Investigation of PEX Plumbing and Hydronic System Efficiency and Durability

本项目将研究使用‘PEX’(交联型聚乙烯)管的供水管道系统的性能特征。该公司的合作伙伴是Uponor--PEX的最初支持者之一，目前是世界上最大的PEX管道制造商。该项目将侧重于(I)家用供水系统和(Ii)家用辐射供暖系统。与铜等竞争对手的管道系统相比，基于PEX的系统的用水效率、能源效率和耐用性将受到特别关注。*该项目将使用计算机模拟、比例模型和使用商业管道建造的全尺寸测试系统。大学生和教授将参与PEX全系统性能与竞争管道安装的测试和基准测试。将对这些系统的效率(用水和能源)、热舒适性、水质、合规性、产品寿命、安装简易性和维护简易性进行测试。该项目的最终目的是帮助行业合作伙伴量化和验证基于PEX技术的供水和循环系统的优势。该项目将提供极好的机会来丰富学院的高级技术学院和建筑卓越中心，这两个学院都在进行包括建筑科学学位计划和绿色建筑在内的学术项目，这些项目培训学生对项目感兴趣的领域，从而获得宝贵的PEX经验。**

This project will investigate the performance characteristics of water piping systems utilizing 'PEX' (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) pipe. The company partner is Uponor-one of the original proponents of PEX and currently the world's largest manufacturer of PEX piping. The project will focus on (i) domestic water delivery systems and (ii) domestic radiant heating systems. Particular attention will be paid to water-usage efficiency, energy-efficiency, and durability of PEX-based systems as compared to competitive piping systems such as copper. ****The project will employ computer simulations, scale models, and full-size test systems constructed using commercial piping. College students and professors will be engaged in the testing and benchmarking of PEX whole-system performance versus competitive piping installations. These systems will be tested for their efficiency (water usage and energy), thermal comfort, water quality, regulatory compliance, product lifetime, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance. The ultimate aim of the project is to help the industry partner quantify and validate the superiority of water delivery and hydronic systems based on PEX technology. The project will provide excellent opportunities to enrich the College's School of Advanced Technology as well as the Center for Construction Excellence, both of which pursue academic programs including the Building Science Degree Program, and Green Architecture which train students in areas of interest to the project and who will thus gain valuable experience with PEX.**