Warm air is lighter than cold air and therefore rises to the ceiling. In this way, the heavier cold air is diverted to the floor. In buildings where the air is stratified, temperature differences of 1.5°C per 30 centimeters are not uncommon. In exceptional circumstances, even temperature differences of 10 °C are measured at a height difference of only 1 meter.
Stratification energy guzzler
In case of stratification, the room thermostat will therefore not be able to take into account the actual thermal energy present. Consequently, there will be excessive heating, leading to unnecessary energy wastage. This phenomenon mainly occurs in buildings with a ceiling height of 6 meters or more. This mainly concerns industrial buildings, showrooms, sports halls and event halls. Stratification is considered one of the biggest energy guzzlers in HVAC. Destratification consists in bringing the layer of warm air that is against the ceiling back down. As a result, the thermal energy in the room is redistributed evenly. This leads to a higher comfort for the residents without the need for extra heating.
Energy saving of 23.5%
Destratification is achieved through the use of ceiling fans that bring the warm air down again. The temperature difference is determined on the basis of temperature measurements on the ceiling and on the floor. From a temperature difference of 3 °C, destratification will result in considerable energy savings. During experiments in a room with a ceiling height of 6 meters, an energy saving of 23.5% was achieved by means of axial destratification.
Monitor and adjust the installation
The TCMF8 is Sentera's latest speed controller that can control up to two AC fans based on 2 temperature measurements. This speed controller can be combined with 2 DTS temperature sensors (temperature measurement on the ceiling and on the floor). This combination makes it possible to optimally control destratification fans. In addition, the TCMF8 can be supplied as standard with a Sentera gateway (TCMF8-602EW) that makes it possible to monitor and adjust the installation remotely via Senteraweb.
Sentera's ECMF8 has been specially developed for EC fans and offers the same functionality as the TCMF8. The ECMF8 is also available as standard with a Sentera gateway (ECMF8-AO –EW).
If you would like more information about our solutions for destratification or HVAC in general, do not hesitate to contact us.