Destratification systems are one of the most effective energy reduction technologies available on the market. Recommended by the Carbon Trust, our thermal destratification systems will eliminate thermal stratification and reduce the carbon footprint of any building.

What is thermal stratification?

Thermal stratification is a natural phenomenon that affects all buildings and results in a dramatic imbalance of temperatures from the floor to the ceiling. The thermal stratification phenomenon occurs when hot air rises towards the ceiling or roof as it is lighter than the surrounding cool air. In contrast, the cool air falls to the floor as it is heavier than the rising hot air.

The main negative consequence of thermal stratification is that Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in your building will be working in overdrive to maintain an even temperature. These HVAC systems that are constantly over delivering will be costing your organisation lots of money in performance and lost energy. There will also be a negative impact on your company’s carbon footprint.

Buildings with high ceilings are more likely to suffer from extreme temperature differences. Wasted heat will inevitably rise to the top of your building and have the opportunity to increase in temperature by up to 14°C. Conversely, heavier cooled air which is more difficult to distribute is wasted by sinking to low points in a building or by becoming trapped in difficult to circulate areas.

The Airius ceiling-mounted axial turbine fan

These are installed at ceiling height and send air to the floor in a slow-moving column. This uses very low levels of power, due to the fact that it pushes air through only a very small space: the column. As the airflow doesn’t spread out, it doesn’t lose momentum. Once it reaches floor level, the airflow blankets out in all directions before rising and being re-circulated through the fan. Ultra quiet with minimal air movement, making them ideal for noise sensitive environments. Savings on average between 20-50%, although significantly higher levels have been recorded.

Pros – 20-50% energy savings | 1ºC -2ºC temperature variance | Low energy consumption (13W+) | Silent operation |Lightweight, small and unobtrusive units | Avoids draught disturbance | Simple installation | BSRIA tested | Full destratification achieved.

Cons – Roof level installation

The ‘blade’ or paddle fan

The cheapest option, works by ‘churning’ the air. However it is not organised and the airflow disperses before it can reach the floor.

Pros – 5-10% energy savings | Low energy consumption.

Cons – Temperature variance 15ºC – 20ºC | Roof level Installation | Conical airflow spread disperses before reaching floor level.

The wall-mounted box fan

These are fixed to the wall at head height and angled upwards. They send air at high velocity upwards to push warm air gathered at the ceiling to floor level, which requires a high level of energy. This type of fan is also limited to industrial buildings where noise and excessive airflow are not a problem.

Pros – 10-15% energy savings – Although this is offset against high running costs | Low Level Installation.

Cons – Temperature variance 15ºC – 20ºC | Noisy | High energy usage – 450kWh+ | Large, heavy units – Average 35kg to 95kg | Recommended installation at head height, which can cause accident and injury.

The ceiling-mounted box fan

These units are fixed to the ceiling and send high velocity air directly to the floor. This creates draught problems and can pick up and circulate dust particles. They are also high energy consumers and not suitable for noise sensitive environments.

Pros – 10-15% energy savings – Although this is offset against high running costs

Cons – Temperature variance 10ºC – 15ºC | Noisy | High energy usage – 450kWh+ | Large, heavy units – Average 35kg to 95kg | Roof level installation

Overhead Ducted Fans

Installed at ceiling height sending air to the floor through a series of ducts. To overcome the friction of air against the inside of the ducting high velocity airflow is required. Once airflow is distributed at floor level it results in localised destratification near the ducting exhausts only, as it is then not organised to circulate and instead immediately rises back to the ceiling. Installation of the ducting is also expensive and time consuming, causing extended disruption to a buildings normal operation.

Pros – 10-15% energy savings | Avoids draught disturbance

Cons – Localised temperature variance 5ºC – 10ºC near exhausts | Full destratification not achieved | Poor airflow circulation | Floor plans must be adapted placing work stations near duct exhausts | Ducting and its installation is expensive and disruptive | Roof Level Installation.