A PTC heater is a self-regulating heating element characterized by high efficiency, safety and durability. PTC heaters are used in many industries and devices. Find out how exactly a PTC heater works, what heating efficiency it has and how to create a maximally compact and efficient heat source based on it.
Check out PTC heaters at the Onninen wholesaler
How does a PTC heater work?
Heaters are an extensive category of heating solutions. They belong to the heating elements of technical devices. The PTC heater is a specific type of electric heater, the operating principle of which differs from all other types of heaters. It contains a polycrystalline ceramic material enriched with barium titanate. PTC heating elements are located in a compact, tight aluminum housing. The opposite arrangement of metallic coatings, acting as electrodes, is characteristic.
PTC heaters operate on the principle of self-regulation, which in practice means that they automatically change power depending on the prevailing temperature (the heat received from the surface of the PTC heating element is decisive). They do not operate at maximum power all the time. When the temperature increases, the power decreases until a certain point. PTC components, thanks to their unique self-regulation property, are extremely versatile in use and allow:
effectively reduce the electricity consumption of devices – the heater only draws the electricity that is necessary;
- better protect the natural environment by optimizing the use of resources;
- obtain a heat source with an excellent performance-to-size ratio;
- avoid using temperature control devices (although sometimes
- the use of an additional thermostat may be advisable).
The PTC heater is widely used as a heat source in, among others:
- refrigeration equipment,
- recuperators,
- control cabinets (prevents moisture accumulation),
- air curtains,
- bathroom radiators,
- fluid and air heaters in vehicles,
Depending on the purpose, the PTC heater can operate in air or water. In the latter case, special design solutions prevent it from moving and heating in the tank.
What is the heating efficiency of a PTC heater?
In the technical specification of each PTC heater you can find information about its power. This parameter has a significant impact on the heating efficiency (performance/efficiency) of the device. You can choose from PTC heaters with different heating power. In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find heaters equipped with a PTC heating element with a heating power at 20°C:
-
10W, - 20W,
- 60W,
- 100W,
- 150W,
- 250 W
Choosing a PTC heater with the right power allows you to fully use its potential, while this parameter, to ensure efficiency and safety of work, must correspond to the efficiency of the heating device. The power of the heater with a PTC self-regulating element cannot exceed the power of the equipment!
Individual heater models also differ in size, voltage type, operating voltage, operating temperature range and additional equipment.
PTC heaters in the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen wholesaler you will find modern, efficient PTC heaters, which allow you to maximize the heating efficiency of the designed devices. Our assortment includes PTC heaters for temperature compensation in electrical cabinets and advanced anti-freeze pre-heaters, designed for recuperators. We cooperate with leading manufacturers of PTC components, such as Depro and Vasco .