Selecting the heating power of a thermal curtain
This equipment is not a heater, and therefore, if we talk about heating power, the calculation is rather subjective, since this is an energy-saving device that prevents warm air in summer and cold air in winter from entering the room. The technical characteristics of the air-thermal curtain indicate the difference in temperature of the blown and suction flow. In each model, the optimal selection of heater power has already been made. Some manufacturers produce the same models of thermal curtains with heaters of different power, and therefore you can always make the correct selection of the required power.
Advantages of water-type thermal curtains
- Firstly, such curtains consume a minimum of energy, “powered” by the thermal circuit of the warehouse heating system.
- Secondly, such curtains stabilize the temperature in the protected room, creating ideal conditions for storing the most “capricious” inventory items.
- Thirdly, water curtains not only protect, but also heat the entrance to the warehouse.
- Fourthly, thermal curtains eliminate the appearance of drafts, improving the working conditions of warehouse personnel.
- Fifthly, such curtains can be modified from a heater to an air conditioner. Moreover, such a transformation is carried out by disconnecting the curtain circuit from the coolant circulation system in the heating system. After this, the curtain begins to work like a huge fan, conditioning both the warehouse entrance and the storage itself.
That is why the scope of application of water curtains can be the widest, extending from thermal shielding of the entrances of large warehouse openings to protecting the interior of a store or cafe from dust and insects.
Selection of thermal curtains according to parameters
- Length
The length of the devices is usually 600-2000 mm, with 800-1000 m being the most popular as these values fit standard door openings. The length of the curtain should correspond to the width of the opening, or slightly overlap it. - Power
The calculation is made based on the conditions that to heat 10 sq.m of area with ceilings up to 3 m, 1 kW of power is required. The room must have good thermal insulation. - Control
The device can be equipped with a built-in or remote control panel, have 2-speed fans and 2- or 3-stage heating controls. The control panel usually contains two switches responsible for starting the device and turning on the heating elements. An additional thermostat can be connected to the device. - Installation type
The devices are available for installation in horizontal or vertical form. Most often, horizontal curtains are used, which are mounted above the doorway, providing a vertical air flow. If such placement is impossible for some reason, then vertical devices are installed on the side of the opening, while the air flow moves horizontally.
An example of calculating the performance of a thermal curtain
The thermal power of the curtain is calculated using the formula VxTxK
, Where:
- V
is the volume of the room (WxDxH, for example: 4x12x3=144 cubic meters); - T
is the difference between the external and desired internal air temperatures (for example, external: -5 ˚С, desired internal: +18 ˚С, difference = 23 ˚С); - K
- dissipation coefficient, depends on the degree of thermal insulation of the room, has the following values (smaller value - simplified thermal insulation, larger value - improved): 3.0-4.0; - 2,0-2,9;
- 1,0-1,9;
- 0,6-0,9.
Calculation example
VxTxK=144x23x4=13248 kcal/h.
To convert to kW, divide the resulting value by 860 (1 kW = 860 kcal/h).
Thus, it becomes known that to heat a room with a volume of 144 cubic meters, a thermal curtain with a power of 15 kW is required.
Selection of performance, power and size
These are the main parameters of thermal curtains that are taken into account when choosing.
Dimensions
The air curtain must be of such a size that it completely covers the opening, otherwise its operation will be ineffective. Installation against a wall is also not allowed, since the equipment requires space for air intake for normal operation.
Effective jet length
Equipment manufacturers indicate this parameter in meters. It is specifically emphasized that this parameter must correspond to the height of the opening. But the effective length of the jet is indicated taking into account the minimum temperature difference and the absence of drafts, so it is recommended to calculate it as the height of the opening with a margin of up to 30%.
Gate curtain: how to choose
When choosing an air curtain for a gate to a workshop or warehouse, you need to take into account the location of workplaces near the gate; this will affect the choice of heating power for air curtains. You also need to take into account the opening time of the gate; this will affect the settings of the automation, the use of which can lead to cost savings. For gates in this case, it will be necessary to install a sensor for their opening position. On large gates, industrial air curtains with very high air flow rates are usually used. In this case, air curtains can be installed horizontally, vertically or in combination.
