Radiant heating
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Radiant heating is a technology utilized for the heating of both indoor and outdoor areas. Radiant heating consists of "radiant energy" being emitted from a heat source; this radiant energy (commonly known as heat) then penetrates all objects in its path, including people.
Radiant heating heats a building through radiant heat, rather than other conventional methods including convection heating. The technology has existed since the Roman use of Hypocaust heating. The heat energy is emitted from a warm element (floor, wall, overhead panel) and warms people and other objects in rooms rather than directly heating the air. The internal air temperature for radiant heated buildings may be lower than for a conventionally heated building to achieve the same level of body comfort (when adjusted so the perceived temperature is actually the same).
In the case of outdoor areas, the surrounding air is constantly moving, making conventional patio heaters (also known as "mushroom heaters"), which rely partly on convection heating, impractical. The reason being, that once you heat the outside air, it will blow away with air movement. Outdoor radiant heaters allow specific spaces within an outdoor area to be targeted, warming only the people and objects in their path.
The radiant heating systems can be divided into:
- underfloor heating systems - electric or hydronic
- wall heating systems
- radiant ceiling (overhead) panels
- overhead gas fired radiant heaters
Underfloor and wall heating systems often are called low-temperature systems. Because their heating surface is much larger than with other systems, a much lower temperature is required to achieve the same level of heat transfer. The maximum temperature of the heating surface can vary from 29-35°C (84-95°F) depending on the room type. Radiant overhead panels are mostly used in production and warehousing facilities or sports centers; they hang a few meters above the floor and their surface temperature is much higher.
