During the cold months, the effectiveness of our heating systems is vital to maintaining a comfortable and warm home. The radiator is one part of these systems that is frequently disregarded but is crucial for equally dispersing heat. The materials, sizes, and designs of radiators vary, which has an impact on how well they distribute heat throughout our living areas. Aluminum radiators have become more and more popular recently because of their superior heat conduction qualities and lightweight design.
Homeowners who want to maximize the comfort and energy efficiency of their heating systems must comprehend the heat output of aluminum radiators. The quantity of heat that a radiator emits into a space is known as its heat output, and it is commonly expressed in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or Watts. Homeowners can use this information to calculate the size and quantity of radiators required to heat a space effectively while using the least amount of energy.
A useful tool for both homeowners and heating specialists is a heat output table designed especially for aluminum radiators. The heat output of different sizes and styles of aluminum radiators under various operating conditions is provided in detail in this table. Homeowners can choose the radiators that will work best for them and their budget by consulting this table.
The choice of aluminum radiators and where they are installed in a house are influenced by various factors, including the room’s dimensions, insulation levels, and intended temperature. One useful tool for precisely estimating heating needs based on these variables is a heat output table. It also assists homeowners in comparing various radiator models to identify the most economical and energy-efficient choices.
This post will discuss the significance of comprehending aluminum radiator heat output and how a heat output table can help with installation and selection. We’ll look at the various aspects that influence radiator performance and offer helpful advice for optimizing heating efficiency in homes. Whether you’re remodeling your house or just trying to improve your heating system, creating a cozy and energy-efficient living space depends on having a thorough understanding of aluminum radiator heat output.
Aluminum Radiator Model | Heat Output (Watts) |
Model A | 1500 |
Model B | 1800 |
- Comparison of radiators of different types
- Comparative conclusions
- Calculation of heat output
- Conclusion
- Recommended:
- Comparison of heating radiators by heat output
- How to correctly calculate the real heat output of batteries
- Calculation procedure
- Comparison of heat output
- Comparison by other characteristics
- Conclusion
- Recommended:
- Comparison of heating radiators according to the heat output table
- Heating radiator, comparison of several types
- Important aspects of radiator selection
- Explanation of comparative values of heating devices
- Video on the topic
- Improved the heat output of the heating radiator in a simple way
Comparison of radiators of different types
One of the key features is thermal capacity, but there are other, equally significant ones. It is incorrect to choose a radiator solely based on the necessary heat flux. It’s important to know how long a radiator will operate in your home heating system and under what circumstances it provides the desired flow. As a result, it is more accurate to take into account all of the primary technical features of sectional heater types, specifically:
- aluminum;
- bimetallic;
- cast iron.
Let’s compare heating radiators based on the primary factors that influence their choice, which are as follows:
- heat output;
- permissible working pressure;
- pressure of pressure test
- capacity;
- weight.
Note: Since all battery types have a high enough heating level to be considered suitable for use in residential buildings based on this parameter, we do not consider the coolant’s maximum degree of heating.
When choosing batteries for various heating networks, the operating and test pressures are crucial. While the pressure of the heating medium in cottages or country homes seldom goes above 3 bar, in district heating, it can reach 6 to 15 bar, depending on the building’s floor. Remember that hydrostatic shocks can occur frequently in centralized networks during startup and operation. For these reasons, it is not advised to include every radiator in these networks; instead, it is preferable to compare heat output while taking the product’s strength into consideration.
The weight and capacity of heating components are crucial factors in the construction of private homes. Estimating the heat energy consumption for the system’s heating and calculating the total amount of water in it are made easier with knowledge of the radiator’s capacity. When choosing a method of attachment to an external wall, such as using frame technology or porous materials like aerated concrete, it is crucial to consider the weight of the device.
In order to familiarize you with the primary technical features, we have included the specifications of the MC-140 cast iron batteries as well as data from the renowned producer of aluminum and bimetal radiators, RIFAR company, in the table.