Types of thermal curtains
The heating element in the thermal curtain can be water or electric. Water - a system of pipes through which hot water runs. Electric heaters come in two types: finned heating element (tubular electric heating element), ceramic heater or spiral. You can also find models with gas heaters, but they are only for industrial use.
Water thermal curtains are more economical to operate, but are bulky and difficult to install. Therefore, electric curtains are more often used. They are easier to install above the door, although they consume a lot of electricity to heat the air. Electric thermal curtains can be powered from a 220 V or 380 V network.
Horizontal type electric thermal curtain device
However, the cost of compensating for heat loss when cold air enters the room is much higher. Therefore, installing a thermal curtain powered by electricity allows you to save on heating. This equipment is justified if the doors to the premises are opened at least 5 times a day or they remain open for at least 40 minutes a day.
Depending on the installation method, thermal air curtains can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical ones are placed on the sides (maybe one or two), horizontal ones - above the doorway. Please note that horizontal models cannot be mounted vertically. The bearings installed in them are not designed to withstand the uneven load created by the fan rotor in this position. After a few months (3-4) the bearings will fail and the air curtain will stop working. At the same time, vertical models can be installed horizontally. Their bearings in this position operate in “light” mode, as they are loaded much less.
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Ways to position the electric heat curtain: one-sided and two-sided side, horizontal
Typically, horizontal electric air curtains are mounted on the wall above the door, but there are also models with ceiling mounting. The vertical type is most often mounted on walls, but there are also column models. They are not attached to the walls, only to the floor. They are also available in a housing with an increased level of protection (IP54), which allows them to be used in car washes, saunas, and swimming pools.
Types of thermal curtains according to application conditions
First of all, when choosing, you need to take into account that devices of this type are divided into household and industrial:
- Models for domestic use are less powerful and productive; they are connected to a standard 220V power supply.
- Industrial devices are larger, more powerful and more reliable; they require a voltage of 380V to operate.
The first group is more universal. Such a curtain can be installed both on the veranda in a summer house, and in a store, cafe, office and other not too large premises. It will cost you much less and will be easier to install and maintain. Professional models are designed for large-scale tasks; with their help, warehouses, industrial premises, large shopping and business centers are cut off from the street. If the volume of tasks is not large enough, they will only partially realize their potential - and you will have to pay a lot for such equipment. Therefore, objectively evaluate your goals and objectives.
The curtains also differ in the installation method:
- Horizontal. The most common configuration, which involves installation above a door or window opening. When choosing such a model, keep in mind that the device should not be narrower than the opening, and it is even better if it is slightly wider.
- Vertical. They resemble columns that are installed on 1 or 2 sides of the entrance to the room. This is the best choice if it is not possible to install a horizontal thermal curtain. For example, if there is no reliable foundation above the entrance area, but glazing is installed, then the vertical option will be almost the only available one. The air flow from such heat curtains is directed horizontally.
- Universal. The most convenient models, since they can be placed both horizontally and vertically.
A separate group can be distinguished so-called. built-in curtains. They are integrated into suspended ceiling systems; only the decorative grille extends out.
Thermal curtains can operate in both constant and variable modes. In the first case, reliability comes first among the characteristics - the equipment must withstand long-term continuous operation and impose a minimum of maintenance requirements. In the second case, optimization of device operation control is of great importance. Ideally, mode switching should be automatic, but you will have to pay significantly more for this. A compromise option could be a model with remote control.
Defining parameters
For a vertical electric heat curtain to work effectively, its length must overlap the size of the doorway by at least 10 cm. When purchasing a horizontal model, if the wall dimensions and budget allow, it is optimal to choose a thermal curtain 25 cm longer than the width of the opening. And one more thing: the height of the flow must be no less than the height of the opening. In this case, the air flow is guaranteed not to let in cold and dirty air from the street.
