Overview of the technical characteristics of infrared heating panels

What is infrared heating

Infrared (IR) heating works differently than the more familiar convector heating. The radiated waves heat up objects - walls, floor, ceiling, furniture - and already from them heats up the air in the room. A person who is in a room heated by infrared radiation is enveloped in warmth from all sides, and from the floor as well. For this reason, the level of comfortable temperature is reduced by a couple of degrees, which means that under the same conditions, heating costs will be lower.

Difference between traditional heating and infrared

Nevertheless, miracles do not happen and only heating the house in which heat loss is minimized will be economical. Under such conditions, of course, all heating costs will be less, including for any electric one. But with IR heating, the temperature really needs a lower one. The second reason for saving is the presence of a thermostat. If equipped, the heaters operate for a short period of time when the room temperature drops below the set one. Otherwise, the heaters are in operation all the time, the room is hot, you have to open the windows, and the electricity bills are high (to put it mildly).

Infrared heating can be used as the main one, or it can be used as an additional one to create more comfortable conditions in a specific place - near the desktop, in the recreation area, etc.

Heat waves emitted by infrared panels

In the case of traditional heating, according to the principle of air circulation in the room, the heat rises. Therefore, the space under the ceiling heats up more than on the floor. In the case of infrared heating, walls, objects and people heated by thermal infrared panels emitted by the heat release the accumulated heat, thereby achieving thermal comfort throughout the room with an even temperature distribution.

Unlike traditional heating systems, infrared heating panels do more than just heat the indoor air. The infrared waves emitted by our devices generate heat when in contact with the surface of a wall, object or body. After contact with infrared waves, heat is absorbed by the object and then slowly released into the environment while reflecting on other objects, which also absorb it. We can say that as a result, users are dealing with two types of heat:

• Direct (radiation) - emitted by panels;
• Indirect (radiation) - emitted by surfaces and objects.

This enhances the effect of an even temperature distribution in rooms. Thanks to this, we get rid of the feeling of "cold feet" and "hot heads". In turn, heated walls remain dry over the entire surface. Thanks to this, you can additionally eliminate the problem of moisture, prevent the development of mold and mildew. By draining the walls, improve their insulating properties (a dry wall is better insulated due to its lower thermal conductivity than a wet wall), thereby reducing the need for heat.

Principle of operation

The principle of operation of solar panels is to generate electrical energy, they do not accumulate or form it in any way. When the rays of the sun directly hit their surface, they are immediately converted into current and removed from the panel.

Each plate can generate 250 W, therefore, to improve the principle of operation, they are trying to be installed closer to each other.The current obtained as a result of photosynthesis, through the distributor enters the batteries, and then into the inverter of the power grid of the house.

It should be noted that the volume of solar batteries affects the duration of the daily operation of the batteries. The batteries are recharged during the day, while the energy generated in the last day is being used.

The principle of operation is simple, and at the same time effective due to the "semiconductor". A semiconductor contains atoms that can, thanks to an external electron, capture or reflect other electrons. As a result, the surface of solar cells is covered with this material. This "semiconductor" is Selenium and Silicon.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Heating System

The advantages of a solar heating system are not so many, but each of them becomes a reason for constant experimentation:

• environmental Safety. It is an environmentally friendly source that is safe for residents and the environment and does not require the use of standard fuels;
• autonomous work. The owners of such systems do not depend on the cost of energy resources and on the economic situation in the country;
• economical consumption. While maintaining the standard heating system, you can reduce the cost of paying for hot water supply;
• availability. To install solar panels for home heating, you do not need to travel around the authorities and ask permission.

Users also highlight the cons:

• high cost of juice equipment, which is necessary for putting the system into operation;
• direct dependence of the amount of heat received on the geographic location and weather;
• the presence of an additional source (solar system or gas boiler).

To get a great return, you need to constantly monitor the health of the collectors, clean them or debris and protect them from the appearance of ice at low temperatures.

If the temperature is often below 0 degrees, then it is important to take care of additional thermal insulation not only for the solar system parts, but also at home.

