Radiator

Abstract

A radiator 100, which may comprise a plinth radiator, comprises a panel 110 for mounting on a wall. The panel comprises a heat exchanger 132, which is ideally provided on a second region 130 of the pa

Description

Field The invention relates to a radiator configured to be fitted to a wall, and more particularly to a radiator panel comprising a heat exchanger, which panel is configured to be fitted to a wall. Background to the Invention Skirting radiators generally comprise one or more copper pipes that extend principally horizontally around the periphery of a room just above floor level and carry heated water. The pipes are fitted with heat-dissipating fins at intervals around the room and are enclosed behind a cover panel that is designed to have an appearance similar to a conventional skirting board. The advantage of skirting radiators is that they do not occupy wall space like a conventional wall radiator thereby providing more flexibility in relation to the positioning of other furniture and fittings in the room. In general, it is important that skirting radiators are unobtrusive and complementary to the aesthetics of the room in which they are fitted. Advantageously the heat-dissipating fins improve heat transfer from the copper pipe to the enclosed space. However, the fins occupy a significant volume of the enclosed space. Because of this, it is difficult to balance the need for improved heat dissipation against the need for minimisation of the volume occupied by radiator. As a result, where improved heat dissipation is prioritised, the radiator tends to obtrude into the room, which is disadvantageous. Additionally, the pipes with fitted heat-dissipating fins are difficult to inspect and repair. As a result, the pipes and fins must be separated to allow access for inspection and / or repair, which is a time-consuming task. Hence, there is a need to improve the heat transfer efficiency of the radiator, whilst improving accessibility to the system for inspection and / or repair, and whilst minimising the volume occupied by the radiator. Summary of the Invention It is one aim of the present invention, amongst others, to provide a radiator which at least partially obviates or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative approach. For instance, it is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide a radiator that improves heat transfer efficiency. For instance, it is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide a radiator that enables easy access to the system for inspection and / or repair. For instance, it is an aim of the invention to provide a radiator that minimises or reduces the volume occupied by the radiator (or an overall system), in comparison with existing approaches. According to the present invention there is provided a radiator as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description that follows. According to a first aspect, there is provided a radiator comprising a panel for mounting on a wall, the panel comprising: a first surface for facing away from the wall; a second surface for facing the wall, the second surface opposing the first surface, wherein a first region of the second surface is shaped to receive a heating element; and a heat exchanger. In one example, the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of projections. In one example, each projection of the plurality of projections comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a distance between the proximal and distal ends of each projection of the plurality of projections defines a projection depth of each respective projection. Optionally, a first projection of the plurality of projections comprises a first projection depth, and wherein a second projection of the plurality of projections comprises a second projection depth. Optionally, the first projection depth being less than the second projection depth. In one example, the plurality of projections comprises a series of projections, wherein the projection depth of each respective projection decreases along the series. In one example, the panel is longitudinally extending, wherein each of the plurality of projections are separated from one another along a transverse axis of the panel. In one example, a guiding surface of one or more of the plurality of projections is shaped to guide an air flow along its surface, thereby facilitating the Coanda effect. In one example, the guiding surfaces of the one or more of the plurality of projections are arranged substantially parallel to one another. In one example, a second region of the second surface of the panel provides the heat exchanger. In one example, the second region is selectively attachable to the panel. In one example, the panel is longitudinally extending and the heat exchanger extends along a longitudinal axis of the panel. In one example, when the panel is mounted on the wall, the wall and second surface of the panel define a chamber having an internal volume, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to project into the internal volume. In one example, the chamber at least partially surrounds the heating element. In one example, the panel is a coving panel or a skirting panel. In one example, the radiator further comprises an air flow member configured to direct air flow from the heat exchanger to a space external to the radiator. In one example, the air flow member is selectively attachable to the heat exchanger. Features of the above aspect may be combined, or incorporated into each other, as desired or as appropriate. Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which: Figure 1A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a radiator; Figure 1B schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger; Figure 1C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a radiator comprising an air flow member; Figure 2A schematically depicts a perspective view of a radiator; Figure 2B schematically depicts a perspective view of a radiator engaged with heating elements; Figure 3A schematically depicts a first cross-sectional view of a radiator engaged with heating elements; Figure 3B schematically depicts a second cross-sectional view of the radiator engaged with heating elements; and Figure 3C schematically depicts a region of the cross-sectional view of the radiator of Figure 3B. Detailed Description In overview, the radiator that is disclosed herein improves heat transfer efficiency, and / or improves accessibility to the system for inspection and / or repair, and / or minimises or reduces volume requirements in comparison with prior approaches. Briefly, this is achieved by providing a radiator comprising a panel for mounting on a wall, the panel comprising: a first surface for facing away from the wall; a second surface for facing away from the wall, the second surface opposing the first surface, wherein a first region of the second surface is shaped to receive a heating element; and a heat exchanger. The panel comprising the heat exchanger is important in realising the improvements. Figure 1A depicts a cross-sectional view of a radiator 100 according to an example embodiment. The radiator 100 comprises a panel 110, also referred to as a board in the art. The panel 110 is mountable on a wall, e.g. by mechanical fixings or adhesive. The panel 110 is typically manufactured from a thermally conductive material such as metal, for example aluminium, steel, copper, graphene or the like. The panel 110 is manufactured as a single integral piece, such as for example by casting or extrusion. Herein, the panel 110 is described by reference to a longitudinal axis Y, a transverse axis X, and a depth axis Z which are each perpendicular to one another. Although the transverse and depth axes X,Z are shown in the axes indicator in Figure 1A, the longitudinal axis Y extends into / out of the plane of the representation shown in Figure 1A and is not shown in the axes indicator. The size of the panel 110 measured along the longitudinal axis Y is hereinafter referred to as its length. The size of the panel 110 measured along the transverse axis X is hereinafter referred to as its width or height. The size of the panel 110 measured along the depth axis Z is hereinafter referred to as its depth or thickness. Figure 1A depicts a transverse cross-section, i.e. a cross-section corresponding to the X-Z plane, of the radiator 100. The transverse cross-section thus shows the height and depth of the panel. For ease of reference, in the transverse cross-section, the panel 110 height is depicted in alignment with the transverse axis X. In some embodiments, the panel 110 is a longitudinally extending panel. A longitudinally extending panel 110 comprises a body having a length that is greater than its height. In other words, for a fixed panel depth, the panel size along the longitudinal axis Y is larger than the panel size measured along the transverse axis X. A longitudinally extending panel 110 is particularly advantageous for mounting along a length of a wall, for example as a skirting panel or as a coving panel. The panel 110 is not limited to a longitudinally extending form. In other embodiments, the panel 110 is dimensioned according to the heating and / or aesthetic requirements of the space in which the panel is to be mounted. This is particularly advantageous where the radiator 100 is to be fitted into custom, or non-traditional, spaces. The radiator 100 may comprise one or more panels 110 for mounting on a wall, for example, by means of a bracket shaped to receive the radiator 100. A bracket is mountable to the wall by a fixing (e.g. securing) component (e.g., a screw). The panel 110 may be selectively attachable to the bracket by means of a push-fit connection. The bracket may comprise a receiving portion shaped to engage and retain the panel 110. An example bracket is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Referring back to Figure 1 A, in embodiments where the radiator 100 comprises a plurality of panels 110, one or more may be separated by a distance from one another, and / or one or more may abut at a respective edge. A radiator 100 may thus comprise an arrangement of panels 110 mountable on one or more regions of a wall, and for example extending around some, or all of, a periphery of a room or space. A panel 110 comprises at least a first surface 112 for facing away from the wall, when mounted, and a second surface 114 for facing away from the wall, when mounted. The first surface 112 thus provides an exterior facing surface. The first surface 112 may comprise one or more curved surfaces. The second surface 114 opposes the first surface and thus provides an interior facing surface. When the panel 110 is mounted on the wall, the wall and second surface 114 of the panel 110 define a chamber (e.g. a space) having an internal volume. At least part of a heating element may be located in said chamber. The second surface 114 comprises a region 120 (also referred to herein as a ‘first region’ 120) that is configured to receive one or more heating elements. Once received by the second surface 114, the one or more heating elements are hidden from a user’s view by the panel 110. A heating element comprises one or more of a conduit configured to carry heated liquid (e.g., a pipe) and an electric heating component (e.g., electric heat cable or tape). The heating component may be a longitudinally extending component. In some embodiments, the first region 120 receives the one or more heating elements by means of a direct connection, i.e., a connection wherein the heating element is in immediate contact with a surface within first region 120. For example, the first region 120 may be shaped to receive the one or more heating elements directly. The first region 120 may be configured to receive one or more heating elements by means of an indirect connection, i.e., a connection made via an intermediate structure. In some embodiments, the first region may be configured to receive a first heating element by direct contact or engagement with the heating element surface and a second heating element by indirect contact. For example, the intermediate structure may be selectively attachable (e.g., by means of a clip) to the second surface 114. Advantageously, this allows for customisation of the first region 120 to thereby render the radiator 100 compatible with a range of different heating elements. In some embodiments, when the first region 