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HEATING
WITH INFRA-RED
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Solaronics
gas infra-red heaters, high and low intensity, convert a high rate
of their input to infra-red output. Input energy not converted into
infra-red is released as convected heat and water vapor. Unvented
units, high or low intensity, return a total of 92% of input to
the space they occupy. Vented units, only low intensity may be vented,
return up to 90% of input to the space they occupy. The longer the
unit, the higher the percentage.
The most frequent use of Solaronics infra-red heaters is for comfortable
heating in buildings. This may entail heating of the entire space
or just spot or area heating. Although it may be tempting to use
rule-of-thumb methods to determine requirements, it is strongly
recommended that standard ASHRAE heat loss calculation methods be
used. These methods are outlined in the Total Building Heating Design
Guide (Form # DG-1), Spot and Area Heating Design Guide (Form #
DG SPOT) and Protection of Stored Material Heating Design Guide
(Form# DG-PSM-1).
For heating entire spaces a Solaronics infra-red system really provides
several systems in one. One of these is very similar to a floor
radiant system. The infra-red emitted by the system is absorbed
by the floor, material and equipment. These objects become warmer
than the surrounding air and act as low level heat exchangers heating
the air. They also re-radiate their energy and provide a higher
Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT).
The products of combustion released, by indirectly vented units,
rise and help offset the upper wall and roof heat losses and also
help to temper infiltrated air. In this respect the system acts
as a warm air system.
While the heaters operate they deliver infra-red energy directly
to people's body surfaces. This substantially increases the mean
radiant temperature and provides comfort, yet air temperature can
be lower than that needed with conventional heating.
A well-designed infra-red heating system will cycle on and off most
of the time as will any other system. When the temperature outside
falls to design levels all heaters will operate and, at this time,
the system will act as a large area heating system.
These advantages and many others are illustrated and described in
the How to Cut Heating Costs brochure (Form # 25K). for additional
information phone Solaronics TOLL FREE at 1-800-223-5335. |
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