Film infrared heater: device, principle of operation, overview of types of IR systems

Arguments for and against IR panels

Those who plan to install infrared heating panels in their homes naturally want to know not only about their advantages, but also about the moments that can cause inconvenience. Therefore, an objective assessment of both the positive aspects and the disadvantages of this heating method is presented below.

In favor of infrared panels, the following pros can be given:

1. Impact resistance and increased strength.IR panels are not afraid of even bumps and falls. And all thanks to its shockproof body and heavy-duty materials.
2. Easy installation and simple operation. It is only necessary to fix the panel on the wall or ceiling and plug it into a power outlet. This does not require any special knowledge, welding machine, etc.
3. Small energy consumption. Firstly, there are no energy losses for air heating. Secondly, IR radiation reduces the overall temperature of the space by 3-5 ºС, which saves up to 25% energy. That is, the air temperature is felt on average 5 degrees higher than that shown by the thermometer during measurement. And all because not only the air that is measured is heated, but also the objects in the room and even the person himself.
4. Quiet operation. Such heaters will not “crack” or “gurgle”, which means they will not interfere with sleep and other vital processes.
5. Independence from power surges. Even if the voltage changes, this will not affect the operation of the heater in any way.
6. Preservation of normal air humidity. IR thermal panels do not dry out the air, like other electric convectors, which make breathing difficult and dry the mucous membranes. They do not allow mixing of air (cold / warm), so the dust caused by heated air masses does not rise.
7. Compact dimensions and lack of related equipment. No need to install bulky piping, radiators, boilers.

However, quite often on the Internet you can find information about the dangers of infrared radiation and the negative effect on the human body. Such myths have no scientific justification under them.

Radiant heating benefits in that it evenly warms up the room without creating zones of "stagnation" of warm masses.

On the contrary, in this sense they are “more useful” than other common heating methods, because:

• do not dry the air and do not burn out the air;
• do not raise dust, as there is no convection;
• keep the body in good shape due to a slight temperature contrast.

In addition, such heaters are even recommended for people suffering from joint diseases, since they warm up the human body itself well, as a result of which inflammation and pain soon disappear.

When long-wave infrared rays hit the skin, its receptors are irritated, to which the hypothalamus reacts, the smooth muscles of the vessels relax, as a result of which they expand.

Thus, infrared rays contribute to the stimulation and improvement of blood circulation.

Please note that they are absolutely harmless to the skin, unlike UV rays, which can even cause pigmentation changes. If you use infrared radiation rationally, it will be difficult to find flaws

Infrared heating panels are not harmful to health. On the contrary, they help to cure diseases of the joints, it is not for nothing that they are used in medicine.

In cases of poor-quality service and negligent attitude of devices, the following not very pleasant consequences are possible:

1. If installed incorrectly, the space will warm up in the wrong area that would need to be processed in the first place. Infrared radiation is characterized by a clearly defined segment of action.
2. The infrared heating system does not always fit harmoniously into the surrounding space.
3. Excessive radiation can adversely affect electronics (TV, computer and other electrical appliances).However, it all depends on whether the operating standards are observed and what the dimensions of the room are.

Infrared panels are a new generation heating system. It provides safe and efficient home heating at minimal financial cost. You will not encounter any significant drawbacks when installing or using the panels, because they simply do not exist.

Device heaters

Manufacturers offer infrared emitters in shapes suitable for various applications. One of the novelties are flat heating panels that emit infrared rays, which can be used to heat residential buildings. In the form of simple but modern infrared emitters, they can be used for local space heating. There are also devices of this type for heating rooms near the house - terraces or open gazebos. Heaters do not have a complex mechanism or electronics. The principle of operation of each device is an infrared emitter, which, when heated (usually to high temperatures), begins to emit heat waves. The design is simple and does not require special care.

