Applications for Short Wave – High Intensity Radiant Heating

We have all experienced at some time the warmth from a bright, glowing outdoor infrared heater whether it was outside a restaurant, entry to a hotel, or waiting for a bus or train in a shelter. However, there are many more applications where this high intensity radiant heat can be beneficial.

What is Short Wave – High Intensity Radiant Heat?

Short wave radiant heating uses infrared waves to directly heat people or objects. All objects emit and absorb infrared heat, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. As a radiating object gets hotter, the wavelength gets shorter, which will then create more warmth to the people or objects to be heated and at greater distance. This is the basis of the technology for most quartz heaters.

How Does Quartz Radiant Heating Work?

Short wave infrared quartz heaters use a high intensity emitter in combination with a reflector designed to optimize the refraction of infrared energy and focus it on the area to be heated. They operate silently and when energized provide up to 90% of their heating potential in less than one second. Their ability to create heat is also unaffected by wind and can be effective at greater distances than medium and long wave radiant heaters, which also take much longer to warm-up. These properties make quartz infrared radiant heaters ideal for use outdoors, in large open areas or high ceiling applications, and when heat is needed quickly and/or focused on a specific space, body or object.

What is the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Quartz Radiant Heaters?

With traditional hot air systems warm air rises, stratifies, and is lost through openings, convection, and conduction. As much as 70% of the heat produced is lost without creating occupant comfort. Using quartz radiant heaters, the heat is directed and maintained, without dispersion, only on areas of interest. The result is solar-quality heat, a comfortable environment without noise and dust, and only for the time necessary creating significant energy savings.

Applications for Quartz Radiant Heaters

Quartz radiant heaters are the ideal solution for areas in buildings or homes where a conventional system cannot be used, would be difficult to install, or result in excessive energy costs. They are also the perfect solution for any outdoor application where wind, rain or snow is present.
  • Basements, garages, patios, and decks
  • Indoor and outdoor industrial work areas and workshops
  • High dust, fume, or airborne chemical environments
  • Aid in the movement of fluids by improving viscosity
  • Water treatment facilities
  • Hospitals and laboratories
  • Auto repair and carwashes
  • Parking garages
  • Locker rooms, shower and drying rooms, sports and fitness areas
  • Sports venues, stadiums, and luxury boxes
  • Terraces and verandas
  • Outdoor spaces of restaurants, hotels, pubs, and bars
  • Historical sites and buildings, zoos, and botanical gardens
  • Health clubs and swimming pools
  • Theatres, convention centers and meeting rooms
  • Showrooms, boutiques, shops, and markets
  • Campgrounds, parks, and beaches
  • Golf courses and driving ranges
  • Ski resorts
  • Under sunshades, overhangs, and gazebos
  • Greenhouses and farming
  • Any high dust or moisture area

Quartz Radiant Heaters in Healthcare

There are applications in healthcare where fast-acting quartz radiant heaters can not only create comfort, but also provide for better clinical outcomes. It has been found that patient mortality rates can be reduced, and recovery aided by using medical infrared equipment to increase body temperatures in trauma and burn patients. Fast acting quartz radiant heaters are the optimal solution to providing rapid heat-up for incoming patients with compromised core body temperatures. They are also well-suited for heating ambulance bays, emergency, and other entrance areas to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of falls from snow or icy conditions.

Quartz Radiant Heaters in Dangerous and High-Risk Environments

Quartz radiant heaters can be manufactured for use in high risk and potentially explosive environments. many of these environments have high volumes of dust, chemicals, or explosive gases which require a sealed heating unit, and due to high air turnover rates and often high ceilings, conventional convective unit heaters are ineffective and extremely expensive to operate. These units can focus the heat on the people and objects directly, unaffected by high air turnover and stratification. After many requests for short wave high intensity radiant heaters, Radiant Electric Heat has partnered with Star Progetti, a leader in the development of premium quality high intensity radiant heating units. Radiant Electric Heat is the exclusive US distributor of Star Progetti’s industry leading line short wave high intensity radiant heaters. Included in their extensive line is the unique Helios Radiant Black, which incorporates a heat resistant black safety glass filter that nearly eliminates the bright orange glare projected by other quartz radiant heaters, and their Helios Radiant ATEX IP66 Explosion Proof infrared heaters designed for use in ATEX areas and suitable for heating areas at risk of explosion as provided for in the ATEX 2014/34/UE directive. There are models designed for wall or ceiling mounting, and flat or wheel based portable stand, providing an installation method to fit nearly any application in any facility.

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