120 receives the one or more heating elements, the chamber defined by the panel 110 and the wall at least partially surrounds the one or more heating elements. For example, where the heating elements are longitudinally extending, the chamber may surround a majority, or the whole, of the length of the heating elements. Where the chamber partially surrounds the one or more heating elements, the radiator 100 more effectively transfers heat from the heating elements to its surroundings. In Figure 1A, the first region 120 is shaped to provide members 122a, 122b, 122c which are each configured to receive (or assist with receiving) a heating element. For a given transverse cross-section, the members 122a, 122b, 122c extend in the X-Z plane of the panel. For a longitudinally extending panel 110, the members 122a, 122b, 122c also extend in the Y-direction in many examples. As depicted, the members 122a, 122b, 122c extend towards the wall. However, one or more members 122a, 122b, 122c may be a recess, extending away from the wall into the body of the panel 110. In Figure 1A, members 122a and 122c comprise a ring-shaped (e.g., oval-shaped, or O-shaped) transverse cross-sectional profile. This cross-sectional profile is advantageous for use in combination with conduits, such as copper pipes. Said pipes are engageable with the O-shaped members of the second surface of the panel 110 by insertion into the O-shaped members. Additionally, once installed the O-shaped members 122a, 122c enclose the pipe thereby retaining the panel 110 in an installed configuration. Although not depicted, the region 120 may be shaped to provide a member having a C-shaped cross-sectional profile for engaging a pipe. Advantageously, a C-shaped member allows engagement with the pipe by means of a push-fit, in addition to engagement by insertion. In Figure 1 A, member 122b comprises a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The U-shaped member 122b is advantageous for use in combination with electric heating tape or cable. In fact the U-shaped member 122b could carry or retain alternative elements, such as for example power cables, or data cables. In Figure 1A, members 122a,122c are separated along the transverse axis X of the panel 110. Member 122b is arranged centrally therebetween. This arrangement is particularly advantageous where the heating system to which the radiator 100 is attached comprises separately operable primary and secondary heating elements. In such heating systems, the operating heat source may be switched between a first heating element comprising a conduit carrying heated liquid (e.g., a conduit receivable by member 122a and / or member 122c) and a secondary heating element comprising an electrical heating component (e.g., an electrical component receivable by member 122b). The first and second heating elements to which the radiator 100 is attached may therefore provide a fluid flow (e.g., a hot water based) heating system and an electrical heating system. Such systems be combined to operate in series or simultaneously. In some embodiments, one of members 122a and 122c are configured to received conduits having opposing directions of fluid flow. For example, the conduits may comprise a send line and a return line. For example, the send and return lines may form a loop. In some embodiments, members 122a, 122c comprise a fixing element 124a,c configured to receive and retain connectors, such as connectors between panels 110. In Figure 1A, a first fixing element 124a comprises a groove (e.g. recesses) arranged to oppose the second fixing element 124c. Advantageously, the fixing elements 124a,c retain the connection between panels when placed under pressure. The fixing elements 124a,c may be configured to receive and retain an end component, such as a board or panel. An end component is attachable to an end of the panel 110 to thereby enclose the chamber (i.e., the internal volume defined by the second surface 114 and wall). For example, for a longitudinally extending panel 110, the end component may be attached perpendicularly thereto. In this way, an exterior facing surface of the end component extends along the depth axis Z of the panel 110. The end component may be dimensioned to match the depth of the panel 110, to provide enclosure of the chamber. In some embodiments, the whole heating element is enclosed in the chamber between the radiator 100 and wall by attachment of end components to respective ends of the panel 110. Although a combination of members 122a, 122b, 122c for use with different heating elements is depicted in Figure 1A, other embodiments are envisaged. For example, the first region 120 may be shaped to receive at least one heating element, the heating element being either a conduit configured to carry heated fluid, or an electric heating element configured to resistively heat. In some embodiments, members 122a, 122b, 122c of the first region 120 are integrally formed with the panel 110. Advantageously, where one or more members 122a, 122b, 122c are integrally formed with panel 110, thermal contact resistance, which typically arises at interfaces between components, is avoided. Additionally, the panel 110 and its members 122a, 122b, 122c may be formed in a single extrusion or casting step, thereby simplifying manufacture. In some embodiments, one or more members 122a, 122b, 122c are selectively attachable to the first region 120 of the panel 110. Advantageously, where the one or more members 122a, 122b, 122c are attachable to the first region 120, they can be selected, removed, and / or exchanged for engagement with a specific heating element. In Figure 1A, the panel 110 further comprises a heat exchanger 132. A heat exchanger 132 is advantageous because it improves transfer of heat from the one or more heating elements to the surrounding air. The heat exchanger 132 being part of the panel 110 means that space is saved, and the heating elements are easily accessible by unmounting of the panel 100 from the wall. The panel 110 comprising the heat exchanger 132 provides an overlapping number of improvements over the systems of background art. The heat exchanger 132 may be longitudinally extending and may extend along one or more lengths of a longitudinally extending panel 110. For example, a first portion of heat exchanger 132 may be separated from a second portion of the heat exchanger along the longitudinal axis Y of the panel 110. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 132 extends along a majority or the entire length of the panel 110. The heat exchanger 132 improves heat transfer by increasing the surface area of the panel, thereby increasing the surface area providing heat dissipation. Secondly, the heat exchanger 132 surface may enable exploitation of the Coanda effect, i.e., the guiding and / or accelerating of heated air along the heat exchanger 132 surface. Advantageously, this provides enhanced control over the flow path of the heated air. Accordingly, heated air may be directed towards the space to be heated. Thirdly, the panel 110 providing the improved heat transfer panel is compatible with any of a number of heating elements, as disclosed above. An advantage of this compatibility is that the panel 110 may be retrofitted with existing systems. In Figure 1A, the heat exchanger 132 is integrally formed with the panel 110. For example, the heat exchanger 132 may be integrally formed with the second surface 114. Advantageously, thermal contact resistance between the heat exchanger 132 and remaining portion of the panel 110 is reduced or avoided. Additionally, the panel 110 and heat exchanger 132 may be formed in a single extrusion or casting step. In other embodiments, the heat exchanger 132 is selectively attachable to the panel 110. Advantageously, a heat exchanger 132 for attachment to the panel 110 can be selected and / or exchanged according to the desired heat transfer characteristics and / or any restrictions on the dimensions of the panel 110. In some embodiments, a second region 130 of the second surface 114 provides the heat exchanger 132. For example, the second region 130 may comprise the heat exchanger 132. In Figure 1A, the second region 130 is adjacent to the first region 120 along the transverse axis X of the panel 110. The second region 130 may be separated by a distance from the heating element along the transverse axis X of the panel 110. Advantageously, where the second region 130 of the second surface 114 provides the heat exchanger 132, said heat exchanger 132 is proximal to the first region 120 and this proximity facilitates heat transfer from the received one or more heating elements to said heat exchanger 132. To further enhance heat transfer, the second region 130 may be positioned relative to the first region 120 such that, when a heating element is received by the first region 120, air heated by the heating element moves by convection towards (e.g. upwards) to the second region 130 providing the heat exchanger 132. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 132 provided by the second surface is selectively attachable to the second surface 114. For example, a portion of the second surface 114 (i.e. the surface for facing the wall) may be configured to receive the heat exchanger 132. Advantageously, attachment of the heat exchanger 132 to the second surface 114 does not increase the height of the radiator 100. In this way, the heat exchanger 132, once attached does not increase the depth of the radiator 100, meaning the radiator 100 occupies less of the otherwise usable floor space in the room in which it is fitted.. Advantageously, an attachable heat exchanger 132 can be selected and / or exchanged according to the desired heat transfer characteristics and / or any restrictions on the dimensions of the panel 110. An attachable heat exchanger 132 may be fitted to a panel to thereby form the radiator 100. For example, the heat exchanger 132 may be fitted to a panel 110 comprising a first surface 112 for facing away from the wall when mounted, and a second, opposing surface 114 for facing away from the wall when mounted, wherein the second surface 114 has a first region 120 shaped to receive a heating element. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 132 is configured to be attached to an edge of the panel 110, thereby increasing the height (i.e., the transverse extent) of the radiator 100. For example, the heat exchanger 132 may comprise a surface for facing the wall 114a and an opposing surface for facing away from the wall 112a, as shown in Figure 1B. By attaching said heat exchanger 132 in this way, the respective heights and areas of the first and second surfaces 112,114 of the panel 110 are extended. Whether by attachment to the second surface 114 or attachment to an edge of the panel 110, the second region 130 of the second surface 114 may be formed by attachment of the heat exchanger 132 to the panel 110. In other words, the second region 130 providing the heat exchanger 132 may be selectively attachable to the panel 110. Figure 1B depicts a transverse cross-section of a heat exchanger 132. Specifically, Figure 1B depicts the heat exchanger 132 of the panel 110 in Figure 1A. In embodiments, a heat exchanger 132 may have any of a number of structural forms. As an example, a heat exchanger 132 may comprise a single structure, ora number of connectable structures which collectively function to improve heat transfer from the panel 110 to the environment (e.g. provide a localised increase in surface area). For example, the heat exchanger 132 may comprise a plate or sheet structure, or an array thereof. In Figure 1B, the heat exchanger 132 comprises a plurality of projections 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, 132e, 132f, and 132g. In some embodiments, the projections 132a-g comprise a plate or sheet structure. For example, the projections 132a-g may comprise fins. The projections 132a-g may be longitudinally extending projections, which protrude from the panel 100 along a length of the panel 110 (e.g. the Y-direction). The plurality of projections 132a-g may be separated from one another along the transverse axis of the panel 110. Advantageously, each of the plurality of projections 132a-g comprises a heat dissipating surface area. Accordingly, heat dissipation by the heat exchanger 132 is proportional to the number of projections 132a-g provided by the heat exchanger 132. Although 7 projections are depicted in