As the core terminal equipment of floor-based air supply air conditioning systems, floor convectors originated from European glass curtain wall air conditioning systems. Boasting advantages of superior comfort, energy efficiency and low noise, they are widely adopted in residential buildings, offices, hospitals, public venues and various other structures. They are especially suitable for spaces equipped with glass curtain walls or floor-to-ceiling windows, effectively addressing the pain points of conventional air conditioning terminals such as excessive noise, high energy consumption and insufficient thermal comfort. With rising industry requirements for indoor environmental quality, floor convectors have been continuously refined into diversified types applicable to an expanding range of scenarios.
Founded in 2010 with a registered capital of 30 million RMB, Shanghai Airko Air Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. has long focused on water-cooled central air conditioning. Its proprietary brand Shairko specializes in floor convectors. Based on the core characteristics of various products, the company carries out technical optimization and practical development tailored to diverse application requirements, evolving into an enterprise with solid technical capabilities and rich field experience within the industry. Its in-depth research on the classification and scenario adaptation of floor convectors also provides valuable practical references for the sector.
Floor convectors can be classified from multiple dimensions. The most fundamental and commonly adopted classification is based on driving mode, dividing products into two major categories: natural convection type and forced convection type. Variants under each category differ in structural design, performance parameters and applicable scenarios. Shanghai Airko has established corresponding technical adaptation and manufacturing systems targeting the features of both types. Detailed analysis of each category is presented below.
Natural Convection Floor Convectors
Natural convection floor convectors require no built-in fans. Heat exchange is realized through buoyancy circulation formed by natural heating and cooling of air. Functioning only for heating, they are lightweight units specially designed for secondary indoor heating. They feature a slim and compact structure, with a minimum depth of merely 100 mm. Requiring no auxiliary power, they operate with zero noise and zero additional energy consumption, achieving temperature regulation solely via thermal energy conversion. Their heat transfer coefficient ranges from 1 to 25 W/(m²·K), and temperature uniformity reaches ±3~5°C. They are ideal for noise-sensitive residential applications prioritizing low energy use, or auxiliary heating for small office spaces.
In the development of natural convection floor convectors, Shanghai Airko prioritizes comfort and ease of installation for household applications. The company optimizes structural design to achieve an ultra-slim body thickness at a leading level in the industry, and employs high-performance heat exchange materials to boost thermal conversion efficiency, overcoming the drawback of slow heat transfer found in traditional natural convection products. To accommodate diverse interior decoration demands, Shanghai Airko upgrades the grille design and adopts aluminum alloy frames, balancing practicality and aesthetics. The units can integrate seamlessly with various floor finishing styles without extra decorative treatment. Furthermore, to tackle the application limitations of natural convection products, Shanghai Airko provides customized configuration recommendations, helping customers select properly sized units according to floor area and layout. This guarantees satisfactory heating performance while maximizing energy-saving benefits.
Forced Convection Floor Convectors
Forced convection floor convectors represent the most widely applied type at present. Equipped with built-in cross-flow fans, they drive air circulation to integrate cooling, heating and fresh air supply functions. They are primarily deployed in public buildings, large offices, hospitals, shopping malls and other premises demanding fast and precise temperature control. Their heat transfer coefficient reaches 25~250 W/(m²·K), 5 to 10 times that of natural convection models, with temperature uniformity improved to ±0.1°C. Capable of rapid indoor temperature adjustment, they support stepless speed regulation or frequency conversion control. Supply and return air are arranged on the same plane, allowing flexible adjustment of air velocity and heat exchange capacity according to indoor thermal demands.
As a key developer and manufacturer of forced convection floor convectors, Shanghai Airko has accumulated years of expertise in this product line and built a comprehensive product portfolio with distinctive technical strengths. Targeting differentiated requirements across public spaces, the company conducts targeted optimization for forced convection units:
For office buildings: Optimized fan acoustics with high-efficiency silent cross-flow fans to reduce operational noise and preserve a quiet working environment;
For healthcare facilities: Enhanced sanitary performance via laminar air supply to limit the spread of airborne contaminants. Improved filter designs elevate air purification performance to safeguard indoor air quality;
For large public venues: Increased heat exchange capacity and air supply coverage to meet thermal control needs in large-volume spaces. Integrated fresh air inlets facilitate introduction of treated outdoor air to satisfy mandatory indoor fresh air standards.
In addition, Shanghai Airko incorporates intelligent temperature control technology into forced convection products, enabling remote access and centralized management to support smart operation of large buildings. Facility managers can adjust indoor temperatures and monitor unit status in real time, cutting operation and maintenance costs. In terms of material selection, galvanized steel sheet forms the unit casing, delivering durability and corrosion resistance while serving as the condensate drain pan. Enhanced sealing prevents water leakage and condensation risks. The heat exchanger adopts copper tubes and aluminum fins installed at an inclined angle to significantly boost heat exchange efficiency. Low-pressure chilled and hot water serves as the heat transfer medium, balancing energy efficiency and operational safety.
Natural convection and forced convection floor convectors classified by driving mode satisfy core demands of distinct scenarios. Such product segmentation essentially reflects the diversified requirements of modern building environments. Each category addresses separate needs for thermal comfort, energy conservation and safety under different operating conditions. Since its establishment, Shanghai AKE has focused on the inherent characteristics of both types of floor convectors. Beyond simple product manufacturing, the company commits to technical optimization and scenario matching. Supported by a professional technical team and abundant project references, Shanghai Airko supplies customized products and technical services for numerous clients, establishing extensive practical experience in the industry.
More than a mere manufacturer, Shanghai Airko devotes continuous efforts to research and innovation for natural and forced convection floor convectors. Aligned with industry trends and evolving customer demands, the company persistently upgrades unit performance and enriches its product lineup, promoting the development of floor convectors toward higher energy efficiency, improved comfort and greater intelligence.
Going forward, driven by intelligent and green building development, both categories of floor convectors will undergo further upgrades. Leveraging its proprietary technical advantages, Shanghai Airko will continue advancing R&D and practical application of these products, injecting new momentum into the industry and delivering more high-performance, tailor-made floor convector solutions for all types of application scenarios.
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