Comparative conclusions
The table above illustrates that bimetallic heaters are the most power-efficient when it comes to heat output among heating radiators. Remember that they have an aluminum body with fins and a sturdy, welded frame of metal tubes inside for the coolant to flow through. Based on all the parameters, these heaters can be installed in private cottages as well as high-rise building heat networks. Their exorbitant price is the only drawback.
Aluminum radiators produce a little less heat than bimetallic radiators, but they are lighter and less expensive. Aluminum pressure devices that pass testing and are in good working order can be installed in buildings with any number of floors, provided that each one has its own boiler room and water treatment unit. The key point is that low-quality coolant, which is common in central networks, can electrochemically corrode aluminum alloy. It is preferable to install aluminum radiators in independent systems.
A cast iron radiator is not like any other. Its large mass and section capacity result in a significantly reduced heat output. In light of this comparison, it would appear that they are useless for use in contemporary heating systems. However, the classic "accordion" MS-140 is still in demand because of its strength and resistance to corrosion. Indeed, the gray cast iron used to make MC-140s can easily last up to 50 years or longer when used with any type of heat carrier as coolant.
Furthermore, because of its size and mass, a traditional cast iron radiator has a high thermal inertia. This implies that the radiator stays warm for an extended period of time after the boiler is turned off. Cast iron heaters do not have very high durability when it comes to working pressure. Buying them for networks with high water pressure carries a risk.
Calculation of heat output
Knowing how much power each piece of equipment needs is the first step towards organizing the heating of an entire building. Next, the radiator’s heat transfer must be calculated. The amount of heat required to heat the space is calculated in a very straightforward manner. The amount of heat required to heat one cubic meter depends on the location; for example, the south side of the building requires 35 W/m3, while the north side requires 40 W/m3. This number is multiplied by the room’s actual volume to obtain the necessary capacity.
Take note! The required power was determined using the aggregate method described above, and the results are only used as a reference.
Calculating aluminum or bimetallic radiators requires beginning with the specifications found in the manufacturer’s documentation. The standard specifies that one radiator section’s power should be provided at DT = 70. This indicates that at a supply temperature of 105 oC and a return temperature of 70 oC, one section will provide the desired heat flow. In this instance, 18 oC is assumed to be the internal environment’s design temperature.
Our table indicates that, at a supply pipe temperature of 105 ºC, a single section of a bimetallic radiator with an axial dimension of 500 mm can produce 204 W of heat. Such high temperatures do not occur in modern systems, particularly individual systems, and the output power will be decreased as a result. You must first use the following formula to determine the parameter DT for the current conditions in order to determine the actual heat flow:
Where DT is equal to (tpod + tobr) / 2 – tkomn.
- tpod – water temperature in the supply pipe;
- tobr – the same in the return;
- tkomn – temperature inside the room.
Subsequently, a correction factor is applied to the heating radiator’s passport heat output, which is determined by the value of DT in the table:
For instance, the DT parameter will be (80 + 60) / 2 – 21 = 49 at the heat transfer medium schedule of 80 / 60 ºC and room temperature of 21 ºC, with a correction factor of 0.63. Then, 204 x 0.63 = 128.5 W will be the heat flow of one section of the identical bimetallic radiator. Determines the number of sections based on this outcome.
Conclusion
Bimetallic radiators rank highest in the heat output comparison of heating elements, followed by aluminum radiators, as one might anticipate. Cast iron heaters make sense to use, but only under specific operating circumstances.
Recommended:
A comprehensive guide on how to install heating in a private home How to select radiators that heat Heating radiator wiring diagrams
Comparison of heating radiators by heat output
The debate over the true heat output of different kinds of heating radiators is still going strong on a number of forums and websites. Arguments are framed around which of them performs best on this indicator, which ultimately influences users’ decisions regarding which heating devices to choose. As a result, it makes sense to estimate the true heat output of various radiator types by comparing their thermal capacities. This is what the information that has been brought to your attention says.
How to correctly calculate the real heat output of batteries
The technical data sheet that the manufacturer attaches to the product must always be consulted first. It will undoubtedly contain the relevant information, which is the heat output of a section or panel radiator of a specific size. However, don’t be too quick to applaud the superior performance of aluminum or bimetallic batteries; the number on the passport is not accurate and needs to be adjusted; to do this, you must compute the heat output.