Infrared heating panels

IR panels are increasingly used

All people are familiar with infrared radiation. Indeed, it is it that occupies most of the spectral radiation of the Sun. Infrared rays are invisible to the eye and occupy the region between the red end of the spectrum and microwave radio emission. A person can feel the IR rays as warmth. IR waves are emitted by each object and the more it is heated, the shorter the waves.

The first infrared heaters appeared in Switzerland in the 60s of the last century, and thus the history of infrared heating goes back more than half a century. The principle of operation of a heating system with infrared emitters is very similar to the "work" of our luminary. The only difference is that infrared emitters do not work from a thermonuclear reaction, but from an energy source. In addition, unlike the sun, infrared heating devices may have no visible radiation or have a faint glow. This does not affect the quality of heating, since the heat transferred to surfaces is the result of invisible radiation.

Reviews of numerous users about heating with infrared heaters are generally positive. Perhaps the only significant drawback is the cost of electricity. However, in the long term, and also as an alternative heat source. such equipment is out of competition. Prospects for the installation of infrared heaters for home heating are deservedly appreciated abroad. Quite often, outdoor cafes, verandas and terraces, all kinds of open areas in parks or on the decks of ships are heated with gas or electric infrared heaters.In our country, infrared heating equipment is not so popular, but gradually, with the development of technology, it becomes more and more common. Consider a variety of emitters such as infrared panels.

Pros and cons of heating with infrared heaters

Like all inventions in the world, IR equipment has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the ratio between them and what quality of equipment is a priority for the consumer at the moment. We list the main features of heating with infrared heaters, perhaps this will help you make your choice:

• IR devices do not directly affect the air, which means they do not dry it and do not change the microclimate in the room;
• for the same reason, convection flows and drafts are not created, dust particles are not transferred;
• air heats up from all surfaces affected by the device, and does not accumulate under the ceiling as with conventional heating;
• the system is completely fireproof, all devices have overload sensors and will turn off the system in case of an emergency;
• the compact dimensions of infrared radiation devices allow them to be installed even in small rooms, and often completely hidden under decorative coatings of walls, floors or ceilings;
• the equipment is easy to install and connect even without special skills;
• all equipment has a sufficiently long service life, since there are no parts in it that would fail as a result of wear and tear. And in the event of a breakdown, it is possible to replace an individual element or module;
• The infrared heating system can be fully automated, and each device is programmed for its own operating mode;
• there is a possibility of local heating in a room of any size;
• complete environmental friendliness: no noise, dust and emissions of combustion products;
• the cost of devices can be very different and depends on the specific model;
• operating costs depend on the choice of the equipment operating mode;
• you can use infrared equipment in any room, provided that the devices are located correctly.

The brightest expectations can be clouded by electricity bills. Therefore, before buying and installing infrared panels and heating heaters, read reviews, make calculations. This will help you find the most optimal solution.

Interesting on the topic:

Ceiling heating: infrared and pendant

Pros:

• in those rooms where the ceiling height reaches three or more meters, they are very economical;
• you can warm up just any specific part of the room;
• noiseless, waste-free, environmentally friendly.
• easy to install and operate.

Some brands produce cassette heaters that can also be installed in suspended ceilings.

Disadvantages:

• it is not always possible to combine the design and style of a room with a suspended ceiling heater;
• electricity consumption is the main disadvantage of these systems.

The device and varieties of infrared panels

Wall mounted infrared heating panels

A heating element, or rather a heat emitter in each infrared heating source, is a special lamp. In principle, the well-known incandescent lamp is also a source of infrared radiation. After all, less than 10% of the energy is converted into light, and the rest (90%) is precisely infrared radiation. Different types of lamps can be used in modern infrared heating panels. The most common source of energy is electricity, but it can also be gas. The reflective surface is another essential component of an infrared radiator. It is a mirror-polished steel plate, curved so as to focus the radiation of the lamp in a certain place. The radius of the radiator and the coverage area are the main characteristics when choosing equipment for heating.

The design of modern infrared heaters can vary. Most often these are minimalist wall panels of strict geometric shape and small thickness or ceiling equipment. It should also be noted that the properties of the device depend on the shape of the reflecting element: the more volumetric and convex the reflector, the greater the focusing and coverage area.

