SMARTFLEX
Innovation overview and development
Provide an overview of the product
Low energy heating for deployment in suspended ceiling tiles. Our Smartflex system simply adheres to the reverse of an accoustic ceiling tile and connects to our 24v transformers. Each tile outputs just 98watts of far infrared light but can warm surfaces and occupants up to 3.5m away. It is recommended that a typical office desk would need 3 tiles with a total energy output of under 300w compared to the average fan/panel heater of 2kw’s.
Panels may be relocated as occupants move around the office and can be triggered either by timers, one-touch or occupancy sensors.
How the new product was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team
The far infrared heating film has been borne out of our FLEECE and DRYTEC heating films designed for home use. The films come in lengths up to 11m and are plastered into ceilings using multi finish plaster and run at 36v.
We have been approached by operators of ‘trade-counters’ seeking a way to decarbonise their heating across their 400+ branches. Currently each branch operates up to 11 x 2kw heaters (one for each desk).
Our labs in Germany wanted to use the same base technology to provide a lower wattage and less aggressive form of heating to that currently available as a ceiling tile.
How might this product have an influence on the specification
Any office building with a suspended ceiling must consider lighting and acoustics. Now a 3rd option is available either at the M&E stage, fit-out or even as a retrofit.
Reducing overall energy demand in offices and retail is difficult and very cost driven. This solution is priced to be affordable whilst enabling the designers/occupants a real uplift to comfort and reduction in CO2 emissions.
How can this product enhance an interior space
Most offices will address the heating requirements with wall mounted heaters or radiators which take up valuable wall space, collect dust, discolour and can fail easily.
By moving the heating to the ceiling all of these issues are dealt with along with providing obvious carbon and energy reduction benefits.
Details on how the product improved usability and / or performance of the interior system
By losing ugly, inefficient radiators and tailoring controls to individual needs an office/retail space becomes less cluttered and more comfortable and avoids overheating across the department.