The use of steel panel radiators for completing a heating system is due to several factors. First of all - their high heat dissipation. Thanks to a well-thought-out design and unique technical properties of the material of manufacture, you can choose the optimal panel radiators and heating radiators: steel, electric.
The main advantages of panel radiators
First you need to figure out how steel panel heating batteries differ from similar aluminum and bimetallic ones. Structurally, these heat supply devices are vertical channels for the coolant, which are connected to the outer panels using heat exchange plates.
Because of this structure, panel heating batteries have received a number of important distinctive advantages:
- Low degree of inertia of work... The outer surface warms up much faster than that of cast iron counterparts. Special purposes are provided for additional air convection in the upper lower part of the structure. Through them, air circulation and its further heating take place;
- Reliability... Unlike sectional radiators, panel radiators have much fewer mechanical joints, which increases their level of reliability;
- Light weight... For fastening, the simplest models are used, brackets for panel heating radiators. This has a positive effect on the cost.
However, along with these qualities, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages that steel panel heating radiators have. First of all, these include susceptibility to corrosion. If the acidity of the coolant is at a high level, and there is also a large amount of oxygen in it, there is a high probability of rust on the inner walls of the devices. In addition, it is not recommended to leave the panel heating without water for a long time.
In some steel panel radiators, internal ducts are made of copper pipes. This increases resistance to corrosion, but also significantly increases the cost.
Panel Battery Specifications
For the consumer, several indicators of heating devices are important. They must be adapted to the parameters of the current heating system. That is why it is necessary to know the basic technical characteristics of panel heating radiators.
Despite the apparent strength of these devices, it is not recommended to install them when completing a central heating system. This is due to the maximum pressure in the pipes. For surface heating, the following parameters must be observed:
- The maximum pressure in the heating system is up to 10 atm. Some models are able to withstand up to 13 atm for a short time;
- The coolant temperature should not exceed + 110 ° С. In practice, Prado panel heating radiators are installed in a system where this indicator exceeds + 90 ° C.
With regards to the construction of the steel battery - you need to pay special attention to 2 parameters. First of all - the thickness of the steel sheet. It must be at least 1.3 mm.For better protection from external influences, Russian panel heating radiators are powder coated. This technique allows you to increase the service life of heat supply devices and counteracts the appearance of corrosion on their surface.
In the manufacturing process, a welding method is used to connect individual structural elements. To ensure reliability, it is recommended to choose models with a solid seam. The point connection does not contribute to the reliability of the structure during operation.
The operational technical characteristics of panel heating radiators include the type of connection:
- Lateral... The classic way to install batteries in a heating system. Well suited for vertical and horizontal piping;
- Lower... Ideal for hidden pipelines. However, difficulties may arise with the installation of a thermostat, with which you can regulate the power of panel heating radiators.
To transfer heat energy to the surface of the pipelines, heat exchange plates are welded. They are connected to a corrugated outer panel. The specific heat output of the structure depends on their number and location. This indicator is indicated by the manufacturer in the passport. Heat transfer directly depends on the thermal mode of operation of the heating system.
Panel electric heating radiators can be filled with a heating medium - water or oil. In the latter case, the time to reach the optimum temperature is long, but the subsequent cooling after switching off the device will be much slower.
Design features of radiators
In contrast to sectional ones, in panel heating radiators, an essential parameter is the total area of the outer surface. Together with the characteristics of the source of thermal energy (water in pipes or electric heating element), it determines the technical qualities of the heating device.
When choosing, you need to focus on certain parameters inherent in steel panel heating radiators. These include:
- Overall dimensions - width, height and depth. These characteristics determine the thermal output of the device;
- Number of rows of heat transfer plates;
- Pipe capacity. The volume of the coolant that fits into one radiator depends on this.
For a detailed analysis, it is necessary to consider the design features of each type of heating devices - for a water heating system and electrical models.
When purchasing a certain model of a heater, you need to check its complete set. It must include brackets for panel heating radiators.
Steel panel radiators for hot water heating
When choosing, it is necessary to determine the overall dimensions of the steel heating panel batteries. This parameter depends on the required power of the device and the place of its installation. Most often, radiators are mounted in special wall niches under window structures.
Manufacturers currently offer heating panel radiators with the following dimensions:
- Height... Varies from 20 to 90 cm;
- Length... It can be from 40 cm to 3 m. The latter are preferred to be mounted when organizing panel heating for large rooms.
The depth of the radiator directly depends on the number of heat exchanger panels. This characteristic is indicated in the type of heaters. Apart from design models with a characteristic appearance, there are the following types of steel panel heating radiators:
- 10 - have only steel crate without front panel. Belong to budget types;
- 11 - the structure includes one heat exchange unit and an external panel;
- 21 - two panels are installed on the block with water channels;
- 22 - to increase the power of panel heat supply batteries, one more heat exchanger is additionally mounted;
- 33 - the radiator consists of three panels and 3 heat exchange panels.
In addition to these technical characteristics of panel heating radiators, when choosing a design, it is recommended to pay attention to the design of the front panel. Some manufacturers make them grooved to increase the heating area. Thus, maximum heat transfer is achieved without significantly exceeding the dimensions of the battery.
During the installation of Prado panel radiators for heat supply, it is necessary to observe the minimum distance from the bottom surface of the structure to the floor. Otherwise, air convection performance may deteriorate significantly.
Panel type electric heating batteries
Unlike water models, panel electric heating radiators are manufactured using a different technology. For this, the geometry of the steel sheet is preliminarily changed by pressing. Then, using spot welding, they are connected to each other, forming a single structure. In this case, channels are formed inside, filled with a coolant.
However, this manufacturing method causes some disadvantages. First of all, these include the large dimensions of the structure. To heat the coolant, it is necessary to install heating elements. Due to the specifics of the design, this can be done either from the side or from below it. Therefore, the vast majority of these panel electric heating radiators are of the floor type. Those. they cannot be attached to the wall due to their large dimensions.
To solve this problem, other types of electric heating panel batteries have been developed. They consist of a steel box with convection slots. Heating elements are located inside it.
This design has several advantages:
- Wall mountable;
- High degree of air convection for heating it;
- For modern models, the package includes operation control devices (thermostat) and a block for turning off the heaters in the event of a radiator overturning or a sudden power surge in the network.
Installation of radiators is carried out using special brackets for panel radiators.
On the back of the structure, there should be flat plate fasteners. If the radiator package does not include brackets, you must first measure the mountings on the radiator panel and then, according to the dimensions obtained, select the optimal design of the mounting elements.
If a panel-type electric radiator is to be installed in a bathroom, it is necessary that the outer casing in its structure is waterproof.
Overview of manufacturers and prices for panel radiators
Currently, there are several manufacturing companies that specialize in the production of panel radiators. Their products are of high quality, reliable performance and long service life.
These positive characteristics apply to many Russian panel heating radiators. For the correct choice of the optimal model, in addition to the characteristics, it is necessary to make a primary analysis of prices.
| Manufacturer / model | Power, W | price, rub. |
| Kermi FKO type 11 L - 400 | 474 | 2920 |
| Korado Radik type 11 L - 300 | 355 | 1800 |
| Prado Classik type 11 L - 500 | 376 | 1950 |
| Prado UIniversal type 11 L - 500 | 376 | 3145 |
In addition to technical indicators, it is necessary to take into account the complete set of radiators and the warranty for their operation. Based on the latter, it is best to choose a domestic manufacturer with a large network of specialized service and repair points.
For those who decided to install the radiator on their own, it is useful to watch a video that describes this process in detail:
