THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
The Theory of Infrared heating operates through the principle of thermal radiation, mirroring the way the sun emits infrared rays. These rays, traveling an impressive distance of approximately 150 million kilometers through the vast, cold expanse of space, reach the Earth’s surface. Upon arrival, they are absorbed by various objects, transforming into heat. Understanding the theory of infrared heating helps optimize heating solutions for various environments.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW OF THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Before delving deeper, here’s a concise executive overview of the subsequent content regarding the theory of infrared heating.
MEDIUMWAVE AND LONGWAVE: THE OPTIMAL WAVELENGTHS IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Both mediumwave and longwave infrared wavelengths excel with high absorbency and minimal reflection. They don’t penetrate deeply into the skin, making them ideal for comfort heating. Compared to shortwave technology, these wavelengths are considerably more efficient. Mediumwave and longwave characteristics make them the superior choice for radiant comfort heating.
THE INTENSITY OF SHORTWAVE IN INFRARED HEATING
Shortwave infrared heaters operate at extremely high temperatures, producing intense heat. While you might feel warmer from a distance of 2-3 meters, most heat reflects off and doesn’t absorb by humans. “Warmer” doesn’t necessarily mean “more comfortable” or “more efficient.” Much energy from shortwave heaters gets lost due to strong light emission, reflection, and low absorption. However, in windy conditions, shortwave infrared heaters can counteract gusty winds more effectively than longwave or mediumwave counterparts.
OPRANIC’S INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Opranic offers a diverse range of infrared heaters tailored to various needs and applications. For outdoor comfort heating, we suggest our proprietary mediumwave technology (either Classic or IR-X), which peaks at a wavelength of 2.4μm. This technology emits a gentle glow and meets the criteria for a high-quality infrared heater designed for human warmth. For spaces with minimal air exchange, such as indoors or sealed rooms, we recommend our longwave radiation (IR-C). Longwave radiation is suitable for comfort heating but has lower heat intensity due to its lower temperature, making it less effective against air currents.
For further guidance or inquiries, please reach out to us!
OPRANIC’s Guide to the THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING: Principles and Benefits
The three ways of heat in the theory of infrared heating
Heat transfers between objects in three primary ways: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction involves the direct transfer of thermal energy between two materials in contact, balancing out temperature differences. Convection results from temperature variations within a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, and is often described as the energy exchange between an object and the surrounding air. Radiation directly transfers radiant energy from the emitting source to an object, bypassing any intermediary medium. Like visible light, radiant energy travels directly from its source to the target, without heating the air in between.
EXPLORING INFRARED RADIATION with OPRANIC: A Key Aspect of the Theory of Infrared Heating
The electromagnetic spectrum includes all potential frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, and radio waves. Radiant heat energy, released in the form of electromagnetic waves within the infrared band, operates on principles similar to those of visible light. OPRANIC’s infrared heating devices utilize these principles.
THE VERSATILITY OF OPRANIC’S INFRARED HEATING IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Infrared heating, leveraging radiant heat transfer, starts heating from the ground up rather than the ceiling. This characteristic makes OPRANIC’s infrared heaters cost-effective and efficient for various environments, including warehouses, storage spaces, and vast industrial structures.
Designed optimally, an OPRANIC infrared heating system offers significant energy usage reduction. Independent research shows fuel savings ranging from 20% to 50% compared to traditional warm air systems. OPRANIC infrared heaters provide flexible heating solutions, especially beneficial in challenging scenarios. They work effectively in spaces with high air infiltration, tall ceilings, or where targeted heating is desired.
INFRARED WAVELENGTHS IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Infrared wavelengths categorize based on temperature ranges and wavelengths, measured in microns. The heater’s filament temperature indicates the type of infrared heater. The right heating radiation type depends on the target material since different materials absorb heat differently. If the infrared heating radiation isn’t suitable, much of the heat radiation gets wasted or reflected.
Shortwave (also known as IR-A or Near Infrared) in the theory of infrared heating
- Wavelengths: 0.78 – 1.4μm
- Shortwave infrared heaters operate within 780 nm to 1,400 nm.
- They emit temperatures ranging from 1300°C to 2600°C and produce bright visible light.
- Typically, the emitters are Quartz tubes filled with halogen gas, accompanied by a reflector to direct the heat.
Mediumwave (also known as IR-B) in the theory of infrared heating
- Wavelengths: 1.4 – 3.0μm
- Mediumwave infrared heaters function between 1,400 nm and 3,000 nm.
- They emit temperatures from 500°C to 1300°C and produce dim red light.
- The emitters are often Quartz with a reflector to focus the heat in a specific direction.
Longwave (also known as IR-C or Far Infrared) in the theory of infrared heating
- Wavelengths: 3.0 – 1000μm
- Longwave infrared heaters operate above 3,000 nm wavelengths.
- These heaters emit much lower temperatures, typically between 100°C and 500°C, and do not produce visible light.
ABSORPTION OF INFRARED RADIATION BY OPRANIC: A Key Aspect of the Theory of Infrared Heating
Materials vary in their heat absorption capacities based on their composition and thickness. For an infrared heater, like those offered by OPRANIC, to provide a comfortable, efficient, and natural heating experience, selecting the appropriate infrared heating technology is crucial. Factors such as the nature of the target material, the distance between the heater and the target, and the duration of heat exposure play a pivotal role in determining the right type of infrared heater.
HUMAN ABSORPTION WITH OPRANIC IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Humans consist of roughly 80% water. For optimal comfort heating, an infrared heater, like OPRANIC’s range, must emit wavelengths that water absorbs efficiently and reflects the least. The graph below shows the relationship between wavelength and the absorption of infrared radiation by water. This indicates that IR-B and IR-C, which are longer wavelengths above 2.0μm, are more readily absorbed by human skin, leading to more effective human heating through these medium and long wave bands. While heaters emitting IR-A can still warm the skin, they are less efficient due to reduced absorption capabilities.
REFLECTIVITY AND OPRANIC’S TECHNOLOGY IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
Human skin naturally reflects specific wavelengths as a protective measure. Reflectance levels for IR-A, IR-B, and IR-C show that IR-A has high reflectance, whereas IR-B and IR-C exhibit significantly lower reflectance. This suggests that while IR-A intensely strikes the skin, most of its radiation reflects away, wasting energy. In contrast, the wavelengths of IR-B and IR-C (mediumwave and longwave) are predominantly absorbed and minimally reflected by the skin, making them ideal for efficient comfort heating.
PENETRATION DEPTH AND OPRANIC’S SAFETY STANDARDS IN THE THEORY OF INFRARED HEATING
The penetration depth of these wavelengths into the skin is another vital aspect. The diagram indicates that shortwave lengths delve deep into the skin’s sub-layers. Despite the skin’s natural defense mechanisms, which include reduced absorption and high reflectance against shortwave radiation, the intense radiation from shortwave heaters can penetrate deeply, potentially accelerating the skin’s aging process. Medium and longwave radiation wavelengths from OPRANIC heaters don’t penetrate as deeply, making them a safer choice that’s less detrimental to the skin’s aging process.