Worker productivity and absenteeism can be significantly impacted by the heat during summertime. In cases where air conditioning is not feasible for large facilities, implementing a well-designed general ventilation system can effectively alleviate heat-induced stress. However, it is crucial to follow a specific process when creating such a ventilation system, ensuring that all components work together harmoniously to provide a cost-efficient solution. This article will explore the different levels of ventilation systems so that you will know how to determine the appropriate level of ventilation for your facility.
Level One – Ambient Conditions
The initial step in any ventilation system is to establish a balance between the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity levels within a building. The combination of heat radiating from the roof and walls, along with heat produced by machinery, ovens, or furnaces, can greatly increase the temperature inside. Moreover, air-tight building structures can lead to moisture accumulation, resulting in condensation. To address excessive heat and humidity, a well-designed ventilation system is needed to consistently circulate an adequate amount of fresh air throughout the building.
The most effective and economical way to achieve desired indoor conditions in a building is by using a powered ventilation system that employs properly sized industrial fans for either air supply or exhaust. In order to achieve this, the best ventilation system designs should consider the following factors:
- Height and position of the building
- Direction of the wind and any barriers
- Internal heat sources
- Placement of air supply and exhaust systems
- Additional internal air needs for tasks like dust removal or combustion
We call this basic level of ventilation design, Level One Ventilation.
Level Two – Personal Cooling
In instances of high air temperature, the human body naturally produces sweat in an attempt to regulate its temperature. Utilizing a fan to enhance the evaporation of sweat creates a feeling of coolness. Personal cooling fans are considered a supplementary measure to a building’s ventilation system, as they are most efficient when the building is at the ambient outdoor temperature.
Frequently, we receive feedback from clients expressing their desire to bypass Level One Ventilation and jump directly to Level Two Ventilation using individual cooling fans. However, this approach can be hazardous as these fans may blow high-temperature air from the roof of the structure onto employees, thereby increasing their discomfort.
Personal cooling fans are not designed to lower the temperature of the air, therefore their effectiveness lies in directing their air streams towards the workers. For workers who remain in one place, fans that are mounted on a column or on the floor are the most suitable option. On the other hand, HVLS fans that are suspended from the roof joists provide a more economical solution for covering a larger space. These fans are also beneficial in circulating air to prevent condensation build-up on concrete floors. Personal cooling fans and HVLS fans are considered Level Two Ventilation Equipment.
Level Three – Cooling through Evaporation
By incorporating an evaporative cooler into a ventilation system, it is possible to enhance its effectiveness in a budget-friendly manner. When operating in areas with humidity levels lower than 60%, these coolers, also known as “swamp” coolers, can decrease the temperature by up to 20 degrees. However, it should be noted that evaporative coolers do increase the humidity of the expelled air, therefore it is crucial to only utilize them as a supplement to a well-designed Level One system.
Designing According to Necessity
For all your ventilation needs, the professionals at Eldridge have the expertise to evaluate and create an optimal ventilation system for your facility. With our tailor-made turnkey ventilation system designs, Eldridge provides a straightforward approach to enhancing your ventilation system. Do not wait until the temperatures become unbearable, contact the Eldridge team for a customized solution.