Page 28 - OHS, October 2020

IH: INDOOR AIR QUALITY
temperature and humidity challenges. Therefore, multiple fan networks may need to be used, with fans operating independently of each other.
To coordinate these networks, fan control systems have been developed that can control as many as 24 HVLS fans through a single device. That controller allows for independent speed adjustments, scheduled start/stop times and the ability to start/ stop based on preset temperature settings—a feature that can be very important in food operations, such as produce, cheese or wine storage. It also ensures that fans are only running when they need to run, reducing energy use and creating desirable IAQ settings for workers and product.
The most advanced HVLS network control systems can be accessed remotely, via an Ethernet port. Additionally, HVLS fan networks can be programmed into a building management system (BMS) and connected to other infrastructure equipment such as exhaust fans.
Divide and Conquer: Segmenting Space
with Industrial Curtain Walls
As one might expect, the smaller the space that needs to be heated, cooled or exhausted, the smaller the energy cost needed to efficiently run an HVAC, HVLS fan or exhaust system in that space. While room segmentation can be done with permanent walls, they are often not the best option in buildings where layouts regularly change.
Facility managers are increasingly turning to industrial curtain walls to segment ambient air spaces from those requiring conditioned air. Thanks to flexible, easy-to-install fabric curtain walls, facility managers now have an adaptable solution to effectively separate ambient from conditioned air areas. If and when the layout of the facility changes, curtain walls can easily be reconfigured to fit the newest space footprint.
Temperature control is not the only segmentation benefit;
curtain walls and HVLS fans can also help in addressing IAQ issues such as dust, smoke and other airborne particulates.
At best, dust on equipment, furniture, office equipment, windows, and floors can cause a constant drain on cleaning and maintenance resources. At worst, however, uncontrolled particulate matter can spoil or degrade products.
Curtain walls can be single-layer fabric or multi-layer insulated and can easily be fitted with clear vision panels for visual communication between spaces. Additionally, they are now available with antimicrobial interior batting. The inclusion of standalone, high-speed roll-up doors in the curtain wall allows for efficient thoroughfare, while minimizing time the interior is open to the processing area. Infiltration could be further reduced by positively pressurizing the clean space.
Takeaways
While indoor air quality has always been a concern for facility managers, it is now more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a range of new technologies and tools available to address IAQ in a flexible, site-specific manner. Facilities that invest in these technologies are likely to see across-the-board benefits, from an improved in-store customer experience to happier and more productive employees to improved product quality, an ROI that is universally beautiful.
Andy Olson is the director of marketing for Rite-Hite Engineered Solutions and Rite-Hite subsidiary, DuctSox. Rite-Hite is a leading global manufacturer of loading dock equipment, HVLS fans, fabric ductwork and air dispersion systems, fabric curtain walls, industrial doors and other industrial equipment.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.23.20039446v2.full.pdf
24 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2020
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