Impact of the air exchange system on temperature conditions of the local working area of a large-sized premise during the gas infrared heater operation

Relevance. The problem of energy saving and energy efficiency is becoming more and more urgent every year for a variety of reasons. Traditional convective heating systems are no longer effective in many cases (especially in case of large-sized partially loaded with industrial equipment). Gas infrared emitters are promising sources for heating local working areas. However, their use is not very widespread due to a number of unresolved problems with radiant heating technologies for local workplaces. One of these problems is the air exchange systems operation, the effect of which on the local working areas thermal conditions has not been studied yet. Aim. Determining the impact of air exchange systems on the thermal characteristics in the local working area of a production facility heated by a gas infrared heater. Objects. Working area with ventilation and heated by gas infrared heaters. Methods. Experimental and theoretical studies. Results. The authors have registered the temperature fields, heat flows and air velocities and carried out the mathematical modeling in the gas infrared heaters effect zone. It was found that supply of relatively cold air (at low flow rates) from the air exchange system slightly affects the thermal conditions of the local working area. The air coming from the air exchange system flows around the gas infrared emitter heated up to high temperatures (800℃). As a result, air comes to the local working area already sufficiently heated. It was concluded that the radiant heating systems of local working areas can provide scheduled thermal conditions in these areas with the intensity of air exchange typical for real industrial premises.