Why is Radiant Wave Length Important in Radiant Heating?
What makes Solaira’s Radiant Infrared heaters superior, is our short-wave lamp technology.
“Radiant heating” is a broad term used to describe heaters that produce radiant heat. This covers everything from “Radiant” in-floor heating up to Solaira high power radiant heaters. As a matter of fact, all heaters product some combination of convective and radiative heat. What makes Solaira’s Radiant Infrared heaters superior is our short-wave lamp technology. By utilizing short wave lamps, operating at 4000°F (2200°C), 92% of electrical energy is transferred into directional, radiant heat. The remaining 8% is lost due to production of light and convection off the surface of the emitter. When paired with our anodized aluminum reflectors, our total Delivered Radiant efficiency sits around 86%. Our heaters take 1-2 seconds to reach maximum heating output.
Majority of competitive heaters use medium wave emitters which typically operate around 1750°F (950°C). While these heaters also operate in the Radiant spectrum, the long emitter lamp provides significant surface area for convective losses. Medium wave emitters deliver between 65-70% of consumed electricity as directional, radiant heat. These heaters produce some visible light and glow red while in use. Long wave heaters operate at surface temperatures below 1100°F (600°C) and convert less than 50% of incoming electricity into directional heat. More than 50% of the heat generated is conventional heat and is lost into the environment.
While many heaters claim to be “Radiant heaters” the percentage of energy converted into directional radiant heat varies dramatically. This is especially important in outdoor environments or in large, un-insulated warehouse environments where convectional heat is wasted energy.
**based on internal, laboratory measurements based on industry standards.
Solaira, Ziro Series H4, Browns Social, Vancouver, BC
Solaira, ICR Series H3, Residential Application, Toronto, ON