Heating device
Heating equipment to combat frost in viticulture includes a range of equipment: vine heaters and heat generators to spread intense heat over large areas, mobile burners for rapid intervention, and electric heating cables for gentle, long-lasting protection. Each solution can be adapted to the specific needs of the farm, offering flexibility and efficiency depending on the size and exposure of the plots.
Heaters in operation - Garrigue R
Heaters
Operating principle: These devices generate gentle heat that spreads along the rows of vines, preventing temperatures from falling below the critical threshold for the buds.
Fuels : Often run on gas, oil or wood, with models allowing the use of renewable fuels.
Advantages : They provide continuous heat and are suitable for medium to large-sized vines.
Technical features: Some models can cover dozens of metres with an autonomy of 8 to 10 hours.
Mobile burners
These burners use wood pellets to replace an oil-fired boiler. They are mobile and are used in conjunction with an air circulation system.How it works: These mobile devices spread heat around the vines by burning fuel.
Advantages : Ideal for one-off jobs or for operations requiring rapid, targeted protection.
Technical features: The burners are mounted on wheels for easy movement and can cover an adjustable perimeter with a radius of 3 to 8 metres.
Mobile burner
Heat generators
Operating principle: Heat generators are larger appliances that produce intense heat, making it possible to heat large areas.Fuel types : Generally run on gas, oil or even electricity, depending on the model.
Advantages: Cover larger areas and can be particularly effective in severe frost conditions.
Autonomy and characteristics: Models vary in terms of thermal output and autonomy, with some providing thermal coverage for several hours.
Mobile hot air gun
Hot air system combined with a blower
Several types of equipment fall into this category:- fixed system (on a concrete slab) with rotation, emitting hot air from fossil fuels
- a mobile system, associated with a fan that emits hot air using fossil fuel, electricity or wood pellets
- a towed system that emits warm air using fossil fuels
Power supply : Generally run on gas, fossil fuels or electricity.
Advantages: Cover larger areas and can be particularly effective in severe frost conditions.
Autonomy and characteristics: Models vary in terms of thermal output and autonomy, with some providing thermal coverage for several hours.
Heating cables
These electrical or infra-red heating systems limit the drop in temperature close to the buds.
They are positioned at the bending wire, close to the rod. The range of protection is approximately 10 cm. The cables are connected to an electrical cabinet. The more the vines have grown at the time of the risk of frost, the less effective they will be.
How it works: These heating cables are laid directly on the vines or in the rows and provide constant, gentle heat.
Advantages : A discreet, environmentally-friendly solution, ideal for vineyards looking for a sustainable alternative.
Energy consumption: Relatively low, but requires a stable energy source.
Installation : Can be installed permanently for seasonal use in the event of spring frosts.
They are positioned at the bending wire, close to the rod. The range of protection is approximately 10 cm. The cables are connected to an electrical cabinet. The more the vines have grown at the time of the risk of frost, the less effective they will be.
How it works: These heating cables are laid directly on the vines or in the rows and provide constant, gentle heat.
Advantages : A discreet, environmentally-friendly solution, ideal for vineyards looking for a sustainable alternative.
Energy consumption: Relatively low, but requires a stable energy source.
Installation : Can be installed permanently for seasonal use in the event of spring frosts.
Heating cables - Gouroux T CA21