Such statements, such as "Aluminum radiators have the highest capacity because copper and aluminum have the best heat output among other metals," are frequently heard. It is true that the best materials for heat conductivity are copper and aluminum, but there are other factors that affect heat transfer as well, some of which will be covered below.
When the average temperature difference between the coolant (t supply + t return)/2 and the room is equal to 70 °C, the heater’s passport states that the heat output is accurate. It can be expressed as follows using a formula:
As a point of reference. This parameter may be written as dt, Δt, or DT in product documentation from various companies, or it may just be written "at a temperature difference of 70 ° C."
What does it mean when the bimetallic radiator’s documentation states that one section’s thermal capacity is 200 W at DT = 70 °C? The understanding of the same formula can be aided by substituting the known room temperature of 22 °C and performing the calculation in reverse order:
Given that the supply and return pipelines’ temperature differences shouldn’t exceed 20 °C, the following method must be used to calculate their values:
As you can see, if the room is set at a comfortable temperature of 22 °C and the supply pipe is heated to 102 °C, one section of the bimetallic radiator from the example will provide 200 W of heat. The first requirement is implausible because the heating capacity of contemporary boilers is only 80 °C, which implies that the battery will never be able to provide the 200 W of heat that is advertised. The heating medium in a private home is rarely heated to this level; typically, it reaches a maximum of 70 °C, or DT = 38–40 °C.
Calculation procedure
It turns out that the heating battery’s actual power is substantially less than what is indicated in the passport, but knowing how much is still important for choosing one. There’s an easy way to do this: just apply a reduction factor to the heater’s initial thermal power value. The following table lists the coefficient values that must be multiplied, based on the value of DT, in order to determine the radiator’s passport heat output:
The following formula can be used to determine the heaters’ actual heat output under your specific circumstances:
- Determine what should be the temperature in the house and water in the system.
- Substitute these values into the formula and calculate your real Δt.
- Find the corresponding coefficient in the table.
- Multiply the heat output value of the radiator by it.
- Calculate the number of radiators needed to heat the room.
One section of the bimetallic radiator in the example above will have a heat output of 200 W x 0.48 = 96 W. Thus, 1 thou. W of heat, or 1000/96 = 10.4 = 11 sections, is required to heat a 10 m2 space (rounding always goes upwards).
When the documentation indicates that Δt is equal to 70 ° C, then the given table and calculation of the batteries’ heat output should be used. However, it does happen that a radiator’s capacity at Δt = 50 °Ρ is provided for various devices from some companies – manufacturers. If so, you are unable to use this method. It is simpler to dial the necessary number of sections based on the details of your passport, but you must enter their number with 1.5 times the reserve.
As a point of reference. Many manufacturers provide the following values for heat transfer under these circumstances: Δt = 50 °C for t supply = 90 °Ρ, t return = 70 °C, and t air = 20 °C.
Comparison of heat output
If you have read the previous section carefully, you should know that the air and coolant temperatures have a significant impact on the heat output and that the radiator itself has minimal effect on these parameters. However, there is a third factor: the heat exchange surface area, where the product’s shape and design are crucial. Because of this, it is challenging to accurately compare the surfaces of a cast iron and steel panel heater.
The material that the heater is constructed of is the fourth factor that influences the heat output. Examine yourself in comparison: At DT = 50 °C, five sections of an aluminum radiator with a global vox 600 mm high will produce 635 W. Under identical conditions (Δt = 50 ° C), a cast iron retro radiator DIANA (GURATEC) with the same height and number of sections can only generate 530 W. These details are available on the manufacturers’ official websites.
It is useless to compare the heat output characteristics of aluminum and bimetallic products because they are nearly identical.
You can attempt to compare the closest size that fits the dimensions when comparing aluminum and steel panel radiators. A KERMI 600×400 steel panel is equivalent to the five GLOBAL aluminum sections described above, each of which has a height of 600 mm and a total length of roughly 400 mm. It turns out that at Δt = 50 °Ρ, even a three-row steel device (type 30) will only produce 572 W. However, it should be noted that the KERMI panel is nearly 160 mm deep, whereas the GLOBAL VOX radiator is only 95 mm deep. In other words, aluminum has a high heat output, which is evident in the dimensions.