Formula for calculating the performance of a thermal curtain
The maximum length of electric thermal curtains is 3 meters. If the opening width is larger, it is necessary to install two devices connected to each other and installed close to each other.
ModelPowerInstallation methodPowerOpening width/installation heightHeating areaAir consumptionControlPrice
Ballu BHC-L15-S09 | 380 V | horizontal | 9 kW | 1500 mm | 90 m | 1050 m3/hour | wired remote control | 200$ |
Timberk THC WS3 5MS AERO II | 220 V | horizontal | 5 kW | 590 mm | 50 m | 480 m3/hour | without remote control | 130$ |
Ballu BHC-L08-T03 | 220 V | horizontal | 3 kW | opening height 2500 mm | 30 m | 600 m3/hour | without remote control | 95$ |
Ballu BHC-L10-S06-M | 220 V | horizontal | 6 kW | 2500*1000 mm | 60 m | 700 m3/hour | wired remote control | 185$ |
WWQ TZR-6S | 220 V | horizontal | 6 kW | 2200*1110 mm | 60 m | 780 m3/hour | wired remote control | 110$ |
Tropic K-2 | 220 D | horizontal | 2.5 kW | 2000*390 mm | 130 m3/hour | without remote control | 55$ | |
NeoClima TZS-915 | 380 V | horizontal | 9 kW | 2500*1500 mm | 90 m | 1140 m3/hour | wired remote control | 200 $ |
Hyundai H-AT1-50-UI527 | 220 V | horizontal | 5 kW | 2200*800 mm | 50 m | 480 m3/hour | without remote control | 85$ |
The next parameter that can be selected is flow rate or productivity. If we talk about the speed of air flow, then with increasing distance from the curtain, it drops significantly. In most cases, a speed of 2 m/s is sufficient to create a stable elastic barrier. But this is if there is no strong wind blowing through the doors. With constant winds directed into the doorway, the speed should be higher. But a specialist will determine the exact figure, since it is also necessary to take into account the balance of ventilation, temperature differences, etc.
For an electric heat curtain to work effectively, the height/width of the flow must be greater than the opening parameters
You can focus on performance. This parameter immediately describes the characteristic, but from the other side. The required performance depends on the opening height:
- with an opening height of up to 2 m - 850 m³/h per meter of length;
- from 2 to 2.5 m - 1200 m³/h per meter of length;
- from 2.5 to 3 meters - 1800 m³/h and more.
For proper operation, you need to select parameters
In the presence of strong winds the value increases. An electric thermal curtain with higher performance belongs to the class of semi-production or production. They are also called high-pressure. The maximum height (or width) they can cover is 10 meters.
Rating of the best thermal curtains for 2021
We have figured out the design of thermal curtains, and now we will look at which of them were recognized as the best during testing by expert specialists, and were also rated by real customers. Among the many thermal curtains, the consumer preferred three companies:
- Timberk;
- Ballu;
- Tropic.
And so we move directly to the product.
Timberk THC WS8 3M
The curtain costs RUR 5,520 with a power of up to 3000 W. An excellent solution to the problem of cold weather in the autumn, when the main heating is not turned on. It copes well with heating the apartment and completely ensures air circulation.
Timberk THC WS8 3M
Advantages:
- Neatly executed stylish design with a glossy finish on the front panel. The device is made of stainless steel and fits perfectly into the interior of an apartment or office.
- Thanks to AERODYNAMIC CONTROL technology, the heater operates safely, the thermal regime is controlled, which extends the life of the product.
- The air flow is evenly distributed, the speed of which is 7.9 m/s. 390 cubic meters pass through the curtain. m. per hour.
- The stitch element quickly reaches the desired operating temperature. Just 15 seconds is enough.
- Built-in protection system against overheating and short circuit.
Flaws:
- No.
Ballu BHC-3.000 SB (BHC-3 SB)
The cost of the product is 3,990 rubles with a power of up to 3000 W. It maintains the air temperature well within 22 degrees in an unheated small room.
