Originally published on LinkedIn
Introduction
At TEL GmbH and the manufacturer Tansun, our commitment to quality focuses on durability, ease of repair, and compliance with modern manufacturing standards. We are convinced that our heaters deliver industry-leading performance. Until now, however, we have only been able to demonstrate this subjectively and through sample demonstrations. To quantify the performance differences objectively, we conducted a comparative test in July 2024. This report is not a comprehensive scientific study but provides results under realistic conditions with regard to distance and airflow.
Test products
For our comparison, we selected the following units:
- Tansun Sorrento 2kW: Short-wave infrared heater, used, with a new original tube, new price including VAT: €389, Made in the United Kingdom
- 2kW comparison unit: Short-wave infrared heater, used, with a new original tube, new price including VAT: €109.99, Made in China
Both units bear the CE mark and are offered by local distribution companies; customer support and spare parts are available for both.
Results
The Tansun Sorrento produces between 109% and 187% more heat than the comparison unit. Our heaters therefore deliver 2.09 to 2.87 times more heat at the same power output. These measurements demonstrate that our units are significantly more efficient.
Although we cannot derive direct energy savings from these figures, the results confirm that the Sorrento emits significantly more infrared heat. In future tests, we will use temperature control at lower ambient temperatures to reach a specified target temperature and determine electricity consumption. This will also allow us to quantify the difference in monetary terms.
An example cost-saving calculation shows that the Sorrento’s higher purchase price would be offset by energy savings of approximately 33% after 1,116 kWh. At an electricity price of 25 cents per kWh, the break-even point would be reached after 1,690 operating hours. In the hospitality industry, with intensive use of 720 hours per year, the price difference would already be amortized after two and a half heating seasons. With daily use of 8 hours over 180 days per year, this could already occur at the beginning of the second heating season.
Procedure
The infrared heaters were mounted on a tripod at a height of approximately 160 cm and aligned horizontally. The radiant temperature sensor was positioned at a horizontal distance of 1.5 m or 2 m. Behind the radiant temperature sensor was an open warehouse door (7.5 sq m); to the side was an open door to an adjoining room with direct access to the outdoors. The air temperature at the heater was measured with a separate sensor before the test. During the test, we observed only the temperatures at the radiant temperature sensor. The initial temperature was above 20 °C in each case.
An electricity consumption meter measured the devices’ actual power consumption: the Sorrento consumed 1,910 watts, while the comparison device consumed 1,920 watts. We observed temperature changes over a period of 10 minutes. After each test run, we waited until the displayed temperature had stabilized before starting another run. The temperature increase was converted per kW based on the actual power consumption.
Interpretation
Despite identical power consumption of 2,000 watts, the results show significant differences. These could be attributable to different infrared proportions of the heating tubes or to reflector efficiency. In drafty environments, the Sorrento is significantly more efficient at transmitting infrared heat over a distance of 1.5 to 2.0 meters.
Our comparison focused on heat output at a distance. Other features of the comparison device, such as a remote control, 3 dimming levels, and “Low Glare” tubes, were not tested. Durability was also not investigated, although we suspect that critical components in the housing of the comparison device are less well protected from heat. According to the manufacturer, the infrared tubes in both devices have an average service life of approximately 6,000 hours.
Conclusion
In this test, the Tansun Sorrento infrared heater was many times more effective than a comparison product with identical power consumption. When selecting a product, it is therefore not enough to compare purchasing criteria based on a data sheet and purchase price. While in private use with only a few operating hours this may merely result in reduced comfort, commercial use in hospitality or for workplace heating can lead to operating costs within a short period (after 1–2 years) that eliminate any difference in purchase price.
Measuring equipment used
- PT100 Class B, 3-wire radiant temperature sensor from otom® Group GmbH
- PT100 Class B, 2-wire cable sensor from otom® Group GmbH (for air temperature)
- REX-C100 temperature controller for temperature measurement
Challenges and limitations
Although we had an interest in achieving favorable results for our products, we sought an objective evaluation. We attribute the different radiant temperatures and the 3–4 °C variation in starting temperature to reflected sunlight in the test area. Originally, a more expensive radiant temperature sensor from another manufacturer was to be used, but it was replaced due to delivery delays. Despite these unresolved questions, we conducted the tests because both devices were tested using the same measuring equipment.
The higher starting temperature than is usual in practice means that both devices would presumably show even greater temperature increases at lower starting temperatures. As we did not have access to a climate chamber, wind and temperature conditions may have varied.
Tests conducted by TEL GmbH | wirheizenmitstrom.com
We rely on short-wave electric infrared heaters as an alternative heating option for workplaces. This offers the following benefits, among others:
- Rapid heating: Short-wave infrared heaters enable the immediate heating of surfaces and people without first having to heat the surrounding air.
- Zone-specific control: Our technology enables flexible, demand-based heating of various areas in open halls to optimize energy consumption.
- Straightforward installation: Simple installation without complex construction work minimizes space requirements and preserves flexibility in room design.
- Environmentally friendly: Electric infrared heaters produce no harmful emissions, and with an appropriate power supply, even carbon-neutral operation is possible.
We welcome your messages, questions, suggestions, or tips for future tests.