Batteries with the same capacity but made of different metals will perform differently in the specific heating system of a private home. As a result, the comparison makes sense:
- Bimetallic and aluminum products quickly warm up and cool down. By giving off more heat in a time interval, they return colder water to the system.
- Steel panel radiators occupy the middle position, as they do not transfer heat so intensively. But they are cheaper and easier to install.
- The most inert and expensive are cast iron heaters, they are inherently long warming up and cooling down, because of which there is a slight delay in the automatic regulation of the coolant flow rate by thermostatic heads.
A straightforward conclusion can be made from everything mentioned above. The most important thing is that the radiator be properly chosen in terms of capacity and appropriate for the user in every way, regardless of the material it is made of. Furthermore, it generally doesn’t hurt to become acquainted with all the subtleties of how this or that device operates and where it can be installed.
Comparison by other characteristics
As was already mentioned, inertness is one characteristic of battery operation. However, in order for the comparison of heating radiators to be accurate, it must take into account additional significant factors in addition to heat output, such as:
- working pressure and maximum pressure;
- the amount of water to be contained;
- mass.
The heater’s suitability for installation in multi-story buildings where the water column can reach several hundred meters in height is contingent upon the working pressure limit. By the way, private residences are exempt from this restriction because there isn’t typically much network pressure there. The total amount of water in the system that will need to be heated can be estimated by comparing the radiator capacities. Well, deciding where and how to mount a product depends in part on its weight.
For illustration, the following table compares the features of several heating radiators of the same size:
Note: With the exception of the steel radiator, which is a single panel, a radiator with five sections is treated as a single unit in the table.
In our guide on heating and insulating your home, we"re delving into the efficiency of aluminum radiators. Aluminum radiators are popular choices for heating systems due to their lightweight nature and ability to heat up quickly. Understanding the heat output of these radiators is crucial for ensuring your home stays warm efficiently. Our comprehensive table breaks down the heat output of aluminum radiators based on various factors like size, design, and heating capacity. By consulting this table, homeowners can make informed decisions about the type and number of radiators needed to effectively heat their space, ultimately saving energy and money. Whether you"re renovating your home or looking to upgrade your heating system, our guide provides valuable insights to optimize your home"s warmth and comfort.
Conclusion
If you compare a larger number of manufacturers, you will still find that aluminum radiators hold a commanding lead in terms of heat output and other features. Because bimetallics are only better in terms of working pressure, their higher cost isn’t always justified. While cast iron is for connoisseurs, steel batteries are more of a budget option. If the Soviet cast-iron "accordion" MS140 is excluded, retro radiators—the priciest type currently in use—come into play.
Recommended:
Which faucets are ideal for heating radiators Which are the better options for heating radiators? A solution to the query or another issue is an aluminum or bimetallic Quartz heater for the home.
Comparison of heaters and radiators based on heat output
Comparison of heating radiators according to the heat output table
Radiators for heating rooms are chosen at this stage of the project. This right is frequently transferred to the homeowner in private construction. How do I decide between an aluminum, bimetallic, or cast iron radiator that I need? When making decisions, economic considerations such as the cost of the house usually take precedence over common sense and accurate data about heating devices. We will make an effort to provide information about the heat output parameters of various radiators, not just the most affordable option.
Heating radiator, comparison of several types
The primary feature of the heating device is its heat output, or the radiator’s capacity to produce the necessary amount of heat flow. When selecting a heating device, it’s important to realize that the passport-specified heat flow is created under specific conditions for each of them. In heating systems, the most popular radiators are:
- Sectional cast iron radiator.
- Aluminum radiator.
- Bimetallic sectional heating devices.
We will contrast various heating device types based on the factors that influence their installation and choice:
- Heat output value heating device.
- At what working pressure. effective functioning of the device takes place.
- Required pressure for pressure testing battery sections.
- Occupied volume of the heat carrier by one section.
- What is the weight of the heater.