Ballu BHC-3.000 SB (BHC-3 SB)
Advantages:
- The presence of an engine with an impeller ensures uniform air flow, being at a height of two and a half meters;
- There are two operating modes: heating and economical, which allow you to adjust the temperature depending on weather conditions;
- In summer, you can provide the room with good air circulation thanks to the idle airflow function;
- Allows you to heat a room up to 30 square meters;
- 300 cubic meters pass through the curtain. m. per hour;
- It is connected to the network using a remote plug. Required network 220 volts;
- Thanks to air filtration, insects and dust do not enter the room.
Flaws:
- No.
Timberk THC WS3 3MX AERO II
The cost of the device is 3,965 rubles with a power of up to 3,000 W. This device will be enough to heat a small room. It can quickly raise the temperature to 31 degrees.
Timberk THC WS3 3MX AERO II
Advantages:
- Thanks to its design and the way all elements are placed, it pumps air flow at a speed of 390 m³/h, which no competitor has;
- The STITCH element is equipped with a needle structure, which allows you to reach the highest temperature conditions in a few seconds;
- Thanks to the material from which the device is made, it copes well with humidity. This allows you to maintain the indoor microclimate;
- Mechanical regulators allow you to customize the operation of the device;
- The thermostat protects the curtain from overheating.
Flaws:
- No.
Tropic A-3
This design costs 2,982 rubles with a power of up to 3,000. This device copes well with heat loss in the room, since it serves as an excellent barrier between cold air from outside and warm air from inside the room.
Tropic A-3
Advantages:
- Thanks to the STICH panel as a heater, the device has the ability to heat the room to the set temperature;
- The air flow is forced by a fan with an aluminum impeller, which passes through 280 cubic meters of air per hour;
- The device operates in three modes: as an air conditioner, economical with a power of up to 15,000 W and maximum mode with a power of up to 3,000 W;
- A thermostat that controls heating and warns against overheating and melting of elements;
- For the device to operate effectively, it must be hung at a height of up to 220 centimeters, with a doorway width of 50 or 60 centimeters;
- Powered by a 220 W power supply;
- Mounted horizontally. At the same time, installation is very easy and simple.
Flaws:
- No.
What if the gate is wide?
For the curtain to be effective, there is a simple rule: the width of the curtain (when installed horizontally) must be greater than the width of the opening. If necessary, install several curtains side by side to completely cover the width of the opening. It is better to choose a larger curtain than a smaller one - you won’t be able to save on this parameter.
The installation height directly depends on the air flow speed. The stronger the flow rate, the higher the curtain can be hung. The flow rate is indicated in the device passport, as well as the recommended installation height. The flow speed always decreases towards the bottom of the opening, this must be taken into account.
In addition, when choosing a curtain for a gate, allowances are made for the strength of the wind outside, which blows away the air flow of the curtain, and for the air temperature outside. Please note that the characteristics that you see on the manufacturers’ websites and the TopClimat.ru portal are valid at a temperature of 0°C and no wind. Such conditions in Russia are almost fantastic.
There are many programs for calculating air curtain flow. The maximum effect is achieved when professionals take part in the selection of the thermal curtain.
Teplomash KEV-P2112A
A thermal curtain that protects rooms without heating the air - protection is provided by mixing air flows. Among the features of the model are minimal energy consumption, the ability to operate in continuous and periodic mode, a durable steel case with a polymer coating and universal installation.
Air curtain Teplomash KEV-P2112A in the rating of thermal curtains
This device can be installed both horizontally and vertically, and it comes with a convenient control panel. However, due to the absence of a source of air heating, this model cannot be used to protect the openings of car washes and other rooms with droplets of moisture in the air.
List of advantages of the model:
- lack of heating, which ensures minimal energy consumption;
- ability to work in periodic and continuous mode;
- corrosion-resistant housing made to IP21 standard;
- complete with control panel and brackets;
- vertical and horizontal installation;
- low noise level during operation.
Negative points of use:
- impossibility of use in rooms where there is droplet moisture in the air;
- small dimensions of the protected opening.
