To understand what IR heaters are and how they work, it is enough to pay attention to the sun. Our luminary is capable of heating objects regardless of the air temperature. Invisible radiation allows you to feel the warmth of the sun, even on frosty days. Infrared heaters keep us warm in the same way, in this they are like the sun.
Content
- The history of the discovery of heat rays
- Infrared and convection heating
- Types of IR Heaters
The history of the discovery of heat rays
Infrared radiation was first discovered by astronomer William Herschel in the early 19th century. He noticed that the temperature of the light decomposed into a spectrum, rises from purple to red. The scientist found the hottest zone outside the visible spectrum. This radiation has been called infrared (beyond red) or thermal. Some facts about this type of radiation:
- It is believed that 80% of the energy emitted by the sun comes from this part of the spectrum.
- Heat radiation is divided, in turn, into short, medium and long.
- We all emit infrared energy. The property of the human body to produce radiant heat with the palms has even been used by healers of the past.
The discovery of infrared light has found many applications in human life: night vision devices, remote temperature meters, hyperspectral photography, guidance systems in military business, communication devices, meteorology. And, of course, it is used in modern infrared heaters.
By itself, radiant heating is the most ancient heating system known to man. From campfires burned by cavemen to solid fuel stoves, this is the evolution of infrared heating devices over the millennia. In the last century, people began to forget about heating by radiation. Not because technologies for generating better quality heat have emerged. But only due to the fact that heating the air with the help central heating incomparably cheaper than direct combustion of fuel in furnaces.
The last 20 years have seen a resurgence of interest in radiant heating. Progress did not stand still - modern infrared heaters replaced traditional stoves.
Infrared and convection heating
Convection heating systems are most widely used in modern dwellings. Regardless of the type of primary heat source (be it a gas or solid fuel boiler, heating element, heat pump), they use for heat transfer the difference in density between warm and cold air. The air heated by the heater, being lighter, rises upward, allowing the cold air to fill the vacated volume. The latter heats up again and the cycle repeats continuously. Due to contact with warm air, the temperature of all objects in the room rises. This heating method is characterized by a large difference (up to 10 ° C) in temperatures at the floor and under the ceiling.
Infrared heaters, unlike convectors, heat walls, floors, objects and people in a room. And already warm solids transfer the accumulated heat to the air. Due to this fundamental difference in heat transfer, infrared heating has a number of advantages over convection heating:
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Thermal comfort. The temperature difference between the floor and the ceiling during radiation heating is quite insignificant and is usually around 1 ° C. Since the surrounding objects and surfaces are warmer than the air, or at least comparable to it in temperature, people in the room do not feel the effect of “cold feet”. Such a high level of thermal comfort created is practically unattainable for convection heating systems. - Fast heating. Unlike convectors, which take time to heat up a room, heat rays allow to achieve an instant effect - there is no need to wait until the air reaches a comfortable temperature. The heating rate by radiation largely depends on the power and positioning of the heaters, but in any case, it is much higher than by convection.
- Hygiene. Since radiant heating does not require convection currents, there are no dust and pollen suspensions in the air. This very important property makes infrared heating the only alternative for people suffering from asthma and allergies. In addition, thanks to direct heating, the walls and floors in rooms are always kept dry, and this prevents the formation of mold.
- Efficiency. The operating costs of infrared heaters are usually lower in comparison with comparable convectors. First of all, due to the possibility of organizing local heating, high quality thermal comfort and lower heat losses along with the air leaving the room.
Types of IR Heaters
By the type of energy carrier, infrared heaters can be divided into electric and gas. The latter are mainly used outdoors. They are very convenient for outdoor spaces such as patios, terraces and balconies. There are also models for interiors, but gas appliances need chimneys and their installation is limited. fire regulations, so they are not as popular as heating devices for premises, as electrical.
By the type of radiation, heaters are divided into "light" and "dark". The former generate mainly short-wave radiation and are characterized by the fact that they also give visible light. In addition, they heat up to high temperatures. Shortwave devices work well in the open air, in industrial buildings with high ceilings. Due to their simplicity and low cost, they are often used in residential premises as an additional source of heat.
Long-wave heaters, accordingly, do not give any light and are low-temperature. Modern "dark" infrared appliances heat up to 100 ° C. Longwave I. TO. panels are now gaining popularity in interiors. Their presence is easy to hide indoors. The panel can be an element of a false ceiling - due to its small thickness, it has a good potential for inconspicuous wall mounting, it is easy to disguise it as a mirror, picture or fresco. There are models on the market that in themselves can serve as an expressive decorative element. There are also infrared floor heating systems.
Long-wave radiation heating devices are considered the most useful for humans and animals. Shortwave heaters have proven to be high intensity heaters. The qualities of the medium wave, respectively, can be designated as intermediate. Regardless of the type and design, any infrared heater is a "mini-sun" at the service of a person.