It should be mentioned that the heat carrier’s maximum temperature should not be considered during the comparison process; a high index for this value permits the use of these radiators in residential settings.
When selecting a radiator, it is important to consider both the parameters of the test pressure and the working pressure of the heat carrier, which varies depending on the urban heating network. The heat transfer medium in rural homes and cottage communities is nearly always less than 3 bar. However, centralized heating in cities is supplied at pressures as high as 15 bar. Because there are so many buildings with many floors, there needs to be more pressure.
Important aspects of radiator selection
Hydraulic shock happens in centralized heating networks during the first startup of the system, so keep that in mind when selecting a radiator. These factors make certain radiators inappropriate for use with this kind of heating system. Preferably, the heating device’s strength characteristics should be taken into consideration when determining the heat output.
Weight and heat carrier capacity are crucial considerations when selecting a radiator, particularly in private construction. The radiator’s capacity can be used to estimate how much heat carrier the private heating system will need in order to reach the desired temperature and how much energy it will cost.
Consideration must be given to the local climate when choosing heating equipment. Since heating devices are positioned all around the house and radiators are typically fixed to supporting walls, it is necessary to determine the weight of these devices in order to determine the best fixing technique. Data from the well-known company RIFAR, which manufactures heating devices made of aluminum and bimetal, as well as the specifications of cast iron heating devices bearing the MS-410 brand, are included in the table that compares the heat output of heating radiators.
Aluminum with a 500 mm center-to-center device.
Device inter-axial length in aluminum: 350 mm.
Explanation of comparative values of heating devices
It is evident from the data above that the bimetal heating device has the highest heat transfer rate. The device is presented structurally in a ribbed aluminum housing by RIFAR. which houses the metal tubes, and a welded frame holds the entire structure together. These kinds of batteries are used in private residences, cottages, and multi-story buildings. The expense of this kind of heating apparatus is a drawback.
Compared to bimetallic heating devices, aluminum heating devices are significantly less expensive and have slightly lower heat transfer parameters. They are also more in demand. The installation of these batteries in buildings is not restricted by the number of storeys because they have indicators for both working and test pressure.
Crucial! It is advised that this kind of battery be installed in a separate boiler station with a water treatment unit in homes with multiple stories. The characteristics of aluminum batteries are connected to this heat carrier pre-treatment condition. When it is supplied in subpar condition through the central heating network, they may be vulnerable to electrochemical corrosion. It is advised that aluminum radiators be installed in independent heating systems as a result.
In this comparative system of parameters, cast-iron batteries have low heat output, high heater weight, and significant loss. However, the population still needs radiators MS-140, and the following reasons account for this:
- Duration of trouble-free operation, which is important in heating systems.
- Resistance to the negative impact (corrosion) of the heat carrier.
- Thermal inertia of cast iron.
For him, there is no difference in the quality of thermal medium preparation during the more than 50 years that these kinds of heating devices have been in operation. Cast iron is not a strong material, so they shouldn’t be installed in homes where the heating network may operate under high operating pressure.
Since aluminum radiators are efficient and have a sleek appearance, they have become a popular option for home heating systems. These radiators’ ability to keep your house warm and cozy is largely dependent on how much heat they produce.
A heat output table designed specifically for aluminum radiators can help homeowners determine how big and how many radiators are needed for their space. This table offers useful data on the heat output of various radiator sizes at different temperatures, enabling precise calculations to be made in accordance with each person’s heating requirements.
Comprehending the heat output of aluminum radiators is crucial to guaranteeing maximum energy efficiency and ideal heating performance. While undersized radiators might find it difficult to heat the room sufficiently, which could cause discomfort and increase energy costs, oversized radiators can waste energy.
In addition, experts who install and maintain heating systems can find the heat output table to be a helpful resource. They can suggest the best radiator options for their clients by consulting this table, which takes into account variables like room size, insulation levels, and preferred temperature settings.
In conclusion, the heat output table for aluminum radiators is an invaluable resource that helps professionals and homeowners alike make well-informed decisions and design effective heating systems. Through the utilization of this resource, people can guarantee maximum comfort, reduced energy consumption, and general contentment with their residential heating systems.