The larger the building, the more challenge there can be in designing air circulation systems. This is more complicated in large warehouse types of facilities where the space within the building involves very high ceilings.
In these types of warehouses, the air actually creates layers, a process known as stratification. This layer traps the hot air at the top of the high ceiling, while the colder layers of air are closer to the ground. In the middle is a wider layer of air that may have hot and cold pockets due to areas where there is poor circulation. This lack of circulation is made worse by the rack styles of storage, which effectively acts and barriers to air circulation around the building.
With this satisfaction of the air, the HVAC system is not able to operate efficiently. This can result in continuous cycling on and off of the system, which is the biggest power draw. The other issue is the system runs longer than necessary, also adding to energy costs.
Breaking Up the Layers
Strategically placed warehouse ceiling fans create a circular motion in the air within the facility, and they are designed specifically to work with high ceilings. The fans pull air from the sides and the top of the space, pushing it down and causing a mixing or a blending of the layers.
The warehouse ceiling fans do not create a noticeable “breeze” in the warehouse, but they do provide air circulation. The result is lower overall energy use through optimizing HVAC system performance, as well as several other benefits.
Adding warehouse ceiling fans also addresses the issue of wet floors and damp packaging and materials due to cooler air depositing moisture in the facility. This, in turn, cuts down on mold and mildew issues, providing better overall quality of air for both safe material storage as well as for employees working in the facility.