IR heating as an alternative to traditional heating

Compared to infrared heating, convector heating. gas or solid fuel, occupy, perhaps, a more leading position in Russia. But this is only in terms of prevalence. This can be explained by both habit and insufficient information about this high-tech heating method. If we compare efficiency, then infrared heating is the undoubted leader among other methods of heating a home. Moreover, infrared equipment surpasses traditional heating devices (stoves, heating boilers, electric convectors, etc.) in several parameters at once:

• ease of installation;
• lack of noise;
• lack of combustion products;
• ecological cleanliness and many others.

Types of IR panels

Ceiling infrared panels

Infrared heating can look like traditional radiators. And an ignorant person will not notice the difference, especially if there is no visible radiation. However, the very principle of heating is completely different. Infrared rays penetrate the air and directly heat objects: furniture, floors, walls, people. That is, the radiation source is all surfaces that are in the range of the IR emitter. Infrared heating radiators are usually placed on the walls. Moreover, if you hide them behind decorative panels, this will not be an obstacle to radiation. Skirting systems are another type of infrared heating batteries. As the name implies, they are usually installed around the perimeter of a room or some designated area at the junction of walls and floor.

Ceiling panels can be either external or hidden. The external ones are emitters of various sizes and shapes, the internal ones are modules that can be built into false ceiling systems instead of plasterboard or plastic boards.

In terms of power and area of ​​influence, infrared equipment also varies significantly. It is used not only for heating housing, but also for heating office, retail and industrial premises, as well as all kinds of warehouses, hangars, boxes, etc. Moreover, in rooms with high ceilings - this is perhaps the most effective way to bring heat from the source to the consumer without loss. The reviews of those who have already installed infrared heating panels are the most favorable. They usually emphasize not only their versatility and environmental friendliness, but also the complete automation of the system and the possibility of significant savings in comparison with other types of heating.

Application methods

With the help of IR heaters, mobile, panel and film heating is organized. The choice of the device depends on the size of the room, whether it will be the main heating system or additional, stationary or mobile.

Portable devices are low-power and are used to quickly heat up small rooms (garage, country house). They are often equipped with halogen and ceramic heaters, which are not desirable for use in places of permanent residence of people.

Stationary devices differ in the type of installation and are:

• wall-mounted;
• ceiling;
• film.

Wall heaters should be mounted at some distance from the floor, and if there are small children in the house, it is better to be out of their reach. For installation under a windowsill, it is better to use a skirting model.

The most effective arrangement of infrared heaters will be ceiling-mounted, since in this position they are able to cover a large area. In addition, the space of the room is rationally used. The panels can be assembled as part of a false ceiling or mounted on special brackets.

In the case of installation in a suspended ceiling, there is no need to decorate the laid cable. Suspended models are mounted so that about 50 mm remains from the ceiling to the surface of the device. This method of placement is allowed for rooms with high ceilings. Unlike other installation methods, where there are many obstacles for radiation, which reduce the heating efficiency, the ceiling allows you to evenly dissipate the wave flow, regardless of the density of the space design.

Types of infrared heating panels

According to the heating method, a distinction is made between conventional and convection devices, which heat and distribute air around the room between the wall and the metal case. They are distinguished by faster heating, due to which a comfortable temperature for a person is achieved in a matter of minutes.

There are also devices with a thermostat, which allows you to set the required temperature in the room. But this is not its only advantage. Thanks to the thermostat, you can maintain the set temperature, while the electrical appliance will turn on only when the temperature drops. This gives a real economy of energy resources, since the panel does not work constantly, but turns on when necessary.

Infrared heating panels photo

If we talk about the design of the panels, then in addition to elegant white heaters in a minimalist style, manufacturers produce color models with several dozen shades. But that's not all. It is possible to order a panel-picture with an exclusive design pattern, which will not only warm up on a cold autumn evening, but also become a bright accent in the room. Depending on the power of the device and the area of ​​the room, 1-2 infrared heating panels are required per room.

Infrared heating panels photo

Using infrared heating panels

Infrared heating panels are characterized by the ability to convert electrical energy into heat. In their effect, they are comparable to ultraviolet radiation. It should be noted that they do not absorb oxygen, unlike other heaters.

