Power Output

Power output is important in flexible heaters as it determines the amount of heat that the heater can generate. Flexible heaters are used in a variety of applications, such as in aerospace, medical, and instrumentation devices, and the power output of the heater needs to be carefully controlled to ensure that it provides the right level of heat without becoming too hot or potentially causing damage to the device.

The power output of a flexible heater is typically measured in watts per square inch (W/in^2) or watts per square centimeter (W/cm^2). The higher the power output, the more heat the heater can generate, but this also means that the heater will consume more electricity and may require additional safety features to prevent overheating or other hazards.


Power Output Factors

In addition to power output, other factors such as the design of the heater, the materials used, and the temperature range it can operate in are also important considerations in determining the suitability of a flexible heater for a particular application.


The power output of a flexible heater can be calculated using the following equation:

Power Output = (Voltage)^2 / Resistance

Where:

  • Voltage is the voltage applied to the heater, in volts (V)
  • Resistance is the electrical resistance of the heater, in ohms (Ω)

To measure the electrical resistance of the flexible heater, you can use an ohmmeter. Make sure to disconnect the heater from any power source before measuring its resistance.

Once you know the resistance of the heater, you can apply the voltage and calculate the power output using the equation above. It's important to make sure that the voltage applied to the heater does not exceed its maximum rated voltage, which should be specified by the manufacturer.

The temperature of a flexible heater depends on several factors, including the power input, the heater's thermal properties, and the ambient temperature.


The temperature of the heater can be calculated using the following equation:

Temperature (T) = (Power Input (P) / Heat Transfer Coefficient (h) x Surface Area (A)) + Ambient Temperature (Tamb)

Where:

  • Power Input (P) is the electrical power input to the heater, in watts (W)
  • Heat Transfer Coefficient (h) is the thermal conductivity of the heater material, in watts per square meter per Kelvin (W/m2-K)
  • Surface Area (A) is the surface area of the heater, in square meters (m2)
  • Ambient Temperature (Tamb) is the temperature of the surrounding environment, in Kelvin (K)

The power input can be calculated using the equation I^2 x R, where I is the current flowing through the heater and R is the resistance of the heater.

The heat transfer coefficient and surface area can be estimated based on the material and geometry of the heater. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment.

It's important to note that this equation provides an estimate of the temperature of the heater, and actual temperature may vary depending on other factors such as the heater's insulation and the method of heat transfer. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the temperature of the heater does not exceed the maximum operating temperature specified by the manufacturer to prevent damage to the heater or its surroundings.


Pressure Sensitive Adhesives

Understanding how Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) in flexible heaters help to transfer heat by creating a thermal interface between the heater and the surface it is being applied to, reducing air gaps and voids that could act as thermal barriers, and providing a uniform contact area for efficient and even heat distribution.

PSAs are commonly used in flexible heaters as an adhesive layer between the heater and the surface it is being applied to, and they are preferred over other types of adhesives because they can maintain their adhesive properties even when exposed to high temperatures.

When a flexible heater with a PSA layer is applied to a surface, the adhesive layer creates a thermal interface between the heater and the surface. This allows heat to transfer from the heater to the surface more efficiently, as the adhesive layer helps to reduce any air gaps or voids that could otherwise act as a thermal barrier.

The PSA layer can also help to distribute the heat evenly across the surface, as it provides a uniform contact area between the heater and the surface. This is important for applications where precise temperature control is required, such as in medical devices or industrial processes.


Maximize Your Heating Efficiency with Precision Control!

Unlock the full potential of your devices with flexible heaters optimized for precise power output. Whether it's aerospace, medical, or instrumentation applications, our heaters ensure consistent warmth without risks. Plus, our pressure sensitive adhesives guarantee efficient heat transfer and even distribution.

Request a Quote   Request Design Support   Request More Information
Celebrating 70 Years of Manufacturing Excellence   Learn More →
America's Oldest. A History of Innovation.

Over the past 70 years, the electronics manufacturing industry has changed dramatically as the industry continues to adapt to evolving demands and technology. Epec is at the forefront of innovation, with the expertise and agility to move at the speed of today’s businesses. At Epec, the customer comes first, and everything we do must be put through that filter. Whether it is developing e-commerce platforms to make it easier to work with us or creating a new product introduction (NPI) process that helps our customers get to market faster, we must focus on building the new. By doing that every day, and by always making the customer our top priority, we plan on being here for another 70 years and then some.

Learn more about our 70 year story →





Celebrating 70 Years - Epec Engineered Technologies