Unit 309 Session 5 Heat Emitters

​Heat emitters 

Open Ended

What do you think heat emitters are?

We have looked at how we generate heat (Solid fuel, Gas, Oil), but now we have made the heat how do we get it to spread around our buildings evenly?

Heat emitters

are the way of getting the heat into a building.

● panel radiators




● column radiators







● fan convectors






● low surface temperature radiators

​
● kick space



● towel warmers




● towel warmers with integral panel radiators






● skirting heating.

Poll

Which heat emitter do you think is most popular in domestic properties?

• Panel radiator

• Fan Convector

• column radiators

• skirting heating

Hotspot

Which of these are fan convector heaters?

Hotspot

Which of these is a panel radiator?

Hotspot

Which of these is a towel warmer?

Hotspot

Which of these is a skirting heater?

​Panel radiators
Modern panel convectors/radiators are designed to emit heat by convection and radiation 70 per cent of the heat is convected.
They have fins (often called a convector) welded to the back of the radiator, which serve to warm the cold air that passes through them, creating warm air currents, which flow into the room.

This dramatically improves the efficiency of the radiator.

​Panel radiators

​Panel radiators

​There are three different styles of radiator, as follows.

1. Seamed top: this is a very common style of radiator that was for many years the market leader. Top grilles and side panels are available for this radiator style.

2. Compact: these have factory-fitted top grilles and side panels, making them a more attractive radiator style. These are currently the most popular radiator style available.

3. Rolled top: the least popular of all radiator styles. They are somewhat old fashioned looking, with exposed welded seams either side.

​Panel radiators

​There are three different styles of radiator, as follows.

1. Seamed top 2. Compact 3. Rolled top

​Column radiators

​Column radiators (often known as hospital or church radiators) have been available for many years.

As the name suggests, they are made up of columns; the more columns the radiator has, the better the heat output.

They are increasingly being used with modern heating systems, especially on period refurbishments. Column radiators can be made from three different metals, these being traditional cast iron, steel and aluminium.

Open Ended

Use the internet to research what 'Low surface temperature radiators (LSTs)' are

​Low surface temperature radiators (LSTs)

​Low surface temperature radiators (LSTs) were specifically designed to conform to the NHS Estates guidance note ‘Safe hot water and surface temperatures’, which states that:

Heating devices should not exceed 43°C when the system is running at maximum design output.


This has been adopted not only by the NHS but also local authorities and commercial buildings installations where the general public may have access, including residential care homes and schools.

​Connections to radiators

​Radiator connections are classified by their abbreviations.
For example:

● TBOE means top bottom opposite end (used on heat sink radiators with solid fuel systems and one-pipe systems)
● BBOE means bottom bottom opposite end (the usual method of radiator connection)
● TBSE means top bottom same end (used with some one-pipe systems).

​Fan convectors

​Fan convectors work on the same basic principle as traditional finned radiators.

A finned copper heat exchanger is housed in a casing, which also contains a low-volume electrically operated fan.

As the heat exchanger becomes hot, a thermostat operates the fan and the warm air is blown into the room.

Because the warm air is forced into the room, more heat can be extracted from the hot, circulating water.


Once the desired temperature has been reached, the fan is again switched off by the thermostat.

Poll

Do you think convector heaters are suitable for whole house heating?

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

Can you think of an issue that would mean convector heaters may not be suitable for whole house heating?

Towel warmers

​Towel warmers

These are available in a range of different designs and colours, and are sometimes referred to as designer towel rails.

They can be supplied for use with wet central heating systems with an electrical element option, for use during the summer when the heating system is not required.

They are usually mounted vertically on the wall and can be installed in bathrooms and kitchens.

​Towel warmers with integral panel radiators

Less popular than tubular towel rails, these heat emitters combine a towel rail and radiator into one unit.
They allow a towel to be warmed without affecting the convection current from the radiator.
They are generally installed only in bathrooms.

​Skirting heating

​Skirting heating consists of a finned copper tubular heat exchanger in a metal casing that replaces the skirting boards in a room. It is usually used where unobtrusive heat emitters are required. Skirting heating can be used as perimeter heating below glazing or for background heat in some areas.

Poll

Do you think skirting heating is a good idea?

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

Why do you think skirting heating is not as popular as panel radiators?

The heat output, at 450 watts per metre, is quite low, which means that, to be effective, the skirting heating would need to be at floor level on all walls of the room to off-set the room heat losses.

​One disadvantage is that efficiency is reduced by dust collecting in the fins.

​Test yourself

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a type of common heat emitter?

• Ceiling fans

• Panel radiators

• Electric heaters

• Gas stoves

Multiple Choice

What percentage of heat is convected by modern panel radiators?

• 50%

• 60%

• 70%

• 80%

Multiple Choice

Why is the positioning of a radiator critical?

• To enhance the aesthetic of the room

• To prevent overheating

• To improve efficiency and avoid cold spots

• To reduce noise

Multiple Choice

What does TBOE stand for in radiator connections?

• Top bottom opposite end

• Top bottom open end

• Top back opposite end

• Top back open end

Multiple Choice

What is the most popular style of radiator currently available?

• Seamed top

• Compact

• Rolled top

• Exposed top

Multiple Choice

Which style of radiator is described as old-fashioned with exposed welded seams?

• Seamed top

• Compact

• Rolled top

• Modern top

Multiple Choice

What is the recommended height from the floor for hanging radiators to allow air circulation?

• 50 mm

• 100 mm

• 150 mm

• 200 mm

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the 'U'-shaped pieces of plastic included with the radiator?

• To enhance the radiator's appearance

• To prevent the radiator from overheating

• To prevent the radiator from rattling

• To help with water drainage

Multiple Choice

What is a characteristic of column radiators?

• They are made up of columns

• They are always made of plastic

• They do not require any maintenance

• They are only used in industrial settings

Multiple Choice

What is the maximum surface temperature allowed for low surface temperature radiators (LSTs) according to NHS guidance?

• 43°C

• 50°C

• 60°C

• 70°C

Multiple Choice

What is a main component of a fan convector that helps in heating the room?

• A finned copper heat exchanger

• A plastic casing

• A water pump

• A solar panel

Multiple Choice

Where are tubular towel warmers usually installed?

• In living rooms and bedrooms

• In kitchens and bathrooms

• In garages and basements

• In attics and closets

Multiple Choice

What is a feature of towel warmers with integral panel radiators?

• They are used in living rooms

• They combine a towel rail and radiator into one unit

• They are installed in kitchens

• They require no electrical connection

Multiple Choice

What does skirting heating consist of?

• A finned copper tubular heat exchanger

• A flat panel radiator

• An electric fan heater

• A ceramic heating element