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Inditherm pitch heating systems are designed for use under
both grass and artificial turf pitches to prevent the playing surface from
freezing and becoming unplayable as a result of cold weather. The system is
configured for each requirement to provide the optimum heating and can be used
for both stadia pitches and training grounds.
Inditherm pitch heating systems consist of three main components:
- Heating pads laid in a matrix under the pitch.
- The power supply, which delivers power at low voltage (50V) to the heating pads.
- The control system, which ensures
optimum effectiveness of the system whilst minimising power consumption. The
pitch heating system is laid out in "Zones", each of which can be
independently controlled.
The heating pads consist of Inditherm's patented carbon-based conductive
polymer technology (CPT) mounted on insulation and encapsulated in rugged,
waterproof outer covers. The pads are laid in a matrix underneath the pitch and
are spaced to allow for both effective drainage and optimum heating of the
pitch.
The system is powered from the mains to low voltage transformers, which can
either be housed in a main control room or in pitch-side enclosures. Connection
to the under-pitch heating pads is made via cables running under the pitch on
the base drainage layer.
Control of the system can be a simple manual on/off switch or sophisticated
programmable automatic control to activate the system depending on weather
and/or ground conditions.
The system can be operated in zones enabling part of the system to be
operating to overcome the effects of "stand shadow" cast by the stadium roof
which may cause part of the surface to be frozen whilst the remainder is
playable. Alternatively, where the available electrical power is restricted, the
system can be programmed to rotate the operation of the heating pads such that a
proportion of the pads are operational at any one time.
Each heating pad is designed to work up to approximately 30°C. The sand layer
has good heat dissipation properties and storage capabilities that help to keep
the surface frost free without damaging the grass roots.
The system has no moving parts and does not have any routine maintenance
requirements for continuous operation.
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