Calculation example
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Comparison of thermal curtains of popular brands. Which is better? | |
TOP 5 mistakes when choosing a thermal curtain | |
The best thermal curtain for car washes. Selection algorithm | |
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Let us give an approximate calculation for installing a thermal air curtain for a gate 1 m wide and 2.5 m high. A prerequisite is the presence of a vestibule.
Opening height | Curtain performance |
Up to 1.5 m | not less than 300-400 m³/h |
Up to 2 m | not less than 500-650 m³/h |
From 3 m and above | not less than 1200 m³/h |
For the given parameters, a curtain with a capacity of 900-1000 m³/h is required. According to the equipment data sheet of most modern air curtains, the flow velocity at the outlet will be 8-10 m/s, and on the opposite side of the opening (at the bottom when installed horizontally, and on the side when installed vertically) it will be 2.5-3 m/s. The width of the curtain is at least 1 m.
Please note that the equipment passport always provides the recommended installation height.
The power of the curtain at the given parameters must be at least 3 kW. Power is calculated based on the required 0.1 kW per 1 m² of unheated room with minimal heat loss.
The specialist selects the optimal position of the air curtain, based on data on the parameters of the room and doorway.
Important characteristics of all types of curtains
All of the listed types of curtains are classified according to the following characteristics:
Power.
Calculation of power indicators when choosing thermal curtains is calculated according to the following algorithm: with a ceiling height ranging from 280 to 300 cm, 1 kW of power should be available per 10 m2 of room. This is a simplified method, but for a more accurate calculation of climate control equipment, it is necessary to use the help of qualified specialists from companies that sell/install thermal curtains.
- Household curtains can be installed not only on the openings of residential buildings. They are used for installation above cash register windows in kiosks and other MAFs. Such equipment reduces the likelihood of drafts and performs the functions of additional heating equipment for small rooms.
- Medium curtains are designed for openings with a height of 250 to 300 cm. They reduce heat loss when entrance doors are frequently opened and prevent drafts in large rooms.
- Large and heavy-duty devices are designed for industrial facilities with opening heights of more than 700 cm. They are installed on the openings of warehouse gates or hangars, at the entrances of supermarkets and shopping centers.
Operating mode.
- permanent equipment;
- variable action systems.
- Horizontal air curtains are installed above window or door openings. In this case, climate control equipment is installed across the entire width of the opening in order to prevent the entry of outside air along the edges. This type of thermal curtains is the most popular, but in cases where there is no structural possibility for such installation, or for large openings, vertical devices with side placement are used. The installation technology of these types of curtains has minor differences.
- Vertical devices are installed on the sides of the openings so as to ensure the horizontal direction of the produced air flow. To increase the efficiency of climate control equipment, vertical thermal curtains are installed on both sides of the opening. Manufacturers' catalogs present universal curtains that can be mounted in vertical and horizontal positions.
Electricity or hot water as heat source
Basically, electricity acts as a heat source, but there are models where hot water plays this role, it is supplied from the heating system.
Such systems are more difficult to install, but this is compensated by low costs with high equipment power. Typically, such models are used in industrial buildings where there are large open doorways.
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Summarizing
Based on the results of the review, you can draw certain conclusions and make recommendations regarding the purchase of a suitable thermal curtain. So, for example, in order to become the owner of equipment with the lowest price, but with fairly good performance, you should choose the Teplomash KEV-5P1154E model. If you need maximum power and need to protect openings up to 4–4.5 m high, the Teplomash KEV-44P4131W would be an excellent option to buy. And, if the user needs a thermal curtain that would not only perform its tasks, but also look stylish without disturbing the interior of a shopping or office center, it is worth paying attention to Ballu BHC-L10-S06-M.
What is an air curtain
We often encounter air curtains when visiting stores, offices, etc. Sometimes, upon entering, a dense stream of air blows over us. Sometimes it is the same temperature, sometimes it is warm (in winter), sometimes it is cool (in summer). This is the result of the work of the thermal curtain. It creates a directed air flow that prevents outside air from getting inside. If a heater is built into the device, it is called an air heat curtain.
