excellent production

quality and to their specific thermal
memory, Uponor Wirsbo PE-Xa pipes
can cope with significant degrees of
expansion yet return to their original
shape while not losing any of their
thermal or mechanical properties.
Fitting connectors calls for
the specific use of a tool to expand
the pipe. No such tool is needed
however when fitting a connector
to a pipe and this makes working
in awkward or cramped conditions
much less problematic.
The connectors do not need O-rings
as the design incorporates a collet
that mates with the pipe surface
thus creating a perfect seal between
the brass joint and the reticulated
polyethylene pipe.

Benefits
Advanced technology and
high performance
Even temperature distribution in
both summer and winter.
Reaction to fire B-s1, d0 (tested
in compliance with Standard EN
13501-1:2007).
Uponor EvalPex pipes are manufactured in compliance with DIN
standard 16892/93 with oxygen
diffusion barrier meeting DIN
4726.

Energy savings and reduced

maintenance costs
Lower running costs than all-air
conditioning systems.
Moderate water temperatures in
summer and winter allow the use
of alternative energy sources.
No maintenance required.
Building integration
Reliable, quick and easy to install.
Easily integrated with other systems
(mechanical ventilation, lighting,
fire-fighting etc).
Excellent for both new and refurbished buildings.
Can be fitted in areas used for differing purposes.

Comfort
Even temperature distribution in
both summer and winter.
Heating and cooling performance
tested in compliance with EN 14240
and EN 14037 European Standards.
Rapid response favoured by light
construction.
Low level convection, little movement of air.
Completely silent (no fan noise).
Free interior design
Absence of external components.
Perfect integration with any type of
interior design.

Technical data
Technical informations and dimensions
Uponor Gypsum Panel
Application Ceiling
Components
Plasterboard, EPS, PE-Xa piping
Weight
kg/m2
13.5
Weight, panel with water
kg/panel (2000x1200)
34,6
Metres of pipe /m2
m/m2 20
Pipe/panel (2000x1200)
m 20,5+21,4
Pipe/panel (1000x1200)
m
19,9
Pipe/panel (500x1200)
m
9,9
Water/panel (2000x1200)
kg
1.8
Water/panel (1000x1200)
kg
0.9
Water/panel (500x1200)
kg
0.4
Max pressure
Bar
6
Operating range
C
15-40
Total thickness
mm
42
Reaction to fire EN 13501-1
B-s1, d0
Material (Slab)
Fibre-reinforced plasterboard
Material (EPS)
PS200 (Density 30kg/m3)
Thickness (Slab)
mm
15
Thickness (EPS)
mm 27
Thermal conductivity (Slab)
W/mK
0.21
Thermal conductivity (EPS)
W/mK
0.033
Sizes
mm x mm 2000x1200 1000x1200 500x1200
Piping
Material
External diameter
mm
Internal diameter
mm
Pitch
mm

PE-Xa, (EvalPex)
9.9x1.1
7.7
50

Specifications
Uponor Gypsum Panel for heating and cooling rooms with suspended ceilings.
A Ceiling Slab is made up of a layer of 15mm reinforced plasterboard, 27mm of expanded polystyrene (EPS200) and
Uponor Evalex (PE-Xa) 9.9x1.1mm piping built into the panel.
Uponor Gypsum Panels are B-s1, d0 reaction to fire according to EN 13501-1 and come in the following sizes:
1200x2000 mm, 1200x1000 mm and 1200x500 mm.
Distribution lines between panels should be made with Uponor PePex (PE-Xa) 20x2 mm pre-insulated (13mm) piping.
All joints are made using the Uponor Q&E System.
Installations may call for the use of passive panels that are identical to the active panels except they have no piping.
These passive panels measure 1200x2000 mm and can be cut as required.

Main components in Uponor Gypsum Panel

Uponor Gypsum Panel

active panel
500/1000/2000
x1200mm

Uponor Gypsum Panel

passive panel
2000x1200mm

Uponor Q&E fittings

Uponor pre-insulated
PePex

Uponor insulation

Planning
The layout for the suspended ceiling and the distances between
panels and T-joint brackets must comply with the supplier's
instructions.

While planning the layout for an Uponor Gypsum Panel,

it is vital to take into consideration any potential problems
that might be caused by the architecture of the building,
by the positioning of lights, sprinklers and smoke detectors.
The water supply piping for heating and cooling purposes,
air-conditioning ducting, wiring, ducting carrying fire-fighting
agents etc can be fitted in the space above the suspended
ceiling.

The system operates at temperatures (winter average between

30 and 40 C and summer average between 16 and 19C)
that make it especially advantageous to combine it with alternative sources of energy such as geothermal or solar both for
heating or cooling purposes.
Other sources include heat pumps and condensing boilers.

Uponor Gypsum Panel ceiling heating and cooling performance chart

10

100

P (W/m)

80

60

40

0

0
0

10

Cooling capacity (EN14240)

P = specific panel output

(c)

15

0

5

Heating capacity (EN14037)

= Temperature difference between room temperature and medium water temperature

Heating performance (t=15K) 68 W/m2 tested as standard EN 14037 (certification n.DF 10 H26.2850-E - HLK Stuttgard).
Cooling performance (t=8K) 46 W/m2 tested as standard EN 14037 (certification n.VF 10 H26.2849-E - HLK Stuttgard).

System summer output

Knowing the U it is possible to use the chart to calculate
the system's specific output per square metre.
The active area can be determinate dividing the total cooling
load by the specific cooling output per square meter
Heat emissions
The criterion of radiant asymmetry is used and should be
less than 5 K in terms of heat and 14 K in terms of cold
to provide comfortable working conditions (less than 5% of
the occupants in that environment dissatisfied).
If for example we take a room measuring 2.4 x 4.8 by 2.7
(height) metres. To calculate the radiant asymmetry for each
person seated in the middle of the room, we use a factor of

Wall
Ceiling

Surface temperature limit

heating
cooling

40
32

17
17

Maximum air-flow rate (W/m2)

heating
cooling

160
72

72
99

0.42 for the ceiling in line with ISO EN 7726.

Assuming that the whole ceiling is heated to the same
temperature, with the room at 20C and keeping the
asymmetry at less than 5 K, we have
0,42 x Us + (1-0,42) x 20C) -20C<5K
This means that the maximum average temperature of the
ceiling U could be 32C.
For cooling with an ambient temperature of 26C we have:
0,42 x Us + (1-0,42) x 26C) -26C<-14K
The theoretical limit of the temperature in summer is 7C even
if is in effect the condensation point.

System dimensioning

Dew point and water temperature

3
Absolute
humidity
Umidit
assoluta
(g/m3)(g/m )

To calculate the minimum temperature that

can be used in summer, the dew point needs
to be calculated using a psychometric diagram.
Figures are needed for internal temperature
(T C) and relative humidity (RH %).

25

20

Example
With RH = 50% and T = 26 we can see
from the diagram that the dew point is 15C.
The minimum temperature sent to the unit
therefore must be 15.5C .
If we then select a thermal variation for the
unit, for example 2C, considering
the supply temperature to the unit is 15.5C,
the temperature returns to 17.5C, the average
water temperature is (15.5+17.5)/2=16.5C.

