Sound vs. Performance: Getting the Most Bang for your Airflow Buck
We all love to have our cake and eat it, too. But, as anyone in a successful marriage will tell you, life is about compromise. In the air movement business, a trade-off exists when evaluating a fan’s performance versus the noise level it produces. So how much noise is too much? When is it ok to use a quieter, lower-performance fan? How do you strike the perfect balance between necessary airflow and acceptable sound levels? Answers forthcoming!
Before going much further, let’s discuss the different fan types. High-velocity (HV) fans are generally considered high-performance – designed to accelerate (or “throw”) air over a distance. For HV fans, airspeed (measured in feet per minute, or FPM) is more important than volume. However, this also translates into slightly higher noise levels, typically measured in decibels (dBA). The other end of the performance spectrum includes cage fans and ventilation fans (think supply, exhaust, drum fans, etc.). These fans covet volume over speed and are usually rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Are they quieter than HV fans? Absolutely… but you won’t feel their airflow once you move more than a few feet away.
So which fans are right for your facility, and how should they be used? Well… both… and it depends! (How’s that for an answer?!) For an effective overall air movement solution, it is best to incorporate both fan types. For example, use large supply and exhaust fans for cross ventilation, and couple them with HV fans to accelerate air movement from one end of the building to the other. This works particularly well if your aisleways run parallel to the airflow. If noise abatement is an issue (industry standard tends to put an upper limit around 80 dBA), mount HV fans well above the floor on columns or racks. If small-area “spot cooling” is needed, employ one or more drum or cage fans – allowing for airflow without violating any noise level requirements.
So… maybe that example doesn’t fit the layout of your facility. Perhaps you’re looking for both performance and low noise? We’ve engineered a fan for just that! Check out our quiet, high-velocity DB fan. Figuring out airflow solutions can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. Give Patterson a call at 800-768-3985 or Request a Quote to find the best solution for your facility! No matter the fan type, Patterson has the products and the expertise to keep your facility cooler, safer, and more productive!