Why Your Need 12v Underfloor Heating for Your Van

In tried and tested production processes, special carbon pastes are the basis for standard heating films. However, the most modern production methods currently rely on shaping the extracted carbon into microscopically small carbon nanotubes. These carbon nanotubes, also known as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are honeycomb-like lattices of carbon atoms and have diameters of 1 to 50 nanometres. This hitherto unique technology enables a significant gain in efficiency.

In further steps, the carbon pastes or carbon nanotubes are applied together with two copper strips to thin PET films. Additional silver strips are applied in the transverse direction, which ensure an optimal current flow onto the carbon material. Up to 6 additional layers of robust and waterproof PET film ensure the necessary durability and stability of the heating film.

As soon as a voltage is applied to the copper bands of the heating films, the carbon material heats up and uniformly emits long-wave infrared radiation with an IR wavelength of 7-14 micrometres (IR-C radiation) similar to that of the sun. Incidentally, the effect of the carbon heating films can also be compared with the sun. When the infrared rays hit solid bodies, they cause the molecules on the surface to vibrate. This creates warmth, which many people find particularly pleasant.

What are the advantages of a carbon heating film?

The installation heights of carbon heating films are usually between 0.366 mm and 0.60 mm, depending on the model, and are thus among the thinnest variants of electric heating systems.

In residential and commercial properties, carbon heating systems are usually used as surface heating systems. They emit the cosy radiant heat, e.g. via floors, walls or ceilings, to the respective room. Unlike conventional radiators (convectors), the air is only heated indirectly. As a result, convection of the heat and the associated circulation of the air are largely absent, so that less dust is stirred up. This is particularly pleasing for allergy sufferers.

In connection with electric panel heating, it is important to know that the perceived temperature in a room is made up of the air temperature and the surface temperature of the respective objects. So if the walls, floors and objects in a room are warm, we feel comfortable even at lower air temperatures. And lower air temperatures are in turn associated with lower heat losses, as well as lower heating costs. Studies have shown that the room temperature can be around two degrees Celsius lower when infrared heaters are used, without any loss of comfort. Just lowering the room temperature by only 1°C can result in energy savings of 5-7%.

In addition, a carbon heater converts electrical energy into heating energy with almost no losses, which is why this technology is considered particularly efficient. The effective heating power of heating films is always given as power per square metre and ranges from approx. 50 to 1500W/m². In residential and commercial spaces, however, the heating output ranges at a maximum of 200W/m²; carbon heating films above this threshold are more likely to be used for DIY projects or industrial purposes.

When heating properties, another advantage of electric panel heating, apart from the purely visual aspects, is the relative saving of space. This is because the heating films disappear quasi invisibly under floor coverings or wall or ceiling panelling and do not take up any of the usable space in the rooms.

Carbon heating films are ideally suited as surface heating systems in residential and commercial buildings and of course campervans.

Carbon heating mats are more efficient than heating mats with copper conductors
Further areas of application for carbon heating elements

In addition to the use in heating films, carbon fibres are also used in infrared heating panels, textile heating elements, carbon heating paint or special carbon fibre underfloor heating mats. The functional principle is the same in all applications. The current-carrying carbon material immediately generates long-wave infrared radiation, which provides a pleasant feeling of warmth after a very short lead time.