Working principle of heating infrared carbon film

Infrared radiation is part of the wave refraction of the electromagnetic field. Its second name instead of infrared is "thermal", since the human body feels this radiation as heat. You can draw an analogy with the sun. This is also a source of heat, the principle of which is that it brings heat to the earth with the help of rays or waves. It enters the atmosphere, heat water, soil, trees, buildings. They, having received radiation on themselves, heat the space surrounding them.

The low-temperature infrared film heater works on the same principle. The maximum heating temperature of surrounding objects does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius. Regardless of who exactly is the manufacturer of the infrared film, any of them consists of several components:

• a heating element that converts electricity into heat;
• foil through which heat is evenly distributed over the entire surface,
• double-sided laminated PET film, which performs the functions of insulation and protection against various mechanical damage.

Heating occurs immediately after the electric current is supplied to the heater. It passes through the heating elements and begins to transform into a heat wave. She, in turn, through the contact method from the radiation source is transferred to the double-sided PET film. Both sides of this film begin to emit heat waves.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the direct source of heat radiation is precisely the infrared film, and not foil or other elements of the product, which act, rather, only as auxiliary elements.

And what will happen if you buy a film and use it as a ceiling or wall heater if, for example, it is covered with drywall? The fact is that the primary radiation of the infrared film will heat the drywall, and he himself will begin to emit infrared waves into space, transmitting them to objects around. After that, the air itself will warm up.

The same effect will be observed not only with ceiling heating, but also in "warm floor" systems.The only difference is that the ceiling radiation will not go from top to bottom, but from bottom to top. And in the same way, the infrared film will act as the primary radiation, and the floor covering will be the secondary.

Types of IR heaters

Equipment is divided according to the type of energy source, method of installation, purpose.

Purpose:

1. Household heating. Mainly electrical types.
2. Industrial - gas devices.

According to the method of obtaining thermal energy, they are divided into:

Electrical. They use a spiral coil, a quartz lamp heated by electricity. Tubular electric heaters, carbon spirals, film panels are often installed.

Electric, ceiling view

Gas. They consist of a gas burner, a ceramic plate, a cylinder. The burner heats up the heating element, which releases energy.

gas option

In water models, the heat source is steam. Most often placed under the ceiling.

Water

Diesel appliances differ in execution. More often, it is a metal cylinder located horizontally, the tank is located below. Other components: combustion chamber, fire stabilizers, pump. In the process of burning fuel, the metal heats up, gives off waves into the atmosphere.

Diesel

In everyday life, only electrical products are used. According to the method of installation are:

1. Floor. Mobile, economic models. They are equipped with a handle, a compartment for the cord, a system of protection against falling, overheating.
2. Wall. Models have a built-in heat sensor that allows you to work automatically. The remote control is used for adjustment.
3. Ceiling. Equipped with remote controls, thermostats for autonomous operation.Some models can be installed on suspended ceilings.

What criteria should be considered when choosing a heater

In order for the purchased infrared heater to fully realize its strengths, it is important not to make a mistake with the choice of the type of device. Before choosing an infrared heater, it is necessary to clearly determine for what purposes you plan to use it.

Experts recommend adhering to the following principle:

• for additional heating of living rooms, use low-temperature panels (ceramic or mikathermic);
• as the main source of heat in office premises, use devices with a surface temperature above 120 ° C based on carbon elements;
• for heating large areas, use high-temperature electric or gas heaters located at the distance recommended by the manufacturer from people.

It is worth carefully studying all the possibilities and making the right choice of a device that will bring radiant heat into the house.

Purpose of tape heaters

Heat consumers are interested in a heating system that is easy and quick to install, cheap to maintain and operate. This cannot be said about heating boilers with liquid heat carriers, pipes and radiators. They require a lot of money and effort to install and maintain the system in working condition during operation. The more complex the system, the greater the probability of failure of its individual elements.

Manufacturers produce several types of tape heaters, which are installed depending on the location conditions and the functional purpose of the premises.

