Infrared heating can be the most energy-efficient option for industrial space heating and commercial applications. Manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, automotive shops, and metal working plants have used infrared heat for decades. Rising energy costs and conservation concerns are mitigated by infrared radiant heating technology.
Two types of heaters are available in the market: luminous [high-intensity] and tube [low-intensity] heaters. Ceramic tiles in luminous heaters are heated to approximately 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit and subsequently emit radiant heat similar to the sun. Luminous heaters are the most energy-efficient solution and provide the most uniform heat distribution. The steel tube in low-intensity heaters is heated up to 1050 degrees Fahrenheit and generates lower intensity heat for areas with lower ceiling heights.
Infrared waves heat people and objects, not the air. This is what makes infrared heating so efficient. The warmth is where people need it. With an air heating system, warm air rises to the ceiling and more heat is needed to heat people at ground level. Hotter air at ceiling level also creates larger heat losses to the outside.
A properly designed infrared heating solution provides a very uniform heat flux density at floor level, compared to peaks and valleys found with convection-style heating. Heating is controlled by specially designed infrared thermostats which consider both air and radiant temperatures, to ensure desired comfort temperature. Outside temperature monitoring saves further energy and ensures comfort by providing smart adaptive recovery from setback condition. This is particularly effective for zone heating.
Whether it’s a retrofit or a design/build project, contractors are more and more considering gas-fired infrared heating for space and spot heating. Infrared heating offers unique opportunities for extended profit margins while helping their customers to reduce costs, save energy, lower carbon footprint, and conserve natural resources.
supraSchwank is the most efficient infrared luminous heater designed for commercial and industrial applications. It is the only heater which can convert 81% of the fuel input to radiant heat directed to the floor. supraSchwank is the preferred heating system of energy conscious HVAC engineers seeking to drastically reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions up to 65%. The high efficiency of supraSchwank was recognized at the AHR Expo Innovations Award 2010 for Energy Efficiency. supraSchwank was also selected as finalist for the 2010 Clean Technology Award sponsored by the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance [CATA].