Infrared plates are very suitable for heating rooms such as:

• Apartments of any type;
• Private mansions and small houses;
• Office premises;
• Industrial premises;
• Warehouses;
• Open areas.

The main characteristics of such heating devices are such as: the presence of a thermostat, the minimum temperature difference in the floor or ceiling area, the absence of radiators, pipes, boilers, it is possible to place the panel on a wall or ceiling, a long period of operation, environmental friendliness. Infrared heaters are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. That is why everyone can choose the required option for themselves, depending on the stylistic decision of the house.

You can purchase a model made in the form of a skirting board, which can be attached to the perimeter of the room instead of the usual one. It is a belt type infrared heating device.

Which is better wall or ceiling panels

On sale you can find various types and sizes of such products, and on thematic forums about infrared heating panels, reviews often come across contradictory. Some buyers note the efficiency and simplicity of the device, while others say that they provide little heat. What is the best choice?

Ceiling infrared heating panels are designed for rooms with a height of at least 2.5-3 m - in any case, it is desirable that at least 50 centimeters remain between them and the head of a person of average height. In a very small room, they may not be very comfortable, but they are a good option for large rooms in which only zone heating is required.

Ceiling panels emit heat, which does not heat the air, but is transferred to objects, and the heat will be felt differently. It will be hotter at the top of the room and colder at the bottom.

Wall panels are a good addition to a large room that lacks warmth from conventional heaters. They can be placed in several areas of the room for constant uniform heating, or they can be hung in only one area where the most heat is needed.

For example, if you need additional heating in your bedroom, you can place such a panel near the bed. This will allow you to enjoy the warmth and comfort during a cozy evening, while the cost of additional heating will be small.

In any case, both the one and the other option will be more effective than the usual convective heating. If you put ordinary batteries in the room, the air will constantly circulate around the room: it warms up from the radiator, rises, cools down, falls.

Because of this, the heated air is always at the top, and the floor will be cold. Installing infrared panels will allow you to forget about this drawback, since the surfaces themselves warm up first of all, and then they give off heat to the home atmosphere.

Benefits of heating with infrared panels

Modern heating methods are based on more advanced technologies, therefore, they have more advantages in comparison with traditional devices. What are the positive aspects of infrared ceramic heaters?

Rapid heating of the room - 10-15 minutes is enough to warm up the room. Versatility. They can work as the main source of heat, and be used for local heating of individual zones (for example, you can only heat your workplace or a sleeping area with a bed). For the organization of autonomous heating of a house or apartment with IR panels, permits are not required. Fast installation. It only takes one day to install the panels in a standard two-room apartment. Alternative. If you do not want to punch holes in the walls, then install panels on legs.

Infrared heating panels photo

Simple controls. Specify a temperature that is comfortable for you, and the device will take care of itself to constantly maintain it in the room. Individual settings. There is an opportunity in each room to adjust its optimum temperature. Thermostat. It will not only save finances, but also prevent air overheating. Does not dry the air. Suitable for installation in rooms where children live, as well as people with allergies and asthma. The infrared panel heater does not dry the air and does not burn oxygen and dust particles that provoke the appearance of toxic gases. Moreover, infrared radiation is even used in the treatment of asthma.

Heating with infrared panels photo

Security. The outside of the panel does not heat up and cannot cause burns when touched. The heating element is located inside the device, so it cannot cause discomfort if you accidentally touch the panel. Parents of small children can also be calm, who, having played out, will touch the "battery" more than once. Heating with infrared panels can be organized not only in the living room and bedroom, but also in the children's room. Profitability.According to the assurances of the manufacturers, the heating panels of the new generation consume 30-50% less electricity than the classic ones, with the same heat output. Also, no additional devices (boiler), a separate room (boiler room) and a communication system (ventilation) are required. Long service life. The average life of the IR panel is 30 years, some manufacturers give a 50-year warranty. Fire safety. The appliance does not contain components that can catch fire or that can lead to a fire. Unusual design. You can choose a panel painting with a thematic image that matches the room - children for the nursery, exotic flowers for the living room, relaxing and pacifying pictures for the bedroom.

Infrared panel heater photo

If you strive to decorate your home in an unusual and original way, then infrared heating panels will help you with this. And low operating costs along with high efficiency and a long period of operation allow us to speak of them as one of the best heating devices.

How to choose the right IR panel

There are a number of parameters that must be considered when choosing electrical heating systems:

• Room area;
• Ceiling height;
• Heat loss;
• Source type: main, additional.

The required equipment power is calculated by the formula:

P = S × H × K

P - The required power of the equipment;

S - The area of ​​the room is m2;

H - Room height m;

K - Estimated heat losses, taking into account the safety factor W / m³.

For rooms with standard thermal insulation, where the device is required as the main source of heat (K = 30-40 W / m³).

As an additional source of space heating (K = 20-30 W / m³).

You can find out the power required for your target needs of the device by already ready calculations... Before buying infrared heating panels, use the table below.

Based on the tabular data, you can easily independently select the power of the emitter, which will be most effective for your operating conditions.

Selection of panels and their installation in the apartment

The power of the panels for the house is selected at the rate of 1 kW for 20-25 cubic meters of space. Knowing the size of the room, it will be easy to calculate which panels are required for it.

If heating radiators are already installed, and panels will play a secondary role, it is necessary to reduce the power and choose the most compact equipment. The efficiency of such heaters reaches 90%: this means that they use electricity as efficiently as possible, so their installation will be much more efficient than installing conventional radiators or convectors.

To heat the coolant in the system, not only electricity can be used. Gas heating will be much cheaper, and if there is such an opportunity, you can think over connection options. The coolant will be warmed up in the exchanger, and then piped into the panels, which will distribute soft heat throughout the room. However, this is a rather difficult option: it is much easier to equip a conventional system with heating elements.

Externally, the wall panel is a thin plate, it can be of various sizes. You can buy regular products, or you can order designer panels, whose outer surface will be decorated with bright multicolored patterns.

Such items can be placed anywhere in the room and will look good in the interior. Having chosen the place for installing the panels, you can proceed directly to the installation:

A kit is purchased, which, in addition to the panel itself, includes a cable, a thermostat and a sensor system that will allow you to monitor the temperature in the room. With their help, it will be possible to maintain a stable heating level, which will be regulated without human intervention. In this case, you can pick up several panels that differ in power: thanks to the operation of the thermostat, they will be able to maintain the optimal temperature regime. It is necessary to determine the place for the panels. The best option is the walls between the windows: this will direct the warm flow into the room, and the radiation will provide uniform heating. You can hang them on the walls like paintings, or install them on the ceiling in accordance with the design project. A set of sensors and a thermostat are installed in the room, the system is connected by a cable into a single whole and connected to the network. The cable can be stowed away in a box and fixed to the wall to keep the room tidy.

Usually, installation takes a minimum of time; even a home craftsman who has not previously worked with such systems can easily install such panels. Manufacturers supply products with detailed instructions describing how the system works. You can calculate at what point in the room it is constantly coldest, and it is there that it will be appropriate to place the thermal infrared panel.

If self-installation is difficult, it is better not to risk it, but to seek the help of a specialist. In addition, it is advisable to protect the power grid from sudden voltage surges using stabilizers. Infrared panels negatively tolerate sharp increases and decreases in the electrical system, so they can fail for a long time even with a single failure.

An important advantage of such panels is their versatility. The equipment of the required power can be selected not only for the living room, but also for the production workshop, assembly hall, any other large room in which uniform heating can be ensured from all sides

Thanks to the high energy efficiency, it will be possible to minimize heating costs and at the same time create the most comfortable environment in the room.

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Varieties

Infrared panels on the market are divided into several categories.

1. Industrial and household.
2. Electric and gas.
3. Wall and ceiling.

Industrial and household

Everything is more or less clear here. Industrial designs have larger dimensions and higher power. Household, on the contrary. These are compact devices with low radiation power. But they have great advantages over conventional heating elements.

For example, there is a certain ratio of two indicators: the value of the heated area and the amount of heat energy released. The ratio is as follows: 100 W of heat is needed per 1 m².

Infrared home heaters emit 100 W of thermal energy, which is enough to heat 2.5 m². This is two and a half times more effective.