Figure 1B, the heat exchanger 132 may comprise two or more projections 132a-g. The projections 132a-g extend into the X-Z plane of the panel 110, e.g., from the panel 110 towards the wall. Each projection 132a,g comprises a distal end 134a,g and a proximal end 136a,g. For clarity, only the ends of the two projections 132a and 132g are referenced in Figure 1B. The distal end 134a is an end of the projection 132a most proximal to the wall when the radiator 100 is mounted. In other words, the distal end 134a is an end of the projection 132a furthest from the first surface 112 of the panel 110. The proximal end 136a is an end of the projection 132a is at an opposite end to the distal end 134a. A distance between the proximal and distal ends 136a, 134a of a projection 132a defines a depth of said projection. The projection depth may be measured along the length of the respective projection 132a-g. In some embodiments, the heat dissipating surface area of the projections 123a-g scales with the projection depth of the respective projection. In some embodiments, a first projection 132g of the plurality of projections 132a-g comprises a first projection depth and a second projection 132a of the plurality of projections 132a-g comprises a second projection depth, wherein the first projection depth is less than the second projection depth. By incorporating projections 132a-g having different projection depths, the number of protrusions 132a-g provided by the heat exchanger 132 can be maximised. Alternatively or additionally projections 132a-g having different projection depths may allow for better control of air flow or heat dissipation, for example heat transfer efficiency, or air flow speeds or directions. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 132 comprises a series (i.e. 3 or more) projections 132a-g, wherein the respective projection depth decreases along the series, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. For example, the series may extend along the transverse axis X of the panel body 110 whilst the respective projection depth decreases along the transverse axis X of the panel body 110. In some embodiments, the projection 132a most proximal to the first region 120 comprises the largest projection depth of the series. The projection depth decreases along the series to the projection 132g most distal to the first region 120, which comprises the smallest projection depth of the series. As the rate of heat transfer by conduction is inversely proportional to the distance between the heating element (e.g., heat source) and the heat dissipating projections 132a-g, in this embodiment, the largest projection 132a and thus the largest heat dissipating surface is positioned where heat transfer by conduction is maximised, i.e. closest to the heating element. Conversely, the smallest projections providing the smallest heat dissipating surfaces are positioned where heat transfer by conduction is minimised. The heat exchanger 132 is thus configured to provide efficient heat transfer, whilst minimising the material required to provide said the heat transfer. Another or alternative advantage is that the decreasing projection depth of the projections 132a-g accelerates the velocity of the heated air, thereby enhancing the rate of hot air extraction from the elements, and, for example, into a room or space. In other words, one or more of the plurality of projections 132a-g are shaped to guide air flow along its respective surface. For example, an exposed surface of the plurality of projections 132a-g may be shaped to entrain air from its environment, according to the Coanda effect. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of projections 132a-g may be arranged to accelerates the velocity of the heated air, thereby enhancing the rate of hot air extraction from the elements, and, for example, into a room or space. Advantageously, when the projection depth of the plurality of projections 132a-g diminishes along the series, for example along the transverse axis X of the panel body 110, the aforementioned acceleration and improved extraction rate of heated air is achieved. In some embodiments, the projections 132a-g extend substantially parallel to the depth axis Z of the panel 110. In other embodiments, the projections 132a-g are angled (i.e., arranged at a non-zero angle) relative to the panel 110. For example, in Figure 1B, the projections 132a-g are angled relative to the transverse and depth axes X,Z. In some embodiments, the projections 132a-g may be angled at 45 degrees relative to the transverse and depth axes X,Z. Advantageously, when the projections 132a-g are angled, projection depth can be maximised whilst the overall depth and height occupied by the heat exchanger 132 is minimised or reduced. Another or alternative advantage is that the angled projections may accelerate or guide the flow of the heated air, thereby enhancing the rate of hot air extraction from the elements, and, for example, into a room or space. In Figure 1B, the projections 132a-g extend substantially parallel to one another. In this way, the number of projections 132a-g, and therefore the total heat dissipating surface area provided by the heat exchanger 132, is maximised and / or the space taken up by the projections 132a-g is lower than in other implementations. The projection depth may also be measured based on the Z-axis depth of the projections 132a-g, i.e., the length of the projections 132a-g measured in a direction parallel to the depth axis Z of the panel 110. In some embodiments, the parallel depth of the projections 132a-g is the same as or less than the depth of the members 122a, 122b, 122c. Advantageously, the overall depth of the radiator 100 is dependent on the depth of the first region 120 when engaged with the heating elements, rather than the heat exchanger 132. In this way, the radiator 100 depth is reduced. In some embodiments, one or more projections 132a-g comprise, or together define, a convex surface or path to improve the deflection or direction of air flow along said surface. As shown in Figure 1B, a distal end 134g of one or more projections 132a-g comprises a convex surface. Additionally, the one or more projections 132a-g may collectively