If you’ve seen a big industrial fan, chances are you saw it in a warehouse or other large, factory-type facility. Their ability to move massive amounts of air goes a long way in keeping the atmosphere cleaner and cooler for employees inside while saving money through their remarkable energy efficiency.
Yet these powerful devices are also revolutionizing airflow in plenty of hot and humid environments. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the science behind big industrial fans and explore five unexpected places where they can make a big difference in creating healthier, more productive conditions for workers, customers, and a few other surprising beneficiaries.
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The Science Behind Big Industrial Fans
Big industrial fans, usually referred to as high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans, work based on a simple principle: aerodynamics. As their large blades rotate slowly, they generate a gentle yet powerful column of air that moves downward. This air circulation creates a stirring effect, kind of like a giant, slow-motion whisk gently spreading air throughout a large space.
This massive airflow promotes evaporative cooling as it comes into contact with perspiring bodies and moist surfaces. The moving air evaporates the moisture on the skin, creating a cooling effect without the need for air conditioning. Big industrial fans also help disperse heat sources and remove dust, fumes, and contaminants by pushing stagnant air toward ventilation systems.
Where Big Industrial Fans Provide Valuable Benefits
HVLS fans are commonly found these days in large industrial settings like warehouses, factories, and vehicle work bays—places that are too big for traditional HVAC systems yet need consistent airflow to keep the employees comfortable enough to stay productive. While the applications for big industrial fans are virtually limitless, we’ve targeted a few that may surprise you.
1. Agricultural Facilities
Imagine a sweltering barn full of cows or chickens. Heat stress can significantly impact animal health and milk or egg production. Big industrial fans create a gentle breeze that keeps livestock comfortable and improves their well-being. The air movement also helps disperse dust and ammonia, creating a healthier environment for both animals and workers.
2. Outdoor Venues
Summer concerts, festivals, and sporting events can be sweltering—or even dangerous—for the massive crowds that attend them. In these spaces, big industrial fans can provide much-needed relief without the drawbacks of misters (wetness) or traditional fans (strong wind gusts). By generating consistent air circulation, they help attendees and workers feel cool and avoid heat stress, providing a safer atmosphere for everyone.
3. Hangars
Airplane hangars can be massive, making consistent temperature control a constant challenge. Some areas, such as those around running engines, can become quite hot. Big industrial fans are capable of keeping these areas feeling cooler. The air movement disperses fumes from exhaust and improves air quality for anyone working in the hangar.
4. Schools
The last thing students need when learning or playing at school is poor air quality and extreme heat. Many older schools can’t afford the millions of dollars it takes to outfit them with proper air conditioning, which is why big industrial fans can make a huge difference. Whether they’re used in gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias, or other large gathering places, HVLS fans provide a reliable breeze that improves ventilation, removes stale air and odors, and helps students stay focused and engaged throughout the day.
5. Event Centers
From large convention centers and concert halls to churches and wedding venues, big industrial fans provide a comfortable environment for oversized gatherings. When massive numbers of people assemble in an enclosed space, they must have well-circulated air to minimize pollutants and allergens while keeping everyone feeling comfortable.
Big Ass Fans: The World Leader in Big Industrial Fans
If you’re thinking about installing a big industrial fan into your large facility, you may have questions about sizes and models, how many you may need, and where to install them. As the industry’s leading manufacturer of HVLS fans, Big Ass Fans can take the guesswork out of which fan will work best in your space.
By using our SpecLab® computational fluid dynamics software, our airflow experts can conduct an accurate analysis of your space and create a visual simulation of how our fans can improve your building’s air circulation. It’s a free service—just contact us today to schedule a measurement.
Big Ass Fans has the expertise and highest-rated products that can transform your space, whether it’s a warehouse, a barn, a sanctuary, or an arena. We have a versatile solution waiting for you, so visit our site to learn more.
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