15
0%
10 0%
9 %
80 %
70
%
60
%
50
%
40

10
%
30

%
20
%
10

0
0

10

20

30

40 C

Tempertura
Temperature

Calculating pressure loss

400

Once the number of panels and the flow rate

has been decided, the pressure loss for each
circuit can be calculated.
Panel 2000x1200 = 2 loops 20,5mt - 21,4 mt
Panel 1000x1200 = 1 loop 19,9 mt
Panel 500x1200 = 1 loop 9,9 mt

300
00

0,5

80

/s

/s
5m
0,1

0

m
0,2

30

mm
m/

9,9

40

,1
x1

m/

50

s
m/
0,4

60

0,3

Flow rate Q [l/h]

s
m/
s
0,7
m/

0,6

100

1
0,
s
m/

10
0,1
0,01

0,
0,0

0,3
0,03

0,5
0,05

1
0,1

Flow Load loss R

Uponor PE-X 9.9x1.1mm piping load loss diagram


0,

3
0,3

4 5 6 7 8 9
0,4 0,5

[mbar/m]
[kPa/m]

Distribution network
Any calculation about the distribution pipe network depends upon the distribution system chosen.
Manifolds distribution system
Maximum number of panels connected to one loop will
depend on the design load of the system. Connection between
manifold and panels is usually done using 20 mm pipe.

Two pipe distribution system

Four pipe distribution system

Heated and cooled water circulates in the same pipe network.

The system can be arranged to work with boilers, refrigerator
units and heat pumps.
The number of panels connected between the feed and
return pipes is calculated based on the diameter of the
distribution pipe network.

The piping network for hot and cold water are separate
and a separate generator for heating and cooling purposes
must be used.
This system is not compatible with heat pump generator
systems.

Control systems

Adjusting the supply temperature

With the Uponor heating/cooling control unit, the switch
from heating to cooling mode and vice versa can be
carried out automatically.
To adjust ambient temperature, the Uponor wireless or
wired control system that allows automatic switching
between heating and cooling modes cuts in.
When the dew point needs to be checked, it is important
to position the contact sensor (optional) in the section
of the pipe work where humidity is at its highest level.

In cooling mode, the temperature of the water being fed

to the system has to be controlled so as to prevent the
accumulation of condensation in the ducting and also
to ensure that the temperature of the water entering
the circuits is ideal for reaching the required degree of
comfort.
In heating mode, an adjustment usually finds a
compromise between comfort and saving energy.
The regulation diagram is the basic one: A chiller unit in
addition to a boiler or, alternatively,
the use of a heat pump. The optimum temperature of the
water feed is calculated by the Uponor heating/cooling
control unit using the set curve and the relative external
temperature possibly optimised by an internal sensor.

1. Heat pump
2. Regulator
4. Circulation pump
5. External sensor
6. Uponor remote control unit
with built-in humidity sensor
7. Water supply sensor

The ambient humidity sensor will be positioned in the

area with the highest concentration of people and will
automatically calculate the dew point and compare it with
the temperature of the water supply.

10

When these two readings are similar, a mixing valve will

and this will change the temperature of the water being
supplied and thus prevent the formation of condensation.

Controlling ambient temperature

Uponor Wireless Control System

A perfect example of our way of doing things.
Uponor Control system is equipped with a new unique technology that efficient
distribute the energy and give a high level of comfort and at the same time gives you
opportunities to reduce CO2 emission and protect the environment.
The system is based on KNX, the market leader in domestic and building automation
systems.
That allow wireless communication between elegant thermostats and valves.
The new technology we call Dynamic Energy Management.
The technology gives ideal condition to radiant cooling and heating system.
The self learning system adapts to the condition in the room providing only the
needed energy and keeps a smooth and equal temperature in the room.
A number of functions helps to keep the system maintain free and give an overview
of the system conditions in order to adjust to individual needs.
Uponor Wired Control System
Uponor Wired Control system is supplied with a series of elegant multifunction
thermostats.

2
3
1

1 Thermostat
2 Control
interface
3 Control unit

Depending upon the distribution system selected, one of the two room temperature control modes is used.
Two pipes distribution system

Four pipe distribution system

The control of the indoor temperature of each zone could be done using
two ways zone valves or three ways zone valves controlled by a thermostat.

The control of the indoor temperature of each

zone could be done using two ways zone valves
controlled by a thermostat.

