 Whilst the principles of gas, electric and fan-assisted ceiling seems straightforward to understand, the simplest form - hot water ceiling panels - is the one that baffles brains. Yet it has many major benefits that the other forms of ceiling heating lack, and understanding the concept of radiant ceiling panels is a worthwhile effort.
A ceiling panel emits approximately 70% radiant heat and 30% convected heat. The upper surface of the panel is normally insulated, thus concentrating the heat from the water into radiated heat.
A person will feel the warmth from the radiated heat of radiant panels just as he will feel warmth from the sun`s radiant waves. The room occupants, contents and surfaces absorb this radiant heat, and give off convected heat that, in its turn, warms the air.
The second misconception is that radiant waves from a ceiling panel will only radiate at a 90?a angle from the surface. This is incorrect. In fact, like light, it radiates in a 180?a arc around the panel. If one can see the under - surface of the panel, one can feel the benefit of the radiant rays of warmth.
Major benefits of radiant ceiling panel heating are control, cost and hygiene.
Like the sun, the more direct and concentrated the rays, the greater the feeling of warmth. Therefore correct placing and spacing of panels concentrates warmth on the areas of greatest need or give even temperature levels throughout the room.
Unlike electric and gas heating, radiant ceiling panels can be thermostatically controlled, giving minute to minute comfort and economy.
Because there is minimal convected heat, there is very little air movement, bringing with it the advantage of minimal dust and bacteria movement within the air. This is ideal for hospitals, classrooms, offices or wherever people are likely to gather and the spread of germs needs to be kept to a minimum. Workshops and showrooms also benefit in that the reduction of dust improves work conditions and reduces cleaning frequency requirements.
Because of the flexibility of the design of the water flow from panel to panel, by taking into consideration the windows and room layout, the heating requirements of a room can be accurately satisfied, giving both high comfort levels and economy in operation.
Other major factors in support of radiant ceiling panels are that they are noiseless, (particularly important in hospitals, schools, lecture theatres etc), there is no condensation on windows (making them ideal for showrooms) and they do not use any precious wall space.
Radiant ceiling panels are maintenance free, and can be made to order in a variety of aesthetic shapes and forms. They can even be fitted behind plasterboard where they are for all intents and purposes invisible.
For further information on Zehnder Radiant Ceiling Panels, please contact Garry Naughton, Sales Director, on 01252 515151
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