By Brian Galante
Special to RBR+TVBR
Dielectric, the Sinclair Inc.-owned manufacturer of broadcast antennas and RF systems, is expanding its OptiLoad series with a new external heat exchanger system.
The new product offering extends the OptiLoad platform’s capabilities by moving heat generated by RF loads outside of transmitter buildings, improving thermal management, reducing noise and lowering HVAC requirements.
First introduced at NAB Show 2024, OptiLoad established a new standard for RF load systems by combining Dielectric’s proven water column load technology with intelligent monitoring and closed-loop cooling. The series expanded in 2025 with OptiLoad Light for lower-power TV systems and OptiLoad FM for radio applications. The addition of the OptiLoad Heat Exchanger continues that evolution, addressing a growing industry need for more efficient heat management in modern broadcast facilities.
“OptiLoad has always included an internal heat exchanger, but traditionally that heat was discharged into the transmitter room,” said Jacub Emery, Product Line Manager for RF Engineering at Dielectric. “With the new external heat exchanger, we can move that heat outside the building entirely. That’s a major advantage in warmer climates or any facility where HVAC capacity is a concern.”
The new system introduces a two-part architecture, with an indoor RF load unit connected via hoses to an outdoor heat exchanger. This design simplifies installation while giving broadcasters flexibility to manage heat more effectively. “With high-power systems, you can be removing up to 80 kilowatts of heat from the room,” Emery added. “That translates directly into reduced HVAC load, smaller cooling systems, and meaningful cost savings in both infrastructure and ongoing operation.”
The OptiLoad’s integrated PLC architecture continuously monitors RF presence, coolant temperature, pressure, and system health, activating pumps and fans only as needed to maximize efficiency.
The external heat exchanger model maintains these core capabilities while improving overall system performance:
· Removes heat from the transmitter building, reducing HVAC requirements
· Minimizes in-room noise by relocating fans outdoors
· Preserves closed-loop cooling for system protection and reliability
· Simplifies installation with a turnkey, roll-in solution
The system also includes built-in safety interlocks that protect transmitters by shutting down operation if coolant pressure drops below threshold levels or if temperatures exceed safe operating limits. “Customers no longer need to design their own heat exchanger systems or integrate with transmitter cooling,” Emery said. “This is a complete, plug-and-play solution that streamlines planning, installation and operation.”
Dielectric President Keith Pelletier added, “Not every station has the same power levels, site requirements or environmental challenges. With OptiLoad, we’re building a portfolio where customers can choose the solution that best fits their operation.”
Dielectric will be at Booth C1446 at the 2026 NAB Show.