11

Installation

Before installing the Uponor Gypsum

Panel, all work on ducting and
distribution, for example, electrical
or fire-fighting systems, must be
completed.
The first phase of installation
involves fitting the suspended ceiling
metal support system.
Before fitting the ceiling, check that
the panels have pre-drilled holes
for fittings (lights etc.) and make
sure that the fitting instructions are
followed. This will prevent accidental
damage to the pipe work.
All Uponor Gypsum Panel
components must be stored away
from the elements and be protected
from damp, extremes of temperature
and accidental damage.
It is best to store and transport
the components in their original
packaging.
The suspended ceiling fitter should
make sure that the support system is
sufficiently strong to bear the weight
of the Uponor Gypsum Panel and
should ensure there is a maximum
space of 600 mm between the
ceiling and the panels. The panel
fastening method used must comply
with DIN 18181 and it is the fitter's
responsibility to guarantee this level
of quality is met.
Even if expansion due to heat
is minimal, a space should be
left between joints to avoid the
formation of cracks.
Installation work must be carried out
at a temperature of over 5C with
RH less than 80%.
The fitted ceiling must appear to be
floating.

12

Plasterboard panels are delicate by

nature and must therefore be treated
with care so as to avoid damage.

The use of a fork-lift truck or some

other lifting system will greatly
facilitate work on installing the
ceiling.
If such a lifting system is not
available, panels (35 kg) will have
to be manually lifted and held in
position meaning another person will
be needed.

Special 55x3.9 plasterboard screws

must be used.
Be very careful NOT to drill holes in
areas where the route that pipes will
take is marked out.
The pipes will be 5 mm wider and
longer than the markings show
but you are advised to leave a gap of
at least 10 mm to avoid holing any
pipe work.

Where cooling mode is included in

the plans, all pipes and joints should
be insulated both to prevent the
formation of condensation and to
improve output.

Before completing work on the

ceiling, pass all the supply cables and
pipes through their pre-drilled holes.

Passive panels or a layer of insulating

plasterboard is to be fitted where
active panels are not required.
Carry out the mandatory pressure
test and specified procedures as
indicated in UNI ENV 12108.

Uponor recommends the use of

Uponor Q&E joints and specific tools
for this type of installation.

You are advised to leave a gap of

about 300 mm between panels and
pipes to ensure there is enough
space for plumbing work.
Positioning issues should be
specified at the design stage.

Use a suitable tape, flexible sealant

or a layer of plaster to deal with
possible gaps, cracks or unevenness
between panels. Make sure that all
screws and other irregularities are
covered.
A perfect finish calls for special
care in the choice of materials and
also depends upon the quality
of workmanship and working
conditions (e.g. it is best to avoid
sudden changes in temperature).

13

1. Fit the Uponor Ceiling Slab panels

Only for installation by authorised specialists!

.
minm
30c

2. Connect the Uponor Gypsum Panel using Uponor Quic

2. Connect the Uponor Gypsum Panel using Uponor Quick & Easy joints
2.
1 Collegare i pannelli Uponor Lastra Soffitto
1

max. 1 mm

3a
3a

Max. 45 on expansion.
Not for pipe 9.9

Max. 45 on expansion.
Not for pipe 9.9

3b

Max. 45 on expansion

4
4

5
0 mm
max. 10 Sec.

max. 10 Sec.

3. Pressure test
Waiting times for testing equipment
2h

Temperature [C]

3.

+ 5
Prova0
- 5
-10

0
pressione
- 5
- 10
- 15

Waiting times for testing equipment

max. 6 bar

Temperature [C]

Hours

+ 5
0
- 5
-10

1,5
After32 h leak test
4
2h
max. 6 bar
10

Hours

0
- 5
- 10
- 15

1,5
3
4
10

V = 15 40C
Temperatura di mandata del fluido

Dopo 2 ore, controllo perdite

< 5 C

An option that can be used to speed up test waiting times

or where ambient temperature is less than 5C.
14

< 5 C

15 Sec. 50 C

15 Sec. 50 C
V = 15 40C
Supply temperature of the medium

3b

An option that can be used to speed up test waiting times

or where ambient temperature is less than 5C.