Operating principle of the air curtain
An air heat curtain is essentially the same fan heater only with a specific shape. This device also consists of a heating element and a fan turbine. It’s just that both the heater and the turbine are longer, since this device is installed above the door or on the side of it, and to ensure that outside air is cut off, it is necessary that the air flow covers the entire opening.
Ballu BHC-L10-S06
A thermal curtain that allows you to protect openings up to 2.5 m high and up to 1 m wide. Among its features are the ability to select a temperature within +5 - +30 ° C and LED indication of modes, of which there are two, for 3 and 6 kW.
Thermal curtain Ballu BHC-L10-S06 in the rating of thermal curtains
The device has a delay in turning off the motors to increase their service life, the ability to control several air curtains from one remote control and the connection of an external sensor for temperature control. And it costs only 11 thousand rubles, less than most models of similar power and functionality.
List of important advantages:
- presence of 2 power levels and the ability to regulate temperature;
- convenient modern control panel with many functions and the ability to control several air curtains simultaneously;
- high-quality anti-corrosion protection of the housing;
- simple installation of equipment, although installation of the air curtain can only be horizontal;
- Quiet operation - noise level on average does not exceed 52 dB.
A few serious disadvantages:
- lack of fan speed and temperature control;
- the need to separately purchase fasteners for installation, which are not included in the kit.
Curtain Control
You can control the heat curtain using a remote control, which can be remote or built-in.
The specified equipment must have at least two switches that allow you to turn on the heater and fan. More expensive models have the ability to stepwise regulate the heater power and fan speed.
This equipment can be controlled using a remote or built-in control panel. Usually small curtains have built-in control panels, while industrial curtains are controlled remotely, since it will be difficult to reach their buttons.
Some models are additionally equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to turn off the heating elements or the entire equipment when the set temperature in the room is reached.
Industrial models often use limit switches, which allows thermal protection to be turned on only when the door is opened. This saves energy. For ordinary doors, this method of saving is not used, since it takes 5-10 seconds to reach operating parameters, and during this time the doors will already close.
To protect against overheating, almost all models have several degrees of protection: without turning on the fan, the heating element is not connected; when the temperature of the heating element reaches 80-110°C, the power is turned off.
Vertical protection, unlike horizontal protection, is installed on the side of the doorway. It is no different from horizontal, and its height should be at least 3/4 of the height of the opening.
The best inexpensive thermal curtains
When choosing a suitable thermal curtain, many buyers first of all pay attention to the cost. Which is quite understandable - not everyone is ready to spend extra thousands of rubles. Especially in cases where this is not necessary - for example, if the device is used on relatively small doors. Fortunately, low cost usually affects the size and power rather than the quality of the equipment. Therefore, an inexpensive but good thermal curtain is not a fiction at all, but a reality. We list several successful models, each of which will be an excellent choice for the corresponding premises.
Timberk THC WS2 2.5M AERO
Inexpensive and at the same time quite powerful thermal curtain for the front door. The maximum heating power is 2500 W, but it can also operate at a second power level – 1250 W. Air exchange reaches 240 cubic meters per hour, which can be called an excellent indicator. The width of the model is 48 cm, so it is perfect for a standard door. It is important that the device weighs only 4 kg. This greatly simplifies transportation and installation.
The curtain can be installed at a height of up to 220 cm and at the same time effectively “warm up” the entire doorway. If necessary, you can run it in a no-heat mode to protect the room from heated air from the street. The built-in thermostat and temperature control function greatly simplify working with the heat curtain. Judging by user reviews, it is safe to say that most of them are satisfied with their purchase.
Experienced owners highly appreciate this device for its affordable price and very high-quality assembly.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- good assembly;
- quickly reaches the set temperature;
- silent operation;
- intuitive controls.
Flaws:
- significant energy consumption.
Ballu BHC-L06-S03
If you need a powerful curtain for your door, you should take a closer look at this model. It is equipped with a needle heater and has a high power of 3000 W. But there are two operating modes, so you can run it at 1500 W. Air exchange per hour reaches 350 cubic meters - an excellent indicator.
