Final answer:
The heating system should maintain a comfortable indoor temperature of around 20°C (68°F). Calculations for required heating power depend on the heat loss rate, the volume of the space, specific heat capacity of air, and the indoor-outdoor temperature difference. Well-insulated houses require less heating power than poorly insulated ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the heating requirements for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature in various scenarios, involving heat loss rate and the capacity of heating systems. According to basic principles of thermodynamics and heating system design, a heating system should be capable of producing an indoor temperature that is deemed comfortable for occupants, which is commonly regarded as around 20°C (68°F).
To calculate the heating requirements for a given space, one must consider the rate of heat loss, the volume of the space, the specific heat capacity of air, and the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. For a house with a heat loss rate of 200 W/°C equipped with a 5,000 W heater and an outside temperature of -10°C, if the heater runs continuously, it's possible to maintain the indoor temperature at desired levels.
For the classroom scenario, where 500 m³ of excess cold air enters each minute, the heat transfer rate to warm this air by 10.0°C can be calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT (where Q is the heat energy, m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature). Using the density of air and its specific heat capacity, we can determine the required heating power in kilowatts.
Utilizing the given examples, we can say that in general, the heating system for a well-insulated house will not require as much power to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature compared to a poorly insulated space. Knowing the heat loss rate per degree Celsius and the heater's capacity allows for calculating necessary adjustments to the heater's duty cycle. This ensures the indoor environment remains at a consistent temperature, factoring in heat retention capabilities of the house and the efficiency of the heater.