Tape gas infrared heaters are used to heat large rooms with a large area:

• production shops;
• warehouse hangars;
• greenhouse complexes and other commercial and industrial facilities.

An example of tape installation in a greenhouse

Flexible tape electric heater is widely used in various fields:

Heating in order to prevent the accumulation of snow and freezing of icicles on the roofing of buildings;

Roof heating

• For heating pipes of drain structures;
• Technological heating of individual elements of equipment on the line to ensure the production process;
• Protects the pipeline in certain sections from freezing;
• To maintain the set liquid temperature in tanks.

Downpipe heating

The heating tape is used to heat the steps on the thresholds of buildings, paving slabs, protecting these places from icing during the cold season. Such measures reduce the risk of injury and labor costs for removing snow, ice and sanding. It is impossible to list all the options where the elements of tape heating are used, it depends on the engineering imagination of the personnel who solve certain technical problems.

Principle of operation and varieties

A characteristic feature of such products is the release of heat, which contributes to the heating of various surfaces - walls, floors, ceilings, etc. It should be noted that the air is heated partially, because the main radiation flux is directed to objects, which subsequently give off heat from themselves.

Infrared radiation is not afraid of wind, drafts and is able to warm even on a windy day

The device consists of a reflector and an emitter.The latter is responsible for the transmission of radiation during the heating process. The reflective element is a reflector, which is made from heat-resistant materials with high reflectivity. As heating elements can be:

• plates;
• open or closed spirals;
• quartz, infrared or halogen lamps;
• heating elements;
• carbon conductors.

The emitter has high power and a wide surface, due to which it provides comfortable conditions over large areas

In accordance with energy sources, all heaters are divided into several types:

1. Electrical. The most popular type of devices that are installed in any premises. A mandatory element in the system is a mirror reflector for transmitting radiation in the required direction.
2. Gas. Best suited for open areas or industrial buildings. Due to their high power, they are rarely seen in residential areas. The fuel is a gas-air mixture.
3. Diesel. Demanded in those rooms where weak wiring. Such devices are often found on the street or in garages. The device does not require chimneys, cleaning is done through several filters.
4. Film - often used in residential areas.

Peculiarities

Infrared heaters have a rather interesting principle of operation. They do not heat the air itself, but the objects located around it due to infrared radiation. As a result, they become warm, giving off part of the thermal energy to the atmosphere - the room becomes warm and comfortable. Consider the main features of IR heaters:

The most striking drawback of these heaters is the high power consumption, which is typical for any, even the most economical electrical appliance.

• Proper heat distribution. If you install traditional radiators indoors, it will be cool near the floors, and hot near the ceilings. In the case of IR heaters, the floors will be warm, as they will be heated by IR radiation;
• When installed correctly, they do not harm human health - if this equipment is installed correctly in a regular place, it will not have a negative impact on the body (in particular, there will be no headaches);
• Fast heating of rooms - they warm up noticeably faster than traditional radiators;
• Almost complete noiselessness - only gas appliances make noise (and even then they are practically inaudible);
• Can work in rooms with a high level of humidity;
• Available for outdoor use, creating a comfortable environment in open areas;
• No negative impact on the environment.

Installing an infrared heater in the living room will create a warm atmosphere in which it is pleasant not only to relax, but also to work.

Sun on the ceiling

Those who had to read "Three from Prostokvashino" in their happy childhood will surely remember that the stove in Uncle Fyodor's house performed purely decorative tasks. To heat the house, he used an electric sun, ordered from some research institute and nailed to the ceiling. Now it is difficult to say whether the creators of ceiling infrared heaters themselves thought of their brainchild or stole this idea from the author of the famous story, but, one way or another, the electric sun turned from a fairy tale into a reality. Unless it has a round shape, but a rectangular one.

