Recommendation points
- How IR panels work
- Which automation is suitable
- Comparison of manufacturers
- Specificity of use
- Installation features
Among the interesting and unusual heating methods, long-wave infrared radiation stands apart. In addition to comfortable heat, the panels provide tangible savings and are very versatile, so in this article we will talk about their structure, principle of operation and installation..
How IR panels work
The ceramic IR panel is based on a tubular or spiral type heating element. It is immersed in a layer of ceramic composite that distributes heat in only one direction. This eliminates the dissipation of useful power and allows you to direct radiation to heated objects. The front part of the heater is made in the form of a wavy grating, due to which the radiation energy is scattered over the area more evenly.
Another type of device has an open heater in the form of a quartz tube or halogen lamp, the heat radiation of which is concentrated by a mirror reflector. These panels heat up quickly, but they lose 5-10% of the directional power. In addition, the heat is not so evenly distributed, in the central zone the radiation intensity is higher than in the periphery..
IR panels work on the direct heating principle. This is their main difference from convection heating systems, which first of all heat the air, and from it the heat is transferred to the rest of the objects. The action of radiation is similar to that of the sun, in which up to 50% of the spectrum falls on heat waves. The wavelength of the infrared stream is selected in the range of 6โ20 microns, which maximally corresponds to the natural and own thermal radiation of a person, so that heat is perceived by the body without significant stress.
Radiant heating is distinguished by a particularly rational scheme of heat distribution inside the heated room. In the classic example, a radiator or convector heats the air, it rises to the ceiling and displaces colder masses, which leads to circular circulation. At the same time, the temperature under the ceiling is always 2-3 ยฐ C higher than in the area where people are usually located, that is, the heat is wasted.
The long-wavelength emitter heats only the floor, people and objects in the area of โโits action. The air also receives heat evenly over the entire heated area and slowly rises upward, gradually cooling down. At the same time, all the heat is concentrated in the human habitable zone..
Another feature of radiant heating is the minimum time it takes to reach operating mode. If convection systems need to warm up the air until a comfortable temperature is reached, the person under the operating panels feels the heat almost immediately, while the environment can remain cool enough.
Which automation is suitable
Most long-wave infrared panels are designed to operate continuously and therefore require the thermostat to be included in the power circuit. The only exceptions are some portable devices, but the built-in temperature sensor in them does not work accurately enough.
Most known mechanical or electronic thermostats can be used to control infrared heating. In order for the device to follow the specified operating mode as closely as possible, the temperature sensor must be remote. In most cases, it is placed near the ceiling at a short distance from the IR emitters so that their own heat does not affect the operation in any way. When setting the temperature mode, set the temperature point 1โ2 ยฐ C below the comfortable temperature.
Radiant heating is optimally used under advanced electronic control. A quick exit to the rated power makes it possible to turn on the heating using occupancy sensors. The greatest efficiency can be achieved using thermostats with daily and weekly programming. And unprecedented comfort is achieved through the use of semiconductor dimmers that adjust the power depending on the air temperature.
Comparison of manufacturers
On the Russian market there is a fairly wide range of IR panels of all types, the nature of the work of suppliers also varies. Some are licensed distributors of equipment from well-known Western companies, others assemble their panels from inexpensive Chinese-made components. The ratio of price and quality is quite typical, as for other climate technology.
Model Neoclima IR-0.8 AEG IWQ 180 Roda RL-3.0 Frico HP 300 Ballu BIH-T-2.0 Production Russia Italy Germany Sweden Russia Heater type Ceramic Open quartz tube Ceramic Ceramic under Armstrong Open heating element power, kWt 0.7 0.6 / 1.2 / 1.8 3 0.3 2 Output to rated power, min 2.5 0.5 3 2 1 Minimum height / effective range, m 2.5 / 3.5 2.5 / 4.2 2.5 / 4 2.2 / 3.5 2.5 / 4.5 Heated area with main / additional heating, m2 06/11 16/30 30/60 3/7 20/40 Dimensions LxWxH, mm 1180ั 147ั 43 175x610x100 1630x410x70 593ร593 1785x110x45 Weight, kg 4.5 1,2 24 5.4 4 Price, rub. 2200 3900 7000 12800 4300 Specificity of use
It is most rational to use heating IR panels for spot heating of the place of work and rest. For example, on open terraces, in warehouses and workshops, panels make it comfortable for a person to stay in certain areas, without having to spend money on heating the entire volume of the room. Wind and high humidity do not affect the radiation efficiency, so the panels are used even outdoors.
In residential premises and offices, panels are used as both the main and additional heat source. Of all types of electric heating, radiant is considered the most economical, and the comfort of their use is not at all comparable. Particularly popular is the combination of underfloor heating, which maintains the room temperature at 16-17 ยฐ C, and panels that provide heat to individual areas in which people most often stay.
There are many myths about the negative effects of infrared heating on humans, but they all do not stand up to scientific criticism. On the contrary, there are a number of reasons for the panels:
- they do not burn out oxygen and do not dry air;
- due to the lack of convection, dust does not rise;
- small temperature contrast maintains the tone of the body.
Installation features
Most of the panels are designed for ceiling mounting with swivel angle brackets. Thus, the working surface can be turned through an angle of up to 30 ยฐ so that the radiation is directed directly to the heated object. Also, panels are successfully mounted on walls, positioning them perpendicular to the floor or at an angle. There is a separate type of IR heaters for installation in the Armstrong ceiling cell.
In rooms with high ceilings, the panels are suspended on chains, thus the radiation intensity and the heated area can be regulated. The system power is selected based on an average calculation of 1 kW for every 10 m2 area. It should also be borne in mind that more panels of lower capacity heat the room more efficiently and distribute heat evenly, eliminating blind spots and hot spots. For this reason, the recommended installation height should be adhered to..
What are the key features of infrared heaters and how are they commonly used in heating applications?
What are the advantages of using infrared heaters compared to traditional heating methods, and how can they be effectively used in different areas of our homes or offices?
Can you provide some information on the features and applications of infrared heaters for heating purposes? How do they work and what advantages do they have over conventional heaters?