säteilylämmittimenä

Säteilylämmittimenä, often translated as radiant heater or infrared heater, is a device that transfers heat through electromagnetic radiation, primarily in the infrared spectrum. Unlike convection heaters that warm the air, radiant heaters directly heat objects and surfaces within their line of sight. This makes them efficient for targeted heating in specific areas or for providing a sense of warmth even in cooler ambient temperatures.

The principle behind a radiant heater is simple. An element within the device, typically a resistive wire or a ceramic element, is heated to a high temperature. This hot element then emits infrared radiation. When this radiation strikes an object, such as a person or furniture, the energy is absorbed, increasing the object's temperature. This direct transfer of energy means that the air itself does not need to be heated first, leading to faster perceived warmth.

Radiant heaters come in various forms, including portable electric units with exposed elements, wall-mounted infrared panels, and even larger industrial heaters used in factories and workshops. Their applications are diverse, ranging from household use in living rooms, bathrooms, or outdoor patios to commercial settings like restaurants and warehouses. They are also employed in specialized applications such as drying processes, curing materials, and in some medical therapies. The effectiveness of a radiant heater is dependent on the distance and line of sight between the heater and the object being warmed.