Flat infrared heaters have become popular for their space-saving capabilities. However, a Finnish start-up called The Warming Surfaces Company has taken this concept even further with their thin heating panels. Developed as wafer-thin electrical conductor tracks, these panels are less than a millimeter thick and operate at low voltage. Their main purpose was initially for military use, where they could be used to create a heat profile to deceive infrared cameras. However, the company founders soon realized that these heating coils, made of copper, aluminum, or copper-zinc alloy, could also be used for civilian purposes.
Teaming up with Portuguese laminate manufacturer Surforma, the Finnish company created a prototype for an efficient and inconspicuous space heating system. They attached the heating loops under a thin laminate, allowing it to be heated with a DC voltage ranging from 0 to 110 volts. These laminate modules can be mounted on walls or larger surfaces of furniture. With a maximum output of 600 watts and four heating loops measuring 32 by 22 centimeters, an area output of 70 watts per square meter can be achieved. The company plans to start series production and bring the first products to market in the coming year.
While these flat heating panels may not completely replace traditional building heating systems, such as heat pumps or gas/oil burners, they offer a smart addition for quickly heating individual rooms. The company has yet to disclose details about the cost and efficiency of these modules compared to other heating methods.