What is an IR ceiling film heater and how does it differ from its lamp and tubular counterparts? First of all, the emitter. Instead of metal spirals and ceramic elements, thin carbon threads are used here. which are laid on a polymer film smeared with carbon paste. The thickness of the latter is only 1 micron (0.001 mm), so the whole pizza-like product is placed in a durable fire-resistant shell made of laminated polyester, which plays the role of a reliable electrical insulator. At the edges, both layers of the shell are glued together without laying carbon strands between them. The empty tracks thus obtained are used to mount the heater on the ceiling.

The heater is controlled by a thermostat. installed on the wall at a height convenient for the user, which is usually from 1 to 1.5 m. It is enough to set the desired temperature on this device, and it will turn the ceiling heater on and off at the right time. Simple and cheap thermostats have a mechanical device, more expensive ones are electronic and can be programmed.

All ceiling IR heaters are divided into three categories:

• low-temperature with a wavelength of radiated waves from 5.6 to 100 microns and a heating temperature of up to 600 degrees (the minimum installation height is from 2.5 to 3 m);
• medium temperature with a wavelength of 2.5 to 5.6 microns and a temperature of 600 to 1000 degrees (the minimum height is about 3.6 m);
• high-temperature with a wavelength of 0.74 to 2 microns and a heating temperature of over 1000 degrees (installed at a height of at least 8 m).

IR films are low-temperature long-wave devices; on average, their heating temperature is about 45 degrees.

One square meter of a ceiling IR heater consumes from 130 to 200 W of electrical power, the efficiency of the device is about 95%.

Optimal power for heating

To assemble a lamp heater, it is best to use 150W models

Just note that after the introduction of the law prohibiting the production of conventional incandescent lamps over 100W, they began to be sold under the name "heat emitters"

With their serial connection scheme, even two copies, you can immediately feel the radiated heat. At the same time, they do not blind their eyes.

The current in such a circuit at the same voltage will be 420mA. This means that two lamps consume a total of about 100W, and most of it goes to heating.

You can compare how much power infrared heaters are sold, and what area they are designed for. The ratio for conventional models is 100W per 1m2.

Oil coolers have almost the same performance.

That is, in any case, watts turn into heat. Only specialized infrared models will have a more directional radiation to a specific point or zone, and your homemade product will have a wider angle.

By the way, these 100 W / m2 are taken from the SNiP for rooms insulated according to all standards. This is the optimal power for all heaters in central Russia.

For northern latitudes, including for cold, uninsulated garages, the values ​​\u200b\u200bwill already be larger. If, for example, the heat loss in the garage is 1000 W / h, and you heat it by 300 W, then your temperature will never rise.

But if the ideal heat loss is close to zero, then 100W will be enough to create a bath inside.

Also, this power depends on the height of the ceilings (average calculated - up to 3m).

Restrictions for Infrared Film Selection

The following coverages and data may be limited:

• maximum heating temperature of the film,
• laminate;
• parquet flooring,
• carpet.

To heat a room with these inputs, it is desirable to use a low-temperature film that heats up to 27 degrees Celsius. Coatings such as tiles, expanded clay and others, on the contrary, require a higher heating temperature - about 45-50 degrees.

Large rooms require even more heating power, which means that the current strength. This is not always possible in residential buildings.

High ceilings are also an obstacle to the cost-effective use of infrared films. Infrared films are often used in areas with mild climates. In all other cases, they are used as additional heating to the existing main one.

Features of installation of film infrared heating

Flexible film heaters can be easily mounted on your own with your own hands. The main thing during transportation and cutting is not to bend the film at an angle of more than 60 degrees. Its incision is made in the places indicated by the manufacturer on the canvas.

As a heater, it is best to put isolon or penofol with a foil layer reflecting IR rays under the film. And the thermostat should be installed away from direct sunlight, batteries and drafts.