Components

Uponor Gypsum Panel

Uponor Q&E Straight male

Uponor Gypsum Panel for heating anc coolong. 15 mm reinforced plasterboard panel. Pipe: EvalPex 9.9x1.1 with oxygen diffusion barrier, Q&E connector. EPS 150, 27mm thick.
Sizes: 2000x1200mm, 1000x1200mm, 500x1200mm

Code

Description

90991200

UPONOR Q&E straight 9.9x1/2"M

Code

Description

1047319
1047320
1047321
1020506

Uponor Gypsum Panel 2000x1200 Type 2

Uponor Gypsum Panel 1000x1200 Type 2
Uponor Gypsum Panel 500x1200 Type 2
Uponor Gypsum Panel Passive 2000x1200

Straight male with patented Quick&Easy seal, suitable exclusively for

Uponor Wirsbo PEX-a and Uponor Wirsbo EvalPex pipes; made from
OT58 brass, complete with seals.

Uponor Q&E rings

Uponor Wirsbo PEX-a rings for Quick&Easy series.
The red and blue colours allow for the identification of hot and cold
pipes. The rings house a locating system that prevents them from moving
during expansion.

Uponor Wirsbo EvalPex pre-insulated Q&E in rolls

Uponor Wirsbo PePex (PEXa) pipes made of reticulated polyethylene
manufactured using the Engel method with oxygen diffusion barrier as per
DIN 4726 covered with closed cell expanded polyethylene PE foam with
external red protective film in extruded polyethylene LD without CFC, class
1. Thermal conductivity l = 0.040 W/mK, permeability = <1%, steam diffusion 3 7000. Piping compatible with Q&E system.
Code

Description

1020543

Uponor Wirsbo PePex oxygen diffusion barrier

pre-insulated (13mm) 20x2 60 m

Code

Description

1042835
1042834
034782

Uponor Q&E Blue DN 20 rings with locating system

Uponor Q&E Red DN 20 rings with locating system
Uponor Q&E DN 9,9 rings with locating system

Uponor pipe insulation

6mm insulation for 9.9x1.1 pipes
Code

Description

1020475

Uponor insulation for 9.9, 6mm 10m pipe

Adaptor
20 3/4 F Eurocono adaptor for connecting 20x2 pipe to valve.
Code

Description

302120

Uponor PEX 20 3/4 F Eurocono Adaptor

Insulating tape
Insulating tape for insulating joints, 10mm thick 3mm. Supplied in 10 m
rolls.
Code

Description

1020476

Uponor insulating tape (10mmx3mm, 10m roll)

Shortened Uponor Q&E intermediate T joint

Shortened intermediate T joint with patented seal. For the Quick&Easy
series, suitable exclusively for Uponor Wirsbo PEXa and Uponor Wirsbo
EvalPex pipes; made from OT58 brass. Q&E rings not included.
Code

Description

1020524

Uponor Q&E 5 shortened T 20x9.9x20

Uponor Q&E manual expansion tool

Uponor manual expansion tool for Quick&Easy.

Uponor Q&E shortened intermediate

Shortened intermediate joint with patented seal. For the Quick&Easy
series, suitable exclusively for Uponor Wirsbo Pex-a and Uponor Wirsbo
EvalPex pipes; made from OT58 brass.
Q&E rings not included.

Codice

Descrizione

1004002

Uponor manual expansion tool for Q&E (without suitcase)

Uponor Q&E head for expansion tool

Head for manual expansion tool for Quick & Easy system.

Codice

Descrizione

Codice

Descrizione

1020518

Uponor Q&E Shortened intermediate 20x9.9

1020245

Uponor Q&E head 9,9

15