-Aug-16-2023-12-30-41-3641-PM.png?width=75&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-Aug-16-2023-12-30-41-3641-PM.png)
.jpg?width=75&name=sigvardