AHT-Netherlands is a worldwide supplier of sustainable infrared heating systems, including intelligent control systems, for a wide range of applications. The infrared technology is based on extremely thin and advanced metal ribbons with an unique amorphous molecular structure.
With the AHT low temperature infrared technology, electric heating can be achieved very effectively and efficiently, with savings of up to 40% compared to traditional (electrical) and hydraulic heating systems. On top of that Infrared heating provides significantly better thermal comfort, reacts very quickly and makes it possible to heat individual parts in the same room separately.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
AHT: AHT-Netherlands provides sustainable heating solutions for the following market segments:
INDOOR
The unique infrared technology is available for indoor in the form of flexible heating mats in various sizes and electrical capacities. A proven technology that is already being used in all possible applications in various type of projects. The infrared heating mats can be installed under any type of floor finish, such as carpet, laminate, wooden floors, linoleum, PVC, wicker mats, etc. The mats can also be installed in the wall, for example behind stucco, in loam walls or behind a finishing panel or panelling. Our global engineering consultancy already has designed lots of unique forms of application.
OUTDOOR
The unique AHT infrared heating ribbon is also a proven heating technology for outdoor applications. In the last decades It has been successfully applicated in a large number of different projects around the world, such as roads, cycle paths, bridges, tunnels, runways, logistics centres, driveways and parking lots, train, tram and metro platforms, level crossings, bus stops, ramps, stairs, pedestrian crossings, routes for the visually impaired, roofs and gutters (including de-icing of photovoltaic panels). Almost on a daily basis new applications are being developed for different industry sectors.
AGRICULTURE
Extensive tests by renowned test institutes have shown that the AHT infrared technology in greenhouses can save up to 60% energy compared to traditional tube heating systems. In addition, the system reacts much faster and a temperature can quickly be created within a narrow bandwidth. This completely fossil-free method of heating also leads to a shortening of the cultivation time of up to 4 weeks. In addition, there is more production per m2 of greenhouse surface (better developed plants). Also substantial early growth can be achieved by application of our technology in cold soil.
SPORTS
Finally, the AHT amorphous infrared heating technology is applied in the world of sports. For example heating sports fields such as football, baseball, hockey, tennis, beach volleyball, etc. It’s applicable for all type of sport field materials such as natural grass, gravel and artificial grass.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
AHT: The AHT infrared heating technology is based on a patented amorphous metal alloy, also referred to as metal glass. An amorphous heating element is produced by cooling the molten alloy very quickly (at a rate of about 1,000,000 degrees / sec). This is done by pouring the molten metal alloy onto a rapidly rotating copper drum. Because clotting occurs so quickly, it loses the normal crystalline structure and a solid with an amorphous molecular structure is formed.
The homogenous, non-limiting structure of amorphous metal alloys offers unique mechanical, anti-corrosion, wear-resistant and magnetic properties and is therefore in many ways better than ordinary crystalline metals. Once the ribbons are connected to an electrical circuit, ranging from 12 to 600 volts (AC or DC), it becomes a professional infrared heating system that is far more effective than ordinary heating wires.
The infrared heating product consists of a very thin ribbon, only 25/1000 m thick (25 μm), made with a width of up to 10 cm. The AHT infrared heating technology is primarily a comfortable way of heating because it radiates people and objects instead of heating air. Moreover, it is a safe heat source because the electromagnetic field is negligibly small and therefore harmless for both humans and animals. Finally, it reacts very quickly and can be controlled with a wall thermostat or smart phone or tablet (wifi/RF-based).
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
AHT: The range exists of two basic products: flexible heating mats and flexibele heating ribbons. Mats are available in different widths and lengths as well as in electrical capacity. The mats have already wires connected so are ready to use (plug and play).
Outdoor ribbons are available in any length and are tailer-made for each individual project according to the wishes of the customer.
Furthermore, there is a range of thermostats and control units to control the mats and ribbons. Last but not least we also provide a wide range of infrared heating panels.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
AHT: The market is currently characterized by an energy transition, whereby fossil fuels in the end will be fully abandoned. This means, that the focus will be on full electrification whereby electricity is produced sustainably. Therefore, one of the focus areas are ‘all-electric’ residential houses and offices. Electric infrared heating fits seamlessly into this strategy because it offers a completely CO2-neutral solution. In terms of costs, operating and heat comfort, heating with infrared is a good alternative to expensive, complex and interference-prone (hybrid) heat pumps.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
AHT: Due to global geo-political tensions, energy prices are extremely high at the moment. This means that, that customers look for ways to save on their energy bill, especially when it comes to heating. AHT Netherlands can provide infrared heating solutions (main heating) that allow customers to save up to 40 % of their energy bill.
Furthermore, the market for home batteries is developing very quickly. In a few years such solutions will be available for consumers at an acceptable price level. For customers that provide their own energy, e.g. using PV-cells, the combination with a battery and the AHT infrared technology allows them to save even more money.
Finally, the worlds want to move towards a circular economy. The products of AHT Netherlands fit in perfectly as very little material recourses are used and very little CO2 is emitted during production. Also it is a modular system that can fully be reused.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
AHT: The Dutch are famous when it comes to how they efficiently operate agricultural green houses. With the technology of AHT Netherlands this can even be improved significantly. This because with the low temperature infrared heating mats it is possible to create a microclimate around the plants. By doing so, up to 60 % energy can be saved compared to the present way of heating with hot water pipes. On top of that, when using green electricity no longer natural gas have to be combusted for heating the water.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the rest of 2022?
AHT: The estimate for the rest of 2022 is a further grow in sales as well as in the number of types of applications.
