This webinar focuses on air rotation equipment design and applications, particularly for large, open spaces. Air rotation systems offer a heating, cooling, and ventilation solution for big areas like warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and sports venues. Sam Clemens, representing Johnson Marcraft, presents case studies to illustrate the efficiency and advantages of this technology in various industrial and recreational settings.
The session begins by addressing the market shift where companies are now investing in air conditioning for large spaces that were traditionally unconditioned or only used basic heat and ventilation systems. Factors like low unemployment and worker retention have driven companies to improve facility environments to remain competitive.
Air rotation systems are ideal for spaces over 15,000 square feet with high ceilings. These systems use vertical ductless air handlers to circulate air throughout the space efficiently, minimizing the need for rooftop units and reducing roof penetrations. A notable example is Daikin’s 4.2 million square foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, where 17 air rotation units handle the air distribution without obstructing the roof.
Clemens also highlights the flexibility of air rotation systems for retrofits, such as a project with Integrity Windows in Fargo, North Dakota, where cooling was added to improve indoor air quality. The flexibility of air rotation systems allows them to be installed in places where traditional rooftop units might be too invasive or difficult to maintain.
Beyond industrial applications, air rotation systems are increasingly being used in recreational facilities, including NFL and NCAA practice facilities. The Broncos’ and Giants’ practice centers, for example, use air rotation systems that maintain temperature consistency without the need for bulky ductwork.
One of the key benefits of air rotation systems is their ability to provide uniform heating and cooling across large spaces. The continuous air circulation ensures consistent temperature and humidity levels, which is critical for applications like grow rooms, food production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Sam also introduces Johnson Marcraft’s smaller-scale air rotation product, Johnson Light, which is suited for spaces between 10 and 35 tons and can integrate with Daikin VRV systems or other heating and cooling sources. This solution provides flexibility for smaller facilities that may not need the full-scale air rotation systems used in larger buildings.
The webinar emphasizes the importance of considering air rotation systems for large open spaces, as they offer several advantages over traditional HVAC approaches, including reduced installation costs, improved energy efficiency, and minimal impact on building structure. The presentation encourages designers and engineers to explore this option as a viable and cost-effective solution for conditioning large spaces across a range of industries.