The needle heater provides low thermal inertia - the curtain quickly heats up and cools down, which many users like.
The width of the model is 58.5 cm, and it can be placed at a height of up to 250 cm. Therefore, it is quite suitable for a standard door. Many users like the light weight - only 4.5 kg. It is important that during operation the curtain makes almost no noise - the level reaches a maximum of 46 dB. Is it too hot outside? No problem! Run the device in “no heat” mode to prevent hot air from entering the room, maintaining the temperature at a comfortable level. All these advantages are highly valued by experienced users. It is not surprising that this thermal curtain is the most popular of those presented in the rating.
This model was produced by a domestic company, which significantly reduces its cost with excellent characteristics.
Advantages:
- low power consumption;
- low noise level;
- ease of installation;
- high power;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- inconvenient location of control buttons.
Teplomash KEV-3P1154E
The thermal curtain from the domestic company Teplomash was included in the rating not by chance. Experienced users highly appreciate it for its affordable price and excellent performance. After all, the maximum air exchange of this model reaches 500 cubic meters per hour. There are also two operating modes - 1500 and 3000 W. However, when purchasing, it is worth considering that the device is intended for installation not above doors, but above windows. Therefore, the installation height is from 1 to 2.2 meters - you can choose exactly the place where it will be best placed. Thanks to a special noise reduction system, the operating noise level is 45 dB - quite quiet for such high power and performance.
A width of 80 cm is enough to use a thermal curtain with fairly large windows without losing efficiency. With all these advantages, the model is also relatively inexpensive. So, it’s quite clear why it entered the TOP of the best thermal curtains.
Advantages:
- excellent performance;
- silent operation;
- good assembly;
- good power.
Flaws:
- Suitable for installation on windows only;
- significant weight - 7 kg.
RESANTA TZ-3S
Perhaps this is the best inexpensive thermal curtain in the rating. It is universal - perfect for doors, windows or even small gates. The maximum air exchange is 390 cubic meters. at one o'clock. The needle heater allows you to feel the effect of the work within a few minutes after turning it on. The switch is equipped with a special light indicator, which makes working with the curtain simpler and easier.
The degree of protection IP20, which many thermal curtains are equipped with, indicates that the device is protected from coarse dust, but not from moisture - this is worth remembering during operation.
If the device overheats, it automatically turns off - this reduces the risk of breakdown to a minimum. The power is quite high - 3000 W at maximum and 1500 in the second operating mode. The controls, as on most budget models, are mechanical. But this has certain advantages; on the one hand, it is as simple as possible to deal with it. On the other hand, the simplicity of the device increases service life and reliability.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- weighs only 3.9 kg;
- reliability in operation;
- Ease of Management;
- low power consumption.
Flaws:
- Some models are of insufficient quality.
Tropic M-3
This model should be chosen by users who are looking for a thermal curtain protected not only from dust, but also from moisture. It is equipped with an IP-21 system, which means it can withstand dust and splashes of water. That is why the model deserves to be included in the review. Thanks to the needle heater, the air curtain heats up very quickly and begins to work effectively within a few minutes after switching on.
Weighing only 4 kg, it boasts high power of 3000 W. However, you can run the half power mode – 1500 W. Air exchange reaches 380 cubic meters per hour, so cold and drafts have no chance. The device can be installed above windows and doors at a height of up to 230 cm. An additional advantage is the presence of a remote control - now you can turn on and configure the thermal curtain, even while sitting at a computer or doing other important things, without interrupting the process.
Advantages:
- light weight;
- Possibility of ceiling and wall mounting;
- IP-21 protection system;
- long warranty (3 years);
- presence of a remote control.
Flaws:
- quite noisy.
Control and Security
The electric heat curtain has a built-in electronic control unit that controls the operating parameters of the device. The speed of air movement, the direction of its movement, and the temperature of the flow are controlled. These parameters are set from the portable remote control. In addition, the temperature of the heating elements is controlled. When the maximum value is reached, the heating is turned off. This value - the shutdown threshold - is set at production and there is no way to adjust it.
