Measured radiant thermal fields in industrial spaces served by high intensity infrared heater

Work stations in industrial spaces are frequently arranged at a significant distance from each other. Local heating applying, among others, the gas-fired direct radiant heaters, is a viable alternative to the central heating. Radiant heaters provide heat comfort to workers and guarantee the maintenance of higher temperatures of the surrounding walls at a lower indoor temperature. The advantage of heating by gas-fired radiant heaters is the lower operational cost comparing to another systems. It uses less energy to obtain 2–3 K lower indoor temperature than in case of heating by conventional systems.The radiant temperature at work stations should be high enough to eliminate thermal discomfort, which in particular, is a result of radiant temperature asymmetry that may be caused by excessive and asymmetric overheating of the human body by a radiant heater.This paper includes formulas, based on the results of the self-designed test, which are then used in the calculation of the radiant temperature and the radiant temperature asymmetry, depending on the radiant heater position and the indoor temperature.This paper presents also the most recognized interrelations between the radiant temperature and its asymmetry. The discussed parameters are particularly significant in the heating process using high-temperature radiant heaters.