If you put a programmable thermostat, then it will be possible to heat different rooms in the house sequentially separately.This will significantly reduce the load peaks in terms of current and power at the input of the power grid to the cottage

To achieve maximum effect, the area of ​​​​the film heater should reach 60-70% of the square of the heated room. At the same time, IR film cannot be placed under furniture on the floor and above high cabinets under the ceiling. There will be zero sense for people from such heating, but points of local overheating in the room will appear.

Also, the strips of an infrared flexible electric heater need to be moved away from the walls by 15–20 cm.

Any finishing material is a screen for infrared radiation. The only question is the degree of its transparency, the weakening of the IR rays and the heating of this finish or cladding. Some items of facing options let in radiant heat, while others are less.

Option #1 - on the floor

The infrared IR heater in the floor version is laid on a flat rough base made of concrete, wood boards or drywall. It cannot be placed in a concrete screed or a layer of tile adhesive, the polymer film is not designed for alkaline exposure from the cement used.

As a topcoat, it is permissible to lay on top:

• laminate (without cork backing);
• thin carpet over chipboard or plywood flooring;
• linoleum without heat-insulating sublayer.

It is not recommended to lay parquet on top of the IR film. The wood of parquet dice from overheating will crack and creak.

It is forbidden to place furniture with legs on top of the film heater, this can lead to its punching and damage, as well as cause local overheating of the floor covering.

According to SanPiNam, the floor in living rooms is only allowed to be heated up to +26 0С. However, in case of severe frost outside the IK window, the underfloor heating system will have to be turned on at full capacity in order to achieve comfortable indoor air temperatures.

And in this case, walking on it with bare feet will become uncomfortable. This is the main disadvantage of the floor version of infrared film heating.

Option #2 - on the ceiling

Film infrared heaters in the ceiling version are allowed to be closed:

• eurolining, MDF and GKL with a thickness of up to 12 mm;
• stretch ceilings (PVC or fabric);
• suspension systems such as "Armstrong" or "Grilyato".

You can also use plastic panels, but only on condition that their manufacturer allows their decor to be heated up to + 500C.

The closer to the infrared film the fine ceiling finish, the better. To the maximum, they can be moved away from each other only by 20 mm.

If the IR film heater is mounted together with a suspended ceiling, then the heating film should be laid directly on the system frame. It is impossible to fix it on the floor, as there will be too much air gap between the PLEN and the fine finish.

It is impossible to mount any metal, mirror and glass finishing structures on top of the infrared film. You should also avoid using glass-magnesium panels.

How to choose the right option

The variety of choice of the film itself for heating can puzzle everyone.You always need to start from the initial conditions. So, you have your own heating, and the back room, intended for the nursery, does not warm up well and has the lowest temperature. What to do? There is an exit. Under the existing laminate, you need to install a system of underfloor heating. This is where low temperature film such as Caleo, Heat-Plus, Power Plus, RexVa XiCa and many others come to the rescue. Installation is not that difficult. You can, of course, get by with a warming rug, but this is an electrical appliance, and you cannot leave a child unattended on it.

If you don’t want to redo the floor in the room, you can simply attach heating skirting boards, which will make it much easier to insulate the room. If you want to insulate the loggia, but you don’t want to change the floors in it, a good option would be to insulate the walls with infrared film. You can also apply panels on both sides of the loggia under the window and opposite the street windows. And it would be best to hang ceiling infrared panels. It will be fast, you do not need to remove the furniture from the loggia to open access to the walls.

Composition and properties of high resistance wires

The following requirements apply to wires in tape heaters:

• High heat resistance and resistance at high temperatures to oxidation;
• Ability to withstand high temperature mechanical loads;
• Stability of electrical parameters (resistance) at high temperatures;
• Keeping wire Ø dimensions to prevent changes in power consumption.

Nichrome alloy heating wire is best suited to meet these requirements, often double or triple nichrome is used. The double nichrome alloy contains 20% nichrome, the remaining 80% is nickel, these are high-quality, but expensive wires.The ternary alloy contains 12-14% nichrome, 60% nickel, the rest is iron impurities.

