Benefits of using MacroAir’s HVLS fans for cooling large spaces
Updated: Jul 7, 2021
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As deemed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers), HVLS fans installed in spaces like warehouses, barns, hangars, and distribution centers can prevent heat stress, increase worker comfort, and both worker and livestock productivity.
It is known that small high-speed fans can supply airflow to a limited region and take out heat from the appointed area. Traditionally, for a larger area, people usually supply cooling by using multiple small high-speed fans. However, in most cases, those fans are not sufficient to cover the entire area. Additional setbacks include excessive electricity usage, thereby escalating operational costs, resulting in an inefficient cooling system in terms of cost and energy. It was not until two decades ago that mechanical engineer and race car designer Walter Boyd set out to find a solution, by developing HVLS fan using his seasoned physics expertise. This led to the formation of California-based MacroAir Technologies, Inc.
For a large space to be cooled, multiple small high-speed fans can produce a considerable amount of noise when turned on; however, when operating a MacroAir HVLS fan, the amount of noise is negligible. In terms of electricity usage, MacroAir HVLS fans perform more efficiently than small high-speed fans, resulting in significant energy savings. A key metric for evaluating fan effectiveness is the amount of air moved, which is measured in cubic feet per minute, and overall performance is measured by the energy cost of moving that amount of air. With MacroAir’s products, available in Ontario, Canada exclusively through Belnor Engineering, and their latest AirVolution-D technology, this cost can be as low as $0.30/day depending on the model and hours operated. This is incredible in terms of energy savings, directly translating to immediate cost savings compared to other conventional fans.
Calculations based on ASHRAE data and conservative facility design criteria show a five-year return on investment after installing HVLS fans ranging from approximately $5000-$12000 depending on the facility. In a UK-based “before-and-after” HVLS fan study, data showed energy cost savings averaging 49 percent plus consequent reductions in the generation of CO2 and carbon.
As can be seen in the table above, HVLS fans are highly sustainable. In the long term, HVLS technology helps to reduce CO2 emissions and electricity usage. It is important for today’s buildings to maintain and operate in a cost-efficient, energy-efficient manner. According to Chief Engineer and Director of Engineering and Energy Services for H.T. Lyons, Mr. K. Scott Sine, HVLS fans exhibit stellar performance. In order to help increase ventilation effectiveness, he designed an HVAC system for a 125,000 sq ft rented warehouse and another 95,000 sq ft warehouse in Allentown, PA, and integrated 24-ft MacroAir fans into the HVAC system design. As a result, both warehouses became LEED-certified due to the reduced energy consumption by MacroAir’s HVLS fans.
In addition to being used on hot summer days, MacroAir’s HVLS fans can also be used in the winter by reversing the operating sequence, pulling warm air down from the ceiling to the floor, which also helps to reduce cost. These fans also help with compressor optimization — in cases where the HVAC system is just running at 50%, only two of four MacroAir fans are required to operate at maximum capacity whereas, in ordinary HVAC designs, all four air-conditioning units are required to operate, which kicks the compressor on and off, thereby decreasing efficiency.
In conclusion, MacroAir’s innovative HVLS fans are both energy-efficient and cost-effective. Ideal for large spaces, these innovative fans operate with optimal functionality while providing a quiet environment for working. Not only is installing a MacroAir HVLS fan a sustainable solution, but it’s also an essential and integral component in ensuring LEED certification for your building! To learn more about how HVLS technology solutions can be integrated into your next project, contact Belnor Engineering today!
Belnor Engineering, home of the Belnor IAQ Warden™, is the official multiple consecutive award-winning distributor of innovative architectural products around the globe. At the forefront of sustainability for over three decades, we specialize in laboratory & building automation & controls, IAQ & HVAC systems, renewable energy & architectural solutions, technical services, and building rating systems — building green cities one green building at a time. For more information, contact us. Don’t forget to read our Sustainability Manifesto: Decade Of 2020 while you’re at it. Cheers!