Classification of Radiator Heat Dissipation Methods

There are three methods of heat dissipation: conduction, convection, and radiation. When it comes to thermal comfort, several factors come into play, including horizontal and vertical temperature distribution, air velocity, and the appropriate amount of radiant heat.
1. Heat Conduction:
The heat transfer medium inside the radiator exchanges heat within the radiator, transferring its warmth to the inner wall surface. This inner wall then conducts the heat outward via thermal conduction. In steel radiators, heat transfer is primarily through radiation; whereas in copper-aluminum composites and aluminum alloy radiators, both convection and radiation play significant roles.
2. Radiation Radiator:
Radiators that primarily dissipate heat through radiation, with convection playing a secondary role, are used to warm up rooms. These systems require high water temperatures. As a result, the heat distribution within the room tends to be uneven, with the radiators themselves remaining relatively hot—examples include cast-iron radiators and column-type steel radiators.
3. Convection Radiator:
A radiator that heats the surrounding air primarily or entirely through convection. It results in a less uniform heat distribution indoors, heats up more quickly, and the panel feels only warm to the touch—not hot.