Wires with increased heat resistance are made of iron-chromium-aluminum alloy: 12-13% chromium, 82-84% iron and 3-5% aluminum; if nickel is absent, such an alloy is called fechral. Chromium oxide is applied to the outer layer of the wire, as it has high heat resistance, protects the inner part of the wire from oxidation and destruction.

Depending on these characteristics, the functional purpose and operating conditions of the tape are determined.

The right homemade heater for the home

Regardless of the type of heating equipment being manufactured and the type of energy carrier used, the equipment must meet the following requirements:

• be easy to manufacture;
• have a low cost of structural materials and elements;
• have high performance;
• sufficient power;
• be safe to use;
• be cost-effective in terms of production and consumption of energy;
• as compact as possible;
• simple and convenient to use.

Any factory-made heater can boast of safety, economy and efficiency. Homemade technology is characterized by increased power, performance, ease of use, but safety is a controversial issue. That is why any homemade heater for at home needs to be checked before mass use.

If the question arose of how to heat the cottage without gas, then this article will help clarify.

Necessary tools and materials

In order to quickly and easily install an infrared heater on the ceiling, you will need the following tools:

1. Drill or screwdriver (drill holes for fasteners).
2. Pliers (for shortening wires).
3. Indicator screwdriver (determine phase and zero).
4. Metal detector (optional, used to search for wiring and metal objects in the wall, so as not to accidentally get into these objects when drilling holes. You can make a metal detector yourself from improvised means.
5. A simple pencil and construction tape (mark the attachment points on the wall).

1. Detachable electrical plug.
2. Three-core copper cable, section 2.5 mm.kv.
3. Wall mounts (purchased as needed, as only ceiling brackets are included).

Having collected all the necessary list of materials and tools, you can proceed to mounting and connecting the heater.

Where and how to install an IR heater?

The location of the infrared heater depends on its type and heating plan. It can be installed on the ceiling, on the wall, with or without a slope.

Safety

Remember that installing IR heaters is working with electricity

Therefore, it is important to remain as careful as possible and follow the safety rules:

1. Never install the heater near flammable objects.
2. Wiring must be run over a non-combustible substrate.
3. Fasteners must not touch the heating element.
4. Do not install devices with a power of more than 800 watts for a residential building or apartment.
5. Do not connect the heater to the mains until the installation is completed.

For best use of the heater in your home, place it near materials that have a high heat absorption rate, such as wood, carpets, stone walls. At

Do not install the heater near reflective surfaces, this will reduce the efficiency of the device.

The mounting surface must be strong enough, as some heaters can weigh up to 28 kg, although many are, of course, lighter in weight.

Location and height from the floor

Room
Recommended place
Bedroom
An area above the headboard so that at least ⅔ of the bed is exposed to IR.
Kitchen
The heater is recommended to be installed so that its rays are directed towards the window, the place where cold air flows from the street into the room.
Bathroom
On the ceiling, if this is the only heat source in the room, or opposite a small area where people most often visit, if the IR heater is considered as an additional heat source.
Hallway
On the ceiling pointing down to the floor. It stays warm and dries very quickly. The same goes for shoes - they also dry quickly and stay warm.

However, it is important to clean it so as not to overdry, thereby spoiling it.

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Heating element device

The film heat-insulated floor consists of two layers of a polymeric film between which strips from carbon material are included. The polymer material provides water resistance, mechanical strength and safety in case of local overheating. Strips 1.5 cm wide are connected in parallel to copper - silver tires, which conduct electricity.With this connection scheme, the strips are heated independently of each other and in the event of a malfunction in one of the strips, all other strips of the system continue to work. In the event of a failure in one segment, to eliminate the malfunction, it will be necessary to open the floor only in this area, and it is not necessary to dismantle the flooring in the entire room. During the reconstruction of the floor or its section, the infrared film can be dismantled, moved and installed in a new place.

Scheme of the device of an infrared warm floor