8’ - 24’ POWERFOILPLUS™, POWERFOIL™, & WICKERBILL FANS
WWW.BIGASSFAN.COM ©2010 DELTA T CORP. DBA BIG ASS FAN ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
9
WWW.BIGASSFAN.COM ©2010 DELTA T CORP. DBA BIG ASS FAN ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
8’ - 24’ POWERFOILPLUS™, POWERFOIL™, & WICKERBILL FANS
Understanding Airflow Patterns
Airflow with Streamlined Obstruction
Obstructions on the floor tend to block the
horizontally moving air. Thin or streamlined
obstructions do not block much airflow,
regardless of size. The air tends to flow
smoothly around these obstructions, losing little
momentum, and leaving only a small stagnant
area behind the obstruction.
Airflow with Wide, Blunt Obstruction
A wide, blunt, or flat-faced obstruction forces
the air to change direction, turning upward and
outward. There is a stagnant area behind these
obstructions that is wider and higher than the
obstructions themselves.
Airflow in an Enclosed Area
The floor jet radiates outward until it reaches
the walls. The walls deflect the jet upward. The
ceiling then turns the upward flow inward, back
toward the low pressure area above the fan
where it is pulled back toward the floor. This
creates a convection-like air current that gathers
momentum. Once this current is established,
the fan begins to move air outside of the current
as well and escalates the cooling effects of the
fan.
Airflow in an Open Area
The airflow moves from the fan toward the floor.
Once the airflow hits the floor, it moves outward
in all directions. When airflow is deflected off of
the floor it is called a floor jet. The depth of this
floor jet varies depending on the size and speed
of the fan. A 20 ft (6 m) Big Ass Fan at standard
speed creates a floor jet 9 ft (2.7 m) deep.
Airflow with Multiple Fans
Where there are multiple fans appropriately
spaced, the expanding jets of adjacent
fans meet to create a pressure zone. The
pressure zone acts like a wall, causing each
fan to behave more like a single enclosed
fan. Typically, a single fan’s performance will
increase when working in conjunction with other
fans.