define a convex surface. Advantageously, by shaping the projections 132a-g to facilitate the Coanda effect, air flow can be guided to over the projections 132a-g to facilitate and improve heat dissipation by convection. As discussed above, the decreased projection depth of the projections alternatively or additionally achieves the Coanda effect. Figure 1C depicts the radiator 100 of Figure 1A further comprising an airflow member 140. The airflow member 140 is configured to direct air flow from the heat exchanger 132 to a space external to the radiator 110. For example, the air flow member 140 may be shaped to guide air flow along its surface, optionally according to the Coanda effect. As an example, the air flow member 140 may comprise one or more convex surfaces to facilitate and enhance the guiding, and / or Coanda effect. Air flow along the surface of the air flow member 140 may occur on the interior facing surface (i.e., the surface facing the wall when the air flow member 140 is attached to the radiator 100) and / or the exterior facing surface (i.e., the surface exposed to the space to heated when the air flow member 140 is attached to the radiator 100). Advantageously, the air flow member provides an additional heat dissipating surface. In some embodiments, the air flow member is selectively attachable to the heat exchanger 132, for example at the distal end 134a,g of the one or more projections 132a-g. Advantageously, the air flow member 140 can be adjusted and attached to different projections 132a-g to modify the air flow directed from the heat exchanger 132 into the external space. In Figure 1C the air flow member 140 has a generally C-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile. In the attached configuration, the air flow member 140 increases the height of the radiator 100. As shown in Figure 1C, in the attached configuration the airflow member 140 provides an opening for the radiator 100, via which airflow is directed towards a longitudinally extending edge of the panel 110. This opening is adjustable by modifying which projection 132a-g the air flow member 140 is attached to. To facilitate attachment of the airflow member 140, one or more of the projections 132a-g may comprise grooves or ridges at their distal end 134a, as shown in Figure 1B. Correspondingly, the air flow member 140 may comprise grooves or ridges for complementary connection to the distal end 134a,g of the one or more projections 132a-g. Figure 2A depicts a perspective view of the radiator 100 of Figure 1C. The radiator 100 comprises a longitudinally extending panel and a longitudinally extending airflow member 140. Although the airflow member 140 and panel 110 may comprise the same length, the air flow member may be shorter than the full length of the longitudinally extending panel 110. Figure 2B depicts a perspective view of the radiator 100 of Figure 1C, wherein the radiator 100 is engaged with heating elements 210a, 210b, and 210c. In Figure 2A heating elements 210a,210c are conduits for carrying heated fluid, such as hot water. Heating element 210b comprises an electric heating component, such as heating tape or cable. In Figure 2B, the heating elements 210a, 210b, and 210c are respectively received by members 122a, 122b, and 122c of the first region 120. Reference numerals for members 122a, 122b, 122c are shown in Figure 2A, but are omitted from Figure 2B for clarity. Figures 3A and 3B depict a transverse cross-sectional view of the radiator 100 of Figure 2B. Figure 3A shows a first end and Figure 3B shows a second, opposing end. In Figures 3A and 3B, a bracket 340 for mounting the panel 110 to the wall by means of a screw 350 is also shown. The radiator 100 may engage with the bracket 340 by clipping or sliding into the bracket 340. Advantageously, the radiator 100 is easily detachable and attachable to the bracket, thereby facilitating inspection and maintenance of the radiator 100 and / or heating element. In Figures 3A and 3B, members 122a,122c engage the respective heating elements 210a,210c by enclosing said heating elements 210a,210c around their circumference. In this embodiment, member 122b is engaged with heating element 210b. Member 122b and heating element 210b are both obscured in Figure 3A by fixing component 360 but are visible in Figure 3B. As shown in Figure 3B, the fixing component 360 is received by the first region 120 of the second surface 114 of the panel 110. The fixing component is arranged between the members 122a, 122b configured to receive conduits 210a,210b. As shown in Figure 3B, the fixing component 360 is dimensioned to occupy the space between the members 122a,122b,122c of the first region 120 and the bracket 340. Where the panel 110 is longitudinally extending, the fixing component 360 may additionally be longitudinally extending, and extend along a portion or a whole length of the panel 110. Advantageously, the fixing component 360 restricts deformation of the members 122a,122b,122c. Additionally, fixing component 360 prevents compression of the heating element 122b. Figure 3C depicts a closer transverse cross-sectional view of the second end the radiator 100 of Figure 3B. As shown, the fixing component 360 may comprise a recess for receiving the heating element 210b, and / or may comprise one or more protrusions for connecting to fixing elements 124a,c. Advantageously, the fixing component 360 can be easily removed from the first region 120 to provide access to heating element 210b for inspection and / or repair. The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention, as set out herein are also applicable to all other aspects or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different aspects and exemplary embodiments. Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at most some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. 5 Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A radiator comprising a panel for mounting on a wall, the panel comprising:a first surface for facing away from the wall;a second surface for facing away from the wall, the second surface opposing the first surface, wherein a first region of the second surface is shaped to receive a heating element; anda heat exchanger.

