Air Circulation Impacts Warehouse Productivity
Warehouses can become stagnant and uncomfortable without air movement. This discomfort increases significantly on hot days, causing a decline in productivity and safety for those working in the warehouse. Fans are an obvious solution for this type of environment. However, some key differences exist between the small, high-speed fans in residential bedrooms and the large, low-speed fans in massive buildings.
High-volume, low-speed fans are used in warehouses to provide air circulation while keeping energy costs in check. Understanding the impact of fan speed on coverage and efficiency will help you select the best air circulation solution for a more productive, worker-friendly warehouse.
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About High-Speed Fans
High-speed fans are the type of consumer device many consider when seeking to improve the airflow in a work environment. From hand-held models to desk fans, table fans, and ceiling fans, there are high-speed fans for varied needs and tastes.
The purpose of these types of fans is to blow a focused amount of air directionally and most often can benefit only one or two people at a time. Most have three or four blades and tend to be used close to the user—typically within a few feet. Even household ceiling fans are usually less than ten feet away. Speeds vary significantly, but most high-speed ceiling fans spin anywhere from 200 RPM (revolutions per minute) to around 380 RPM. In general, smaller fans spin faster, and larger fans rotate slightly slower as they increase in size.
Why does speed matter? Smaller high-speed fans with higher RPM will blow air further and provide circulation for a larger area.
About Low-Speed Fans
It should go without saying low-speed fans operate at a lower speed. Just how much slower? Big Ass Fans high volume low speed (HVLS) fans have a range of speed between 40 RPM and 200 RPM.
This reduction in speed allows for lower use of energy, as well. With less power needed to spin the airfoils, low-speed fans are a great option for anyone seeking to keep utility bills low while keeping production high.
Low-speed fans are almost always associated with HVLS fans (high-volume, low-speed). HVLS fans are bigger (much bigger), stretching in size from 8 feet to 30 feet (2.4 to 9.1 meters) in diameter. They require a larger motor; however, they can be extremely energy efficient. Their larger airfoils (also called blades) are able to circulate massive volumes of air through huge spaces such as warehouses. Because of their design, they don’t need to spin as quickly to create airflow.
The Importance of Air Circulation Coverage
Higher speed doesn’t necessarily mean better air movement. The needs of a particular space will determine whether a high-speed or low-speed fan is the better solution.
Aside from the obvious difference in speeds, the main distinction between a high-speed fan and a low-speed fan is the coverage in air circulation they provide. The smaller, high-speed fans can create airflow for a space up to about 200 or 250 square feet (18 to 24 square meters). In contrast, the bigger, low-speed fans can circulate air up to around 25,000 square feet (2,300 square meters).
Which Fan Is Right For Your Warehouse? Ask Our Experts!
The airflow professionals at Big Ass Fans know all about fans at any speed. They can guide you through options, create a simulation of how our fans will perform in your building, and provide detailed information about each of our low-speed fans.
Contact our team today for your free SpecLab® analysis of your warehouse and see the power and efficiency of Big Ass Fans’ industrial fans.
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