De-Stratification
Warm air will always rise - this is a simple fact of physics and for the majority of industrial and commercial buildings this means that heat collects in the roof space and is either lost by conduction to the atmosphere or gradually decays with no benefit to your staff.

Thermal Imagery of a tower block roof

This is an aerial thermal image which includes the above tower block. The enormous amount of heat from the roof indicates an insulation problem in this area also.  Look for birds roosting in winter as a sure sign!

The conventional approach is called de-stratification and involves using either simple Punka fans

Simple Punka Fan

 or more sophisticated fan assemblies, mounted in the roof void to keep air circulating and attempt to reduce the loss

more complex fan geometry

Ideally these are thermostatically controlled to switch on only when warm air is rising to the roof but will also have a manual over-ride for provision of cooling in summer.
Then you can get all sophisticated and look at serious air movements.  I was recently introduced to something quite different called S2K (System 2000 to you and me!).  Not a great name but what a breakthrough in reducing heat loss.  So what is it?

Maximising energy usage by redistribution of high level warm air

S2K minimises air stratification associated with any type of space heating system, and also provides air distribution without the use of ductwork. Design your space heating system with S2K as the prime air-mover.

Features

  • Installed at low level for easy installation and maintenance
  • Airflow towards roof produces minimal draughts
  • Speed controlled for low noise levels (less than 63dBA)
  • Provides continuous air de-stratification
    • Electrical interlock with heating ensures roof fabric never gets hot
    • De-Stratification to within 1°C

     

  • 2 sizes on single phase

0.42kW giving 1.8m3/sec air flow

0.51kW giving 1.8m3/sec air flow

 

  • 4 sizes on three phase

0.41kW giving 1.8m3/sec air flow

0.60kW giving 2.3m3/sec air flow

1.1kW giving 3.7m3/sec air flow

2.8kW giving 8.0m3/sec air flow

 

Fans should be mounted at 2.5-3.0m

Applications

  • For new or existing heating systems
  • Air distribution without ductwork
  • Distribution of air in fully racked areas
  • Under mezzanine air distribution
  • Reduction of “Cold spots”
  • Improvement of comfort conditions at low level

Each fan is mounted on the wall at a height of 2.5-3.0m above floor height and set at an angle on the special brackets supplied with the fans to project air towards the roof space.

In terms of energy conservation I have not found any other de-stratification fan to match Nu-aire S2K for performance and efficiency.

 15%+ Fuel Input Saving 

  

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