Re: Ceramic heating element efficiency

["Rod Hower" <Rod.Hower@ametek.com>]

I have found the best heater is a good winter coat and some boots.
This may sound stupid, but the 25-40amp current draw on my 200V NiCd pack
seems to be more than I'm willing to give up when the winter coat works
just fine.
My wife disagrees, but I just tell her the heater is broken and save plenty
of amp-hours
in the process :-)
Rod



On 21 Oct 2002 at 17:40, Victor Tikhonov wrote:

> Can one estimate how efficient ceramic heaters are in terms of
> converting electric watts into Joules (sorry, BTUs)?
>
> I want to know if I get, say 100V 5A ceramic heater(s) in the place
> of former heater core and blow an air through it, will I get
> more/equal/less heat than if I get 100V 5A water heater, immerse it
> in a small water tank circulating hot water through the stock core,
> and blow equal amount of air through that core?

The more direct the connection between the busy little electrons and the
occupants' bodies, the lower the losses.  Probably the ideal heater is
heated
suits for the driver and passengers.

If you are going to heat the air in the vehicle, the more efficient way is
to heat
the air directly with a heating element of some kind.  IMO, the only
advantage
to a liquid heater is that it's easier to install because you can leave the
old
heater core in place.  But it heats up more slowly, and (potentially)
wastes
more energy through losses in the tank and plumbing.

David Roden
Akron OH USA