As the core terminal equipment of underfloor air supply air conditioning systems, floor convectors originated from curtain wall air conditioning systems in Europe. Featuring outstanding comfort, energy efficiency and ultra-low noise, they are widely deployed in residential buildings, office premises, hospitals, public venues and other constructions. Particularly suitable for spaces fitted with glass curtain walls or floor-to-ceiling windows, they effectively address the pain points of conventional air conditioning terminals, namely high noise, excessive energy consumption and insufficient thermal comfort. As the construction industry raises higher standards for indoor environmental quality, floor convectors have been subdivided into more diversified types to accommodate a broader range of application scenarios.
Founded in 2010 with a registered capital of 30 million RMB, Shanghai Aike Air Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. has long specialized in water-cooled central air conditioning. Its proprietary brand "shairko" focuses heavily on floor convector products. Building on the core performance characteristics of various models and conducting technical upgrades and practical applications tailored to diverse scenario demands, the company has grown into an industry player with robust technical strength and extensive project experience. Its in-depth research on floor convector classification and scenario adaptation also provides replicable practical references for the whole sector.
Floor convectors can be categorized via multiple dimensions, among which the most fundamental and commonly adopted classification standard is air circulation driving mode, dividing the products into two major types: natural convection and forced convection. These two categories differ substantially in structural design, performance parameters and applicable environments. Shanghai Aike has developed matching technical adaptation schemes and standardized production systems targeting the unique properties of each type, which will be elaborated in detail below by product category.
Classification by Driving Mode: Natural Convection Type & Forced Convection Type
Classified by the driving force of air circulation, floor convectors fall into natural convection and forced convection types, which constitutes the mainstream classification standard across the HVAC industry. Shanghai Aike has established mature technical R&D and manufacturing systems for both product lines to satisfy core demands of various application scenarios.
Natural Convection Floor Convectors
Natural convection floor convectors come without built-in fans. They rely entirely on buoyancy circulation generated by the temperature difference of air to realize heat exchange, and only support heating function as lightweight terminals specially designed for secondary indoor heating. Characterized by ultra-slim and compact profiles with a minimum depth of merely 100 mm, they require no auxiliary power supply. Operating with zero noise and zero additional power consumption, they adjust indoor temperature purely through thermal energy conversion. Their heat transfer coefficient ranges from 1 to 25 W/(m²·K), delivering indoor temperature uniformity of ±3~5°C. They are ideal for residential spaces requiring quiet operation and low energy consumption, or auxiliary heating for small office areas.
In the development and application of natural convection floor convectors, Shanghai Aike prioritizes residential comfort and installation convenience. It optimizes structural design to achieve an industry-leading slim body, and adopts high-performance heat exchange materials to boost thermal conversion efficiency, resolving the drawback of slow heat transfer inherent to traditional natural convection products. To cater to diversified home decoration styles, the company upgrades the grille appearance with aluminum alloy frames that balance practicality and aesthetics, enabling seamless integration into all types of floor finishes without extra decorative treatments. Furthermore, to mitigate the limited application scope of natural convection units, Shanghai Aike provides customized selection consultation. It assists customers in choosing properly sized models based on floor area and house layout, so as to guarantee heating performance while maximizing the energy-saving advantages of such products.
Forced Convection Floor Convectors
Forced convection floor convectors represent the most widely applied category at present. Equipped with cross-flow fans, they drive forced 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 sites demanding rapid and precise temperature regulation. Their heat transfer coefficient reaches 25~250 W/(m²·K), 5 to 10 times that of natural convection units, with temperature uniformity improved to ±0.1°C. Capable of fast indoor temperature adjustment, they support stepless speed regulation or variable frequency control. Air supply and return share the same horizontal plane, allowing flexible adjustment of wind speed and heat exchange capacity according to indoor thermal demands.
As a key R&D and manufacturer of forced convection floor convectors, Shanghai Aike has years of deep engagement in this product line, forming a complete product portfolio and core technical advantages. It carries out targeted optimization for different public building scenarios:
For office spaces: High-efficiency silent cross-flow fans are adopted to cut operational noise and avoid disrupting office environments;
For hospitals: Sanitary performance is enhanced via laminar air supply to limit the spread of indoor pollutants, paired with optimized filter structures to elevate air purification efficiency and safeguard indoor air quality;
For large public venues: Increased heat exchange capacity and extended air supply coverage meet thermal regulation requirements for high-volume spaces, with integrated fresh air inlets to introduce treated outdoor fresh air and comply with indoor ventilation standards.
In addition, Shanghai Aike integrates intelligent temperature control technology into forced convection units, supporting remote and centralized management to meet the intelligent operation needs of large buildings. Facility staff can adjust indoor temperature and monitor equipment status in real time, lowering operation and maintenance costs. In terms of material selection, galvanized steel sheets form the unit casing, which delivers outstanding durability and corrosion resistance while doubling as condensate pans. Optimized sealing structures eliminate water leakage and surface condensation risks. Heat exchangers adopt copper tube and aluminum fin assemblies installed at an inclined angle to drastically improve heat exchange efficiency. Low-pressure chilled and hot water serves as the heat transfer medium to balance energy conservation and operational safety.
Natural convection and forced convection floor convectors categorized by driving mode address distinct core demands of different construction scenarios. Such product subdivision essentially reflects the diversified requirements of modern building environments. Each type fulfills unique expectations for thermal comfort, energy efficiency and operational safety across different sites. Since its establishment, Shanghai Aike has always centered on the core properties of both floor convector types. Beyond simple product manufacturing, it devotes itself to technical optimization and scenario-based adaptation of the two product lines. Supported by a professional technical team and abundant project manufacturing cases, the company delivers tailor-made products and technical services to a wide range of clients, accumulating solid practical experience within the HVAC industry.
More than a mere manufacturer, Shanghai Aike places heavy emphasis on technological research and innovation for both natural and forced convection floor convectors. Aligned with industry development trends and evolving customer requirements, it continuously upgrades product performance and enriches its product lineup, driving floor convector technology toward higher energy efficiency, superior comfort and smarter operation. Moving forward, with the advancement of intelligent and green building development, both types of floor convectors will undergo further performance upgrades. Leveraging its proprietary technical strengths, Shanghai Aike will continue to deepen R&D and practical engineering of floor convectors, inject new momentum into industrial progress, and provide higher-quality, scenario-specific floor convector solutions for all types of buildings.
Need help with product selection?
Our HVAC experts are here to guide you - from system design to installation support.
Mail:shairko@126.com Phone:+86 16601861199