Some problems in the application of electric heating to residential and commercial premises

The paper deals with various methods of applying electricity to space-heating, water-heating and sundry special applications, with special reference to large-scale space-heating and water-heating installations. Reference is made to the possible economic limits of using electricity for direct heating. Details are given of certain combinations of radiant and convection heating, which it is claimed achieve maximum comfort conditions at a lower cost to the consumer and the supplier than other methods at present in use. Examples are given of installations carried out on the above basis, using a combination of thermal storage, local thermal storage and direct heating. A method of applying water heating to large-scale installations is described which considerably improves the overall efficiency as compared with present methods, and details are given of installations carried out. A policy for domestic electrification is outlined, with special reference to space heating and water heating for working-class houses. Reference is made to factors to be considered in computing annual fuel costs for space heating and water heating.