But here we have to take into account one more point. Infrared radiation is, after all, rays that have a strong warmth. They act on a person like the sun. This means that there are certain norms for the distance of the heater installation. For example, if this is a ceiling device, then the minimum distance from a person's head to it should be half a meter.

Electric and gas

Everything is clear with electric heaters, their operating principle and design have been discussed above. As for gas heaters, here it is necessary to understand how the energy of gas combustion is converted into infrared radiation.

The gas infrared emitter is equipped with a burner that directs gas to a specially installed panel.When gas is burned, the panel heats up and gives off not only heat, but also a large amount of infrared rays. The panel itself can be made of metal or ceramic. In some models, a metal mesh is installed.

It should be noted that gas infrared emitters for household models are presented in a small assortment. The main purpose of these devices is to heat industrial facilities.

Wall and ceiling

These two types differ from each other only in the way of installation. Of course, wall panels, if we talk about ease and ease of installation, are much easier to install. They come with special mounting brackets with self-tapping screws.

It is important to choose the right installation location here. And this is usually under the windowsill or near the front door. Although for these heating devices there is no difference where they will be installed. After all, they cannot cut off the cold air from the window - there is no convection of warm air. Of course, if you use panels with metal profiled inserts and an active panel, then the window and door are the main areas of the installation.

The ceiling version is a simplified model without inserts and an active panel. Such devices are also attached to brackets fixed to the ceiling with dowels. It is important here to correctly connect to the electric current network. Therefore, hidden wiring on the ceiling is a prerequisite for decorating a room.

To be honest, infrared ceiling heaters are used very rarely in private housing construction. Most often they are used in change houses, garages, storage rooms, and so on. Remember - these are not light bulbs, this is a heating device. Therefore, the attitude towards him should be appropriate.

Sales quality and prospects for the development of solar technologies

The modern market and its sales technologies do not leave the buyer an unambiguous assessment. Especially high-tech equipment and devices. This also applies to the market for the sale of solar power supply systems. Since production technologies themselves are very energy-intensive, if you want to purchase solar panels or buy a solar power plant for your home, the price in both cases will call for a detailed analysis not only for technical and technological features, but also for economic justifications.

Voltage stabilizers for home: reviews. Which is the best converter to choose

The main technical characteristics of the devices. Review of modern models. Rectifier connection and repair.

An important factor when buying an FSE is the quality of sales services. If by the price of the goods we mean only its check denomination, then by the cost we can also agree, within the framework of the article, to understand all types of overhead costs, the reliability of the seller and the goods, as well as the time and moral efforts.

So, the cost of solar panels for a home or the cost of a set of solar power plants for a home of the same manufacturer may differ significantly from different sellers. The reason may be as follows:

• the seller does not perform preliminary engineering calculations. This means that you need to go to another place. And this is time and transport;
• the seller does not carry out design work. You will have to spend money, use additional time and transport;

3D diagram of the installation of solar panels

some components are missing from the seller. You will again have to look for goods in another store, which may be more expensive and again will require additional time and transport; the seller simply does not have assembly teams for installing equipment. Time costs again; the seller is not involved in logistics

This means that a situation is possible when everything will be assembled, but one important element will have to wait for an unknown number of days. Etc.

Useful advice! Choose a seller with a full package of services, ranging from project assistance, high-quality equipment in the provision of professional installers to warranty service.

The future belongs to alternative energy sources

The rapid penetration into our lives of new technologies for the use of alternative sources of electricity and heat directs our choice to increasingly purchase solar power plants, solar collectors (heating plants), household wind and hydro power plants, as well as use heat pumps and a variety of electric generators. So in recent years, considerable experience has been gained in the application of photovoltaic power supply systems in many areas of management. This applies to the use of solar panels and solar collectors in domestic conditions: in private houses and dachas.

The use of solar energy is the optimal solution for home and summer cottages

In conclusion, we can say that the solar technology market currently offers a wide variety of equipment. And most importantly, given the reasonable cost of solar battery kits for the home, reviews of their high quality and a long period of reliable operation, we can conclude that the use of this equipment is becoming more expedient and allows you to participate in large-scale environmental projects and programs.