Thermal destratification, the balancing of internal temperatures by recirculating rising hot air and sinking cool air, which has been described as the missing piece to the HVAC puzzle, is simple, effective and remarkably economical.
The only reason why this technique is not more widespread is that there is little awareness of how adaptable it is for use in virtually any space, with ceiling heights ranging from a normal office to a high-bay warehouse.
Any building refit project that has a ceiling height between 2.5 and 38 metres can potentially make savings of up to 50% on their heating and cooling costs through destratification, from offices to aircraft hangars. They are also no more complicated to install than a light fitting, meaning systems can be easily implemented into buildings both old and new.
Everyone knows that hot air rises, accumulating at the ceiling, whilst cool air falls, becoming trapped or escaping out of windows and doors etc. This air then needs to be replaced to keep floor level comfortable. The higher the ceiling the greater this temperature gradient, but nevertheless, the principal applies in any space. Recycle and re-use the heat that rises and/or cool air that sinks and the savings are going to be immediate.
The goal of destratification is to achieve thermal equalisation – in other words, to balance temperatures between the floor and ceiling. The way to do this turns out to be remarkably simple, involving no complex programming of a building energy management system, no need for additional HVAC units that need regular statutory inspections, or ductwork that will need expensive cleaning.
To fully destratify and achieve maximum savings it is vital to affect every inch of air in the space. The only way to accomplish this it to ensure airflow from the ceiling reaches the floor and spreads into every corner.
Only Airius’ fans are designed to continuously move a column of air to the floor, similar to a ducted system, but without the need for ducting and avoiding any draught disturbances. It then spreads out in 360° throughout the space, blanketing along the floor and underneath any obstructions – a unique, patented method which is proven to achieve full temperature equalisation (within a 2oC band) in any space, reducing heating/cooling and CO2 emissions for their clients by up to 50%, sometimes more.
It’s no wonder the Carbon Trust recommends destratification as one of its top three carbon saving measures.
So who is using this technology and is it working for them? Lush Cosmetics reported a ROI of 26 days at their Poole factory. Morrisons supermarkets turned to Airius to resolve the problem of having too-chilly food aisles alongside too-warm household aisles. At the Genentech temperature-controlled pharmaceutical warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky, a major commercial disaster was averted after the US Food and Drug Administration found the higher warehouse bays were too warm to be fit for purpose. Airius destratification fans resolved these issues within days.
With a customer portfolio ranging from British Airways to Mercedes, Airius has seen an outstanding 150% growth over the past two years. Now in its 10th year, Airius has enjoyed numerous successes, including winning the ‘Innovation Award for Environmental Technology’ at the highly coveted Environment and Energy Awards 2014. The awards, which took place in April 2014, are widely regarded as one of the highest accolades for sustainability in the corporate sector. They recognise excellence and innovation in sustainable business practices, and Airius triumphed over stiff competition, including DIY giant B&Q, to scoop the award.
ted after the US Food and Drug Administration found the higher warehouse bays were too warm to be fit for purpose. Airius destratification fans resolved these issues within days.
With a customer portfolio ranging from British Airways to Mercedes, Airius has seen an outstanding 150% growth over the past two years. Now in its 10th year, Airius has enjoyed numerous successes, including winning the ‘Innovation Award for Environmental Technology’ at the highly coveted Environment and Energy Awards 2014. The awards, which took place in April 2014, are widely regarded as one of the highest accolades for sustainability in the corporate sector. They recognise excellence and innovation in sustainable business practices, and Airius triumphed over stiff competition, including DIY giant B&Q, to scoop the award.
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