2. A radiator according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of projections.

3. A radiator according to claim 2, wherein each projection of the plurality of projections comprises a proximal end and a distal end,wherein a distance between the proximal and distal ends of each projection of the plurality of projections defines a projection depth of each respective projection,wherein a first projection of the plurality of projections comprises a first projection depth, andwherein a second projection of the plurality of projections comprises a second projection depth, the first projection depth being less than the second projection depth.

4. A radiator according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections comprises a series of projections, and wherein the projection depth of each respective projection decreases along the series.

5. A radiator according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the panel is longitudinally extending, and wherein each of the plurality of projections are separated from one another along a transverse axis of the panel.

6. A radiator according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein a guiding surface of one or more of the plurality of projections is shaped to guide an air flow along its surface, thereby facilitating the Coanda effect,7. A radiator according to claim 6, wherein the guiding surfaces of the one or more of the plurality of projections are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

8. A radiator according to any preceding claim, wherein a second region of the second surface of the panel provides the heat exchanger.

9. A radiator according to claim 8, wherein the second region is selectively attachable to the panel.

10. A radiator according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is longitudinally extending and the heat exchanger extends along a longitudinal axis of the panel.

11. A radiator according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the panel is mounted on the wall, the wall and second surface of the panel define a chamber having an internal volume, and wherein the heat exchanger is arranged to project into the internal volume.5 12. A radiator according to claim 11, wherein the chamber at least partially surrounds the heatingelement.

13. A radiator according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the panel is a coving panel or a skirting panel.1014. A radiator according to any preceding claim, further comprising an air flow member configured to direct air flow from the heat exchanger to a space external to the radiator.

15. A radiator according to claim 14, wherein the air flow member is selectively attachable to the heat 15 exchanger.

Images