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There are also more complex controls. With built-in sensors for motion, outdoor and indoor temperature, and wind speed. Based on the readings of these sensors, the optimal operating parameters for all system components are automatically selected. It is convenient and economical, but such control is expensive.
Which thermal curtain is best to install above the front door?
Water ones are also characterized by increased productivity. But their installation is complicated by the fact that there must be a water supply system nearby. If there are no interruptions to this energy source and it is necessary to maintain heat in a sufficiently large space, then this type of curtain will be a good help in saving electrical energy.
For small apartment and office doorways, windows, entrance doors not only to apartments, but also to houses, the best option would be an electric thermal curtain. If the performance and dimensions of the model are correctly selected, and the installation is carried out by professionals, then its operation will not pose any problems.
Calculation of thermal curtain performance
Most often, systems are found where there are a large number of people. Usually these are cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, industrial premises, warehouses, educational buildings.
Reference! This thermal system is needed to ensure a constant certain temperature in the room.
To select a device, you need to calculate it.
In the calculation process, parameters such as dyne, power and air flow speed are considered.
Length
To choose the most optimal length, it is very important to take into account the dimensions of the doorway. The main dimensions are the width and height of the opening. The closer the curtain is located to the door, the higher the efficiency of its operation will be.
Power
Power calculations are performed rather subjectively based on the indicators used. The technical characteristics of each model include a clause on the temperature difference between the blown and blown air passing through the device.
Air flow speed
The efficiency of the system’s operation depends on how correctly the air flow speed is calculated. Basically, high-quality work depends on the location of the device, and to be more precise, on the correctly selected height. Incorrect calculation will make it impossible for the system to operate effectively.
Important! It is better if experienced professionals select the air flow speed.
After all the required parameters have been calculated, you can proceed to the next step, namely, selecting the type of system based on the following characteristics:
- Installation type.
- Control method.
- Heat source.
How to choose, select, calculate a thermal curtain
- What are the types of air curtains?
- Functions and capabilities of air curtains
- Is it possible to use a thermal curtain for space heating?
- Structure of air-thermal curtains
- Air curtain control
- How to choose a thermal curtain - all the nuances
- Step-by-step selection of a thermal curtain
- Time-tested specific models
- Results
Who has not yet come across such a concept as an “air thermal curtain” or “air-thermal curtain” - this is an excellent energy-saving choice for industrial or commercial premises, when it is necessary to prevent heat/cold loss through a doorway, windows or gates and cut off the external air from the inside, if the doors are often opened or the area of the doorway is large enough.
Such devices with an original design can be used in the interiors of offices or private homes, in production or in the commercial sector. This is indispensable equipment for installation in supermarkets, shopping centers, administrative buildings, sports facilities, water parks, service stations or car washes, refrigerators, warehouses, storage facilities, logistics complexes, hotels, medical or educational institutions, hangars, etc. .
What are the types of air curtains?
- horizontal, installed above doorways or gates;
- vertical, installed on the left and right, on one or two sides of the opening;
- columnar, standing on the sides near the opening;
- ceiling-mounted, attached to the ceiling above the opening, or built into the structure of a suspended ceiling.
Functions and capabilities of air curtains
The operating efficiency of an air-thermal curtain depends on many factors: the difference in external and internal temperatures and pressures, the installation height and structure of buildings, the openness of the location and the wind load on the building.
You can learn more about what a thermal curtain is, its operating principle with all the details, by following the link.
Is it possible to use a thermal curtain for space heating?
“The heat supplied by air and intermittent air-heat curtains should not be included in the air and heat balances of a building.”
Structure of air-thermal curtains
Efficient fans, most often of the diametrical type, with a long impeller, capture air from the room and direct it through the guide louvers with a flat cut-off jet. Air is taken from the room through the grille on top or behind the housing. In models with a heating function, the air flow from the fan passes through the spirals of electric heating elements or a heat exchanger with hot water, in this case the air flow is heated and supplied heated to the protected area of the doorway. Some industrial curtain models use other types of fans.
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