CELLOFOAM heating panels: heat-radiating interior liners with integrated phase-change material

Thanks to the integrated phase change material (PCM) layer, CELLOFOAM heating panels are able to store and later progressively release heat energy. Used as integrated surface liners, they optimally complement conventional vehicle heating systems. PCM can absorb high amounts of thermal energy (heat or cold), store it over an extended period of time and then release it without loss.

The heating panels consists of a base panel made from Cello 850, an aluminum layer, the thermally active PCM layer and the facing material, preferably a textile matching the vehicle’s interior design The high thermal conductivity of the scrim-reinforced aluminum layer ensures a very even distribution of the heat that the panel starts to radiate right upon activation. This helps to warm up the vehicle’s interior while the hot-air blowers, which depend on engine heat or auxiliary systems, slowly ramp up their performance. CELLOFOAM heating panels can be used as vehicle ceiling or wall covers. Fixation of the panels is easy and flexible: You have the choice of Velcro fastening, adhesive, profile rails etc.

The surface temperature of the CELLOFOAM heating panels generally reaches 40°C to 50°C, a level that is agreeable to the touch. As radiated warmth is directly absorbed by the skin, the passengers perceive the interior climate as comfortable even at a relatively low indoor air temperature of about 15°C. This allows lower temperature settings and reduces overall energy consumption. The light-weight heating panels are maintenance-free and not subject to wear. As they are electric-powered, the panels work independently of engine operation and hence do not generate local emissions.

CELLOFOAM heating panels are designed according to a modular concept and available in a range of sizes. They can be adapted to power supply voltages between 24 and 700 V. Heating panels with a combined surface of 10 m² provide enough heat to raise the temperature in a city bus (air volume of ca. 50 m³) by 10°C. While our heating panels will not be sufficient as sole source of warmth in a city bus, where frequent door opening lets escape considerable amounts of warm air, the steady warmth radiated by the panels maintains a comfortable interior climate despite the occasional drop in air temperature. The current version of the heating panel allows reducing the indoor air temperature to 15°C, resulting in substantial energy savings.

In the ideal case, the panel control circuitry is integrated in the air conditioning control of the vehicle. For this purpose, CELLOFOAM cooperates with renowned automotive suppliers. Of course we can also provide a stand-alone heating panel system with a basic CELLOFOAM control unit. As an option, temperature sensors can be connected for sensor-based control and reliable shut-off in case of overheating or short-circuit.

Their low power needs make our heating panels an excellent solution for all-electric and hybrid-electric buses and even allow maintaining the interior temperature at a constant no-frost level over night without overtaxing the battery. This ensures that the vehicle is not completely chilled through and will not require expensive heating up in the morning. CELLOFOAM heating panels are just as suitable for all other types of vehicles, from special-purpose and utility vehicles to construction machinery or agricultural vehicles.

Product brochure: Latent heat storage

Link to the trade magazine article: Heating panels

U bent hier: Bedrijf Nieuws