Installation of infrared chandelier heaters in St. Nicolas Church
Pertuis, France – 2020/12/12
Church Heating - Case Study
After more than 12 months of development, the five heating chandeliers of of St Nicolas Church of Pertuis (France) have taken their place in the nave of the church.
This achievement, which is certainly the first of its kind, has managed to combine the aesthetic quality of the chandeliers, respect of the architecture and thermal performance.
This challenge, both technical and artistic, could not have been carried out without close collaboration with the municipality and the Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Faced with the aesthetic inadequacy of the existing solutions, the church being protected as heritage monument, it was decided to start from a blank sheet of paper to design this unique set of radiant chandeliers.
Thus, after testing several models of infrared halogen lamps (IRC), the chandeliers and infrared reflectors were specifically designed and manufactured to obtain an ensemble that aesthetically matches the heritage value of the building, while ensuring the necessary thermal comfort.
Several thermal studies were carried out to finalize the development of this project, which were validated by in situ measurements.
This heating system using infrared radiant chandeliers (IRC) proved to be the most suitable from the point of view of the conservation of the building’s rich heritage furniture: paintings, sculptures, gilded and polychrome woods, organs.
”We are able to affirm that users will be able to enjoy the offices in optimal conditions of comfort for a place with so many technical and environmental constraints.
Our surveys and our knowledge also allow us to affirm that the artworks of the chapels are outside the zones of influence of the chandeliers and do not risk damaging them. Indeed no rise in temperature of the works is to be feared, the chandeliers do not involve any air displacement and do not influence the hygrometry of the building. ”
Conclusions of the thermal study carried out at the request of the Regional Department for Historic Monuments
A study of electricity consumption also showed that this type of heating remained similar or even lower in cost than other existing systems (fan, floor or underfloor heating).
Feedback
Infrared heating principle
Tests of several infrared lamps
Users’ comfort
In-situ temperature records
Heritage furniture and artworks
Thermal simulation
Chandeliers aesthetical value
Financial and energy aspects
Cost estimation of radiant chandeliers
As a conclusion
Our workshop is happy to have been able to make its contribution to the heating of churches, an area which is very poorly documented and about which we have encountered many unfounded assertions due to the lack of serious thermal studies in France.
The parishioners of St Nicolas Church will now enjoy their Christmas mass in a warmer place.
See the project page
