Independent tests at BSRIA show that fan convectors are more efficient than steel-panel radiators
Fan convectors can be up to 31% more energy efficient than panel radiators, according to research carried out by BSRIA for Smith’s Environmental Products. One of the company’s latest fan convectors, a Ecovector LL 2000, was compared with a steel-panel radiators of equivalent output. The test were carried out in an environmental chamber which included specialist instruments for measuring temperature and a cooling system to ensure identical test conditions for both products. The aim was to measure the energy used to raise room temperature by 10 K and the time taken to do so. For a power output of 1 kW, the Ecovector used 0.5 kWh less energy than the standard radiator to raise the room temperature by 10 K. For a power output of 1.5 kW the required energy was 0.28 kWh less. Those figures are interpreted as showing that fan convectors are 24% more efficient on a higher-temperature system (such as a boiler) and 31% more efficient at lower temperatures, such as renewable technology. Jim Bennett, sales and marketing director with Smith’s Environmental Products, comments, ‘The industry may be surprised at these results, but we’re not. We’ve always had lots of anecdotal evidence suggesting the energy-saving benefits of fan convectors. No we have third-party confirmation, so there can be no argument.’ All Smith’s fan convectors have only 5% of the water content of a radiator of equivalent output, so they heat up faster and respond quickly to changing heating requirements.For more information on this story, click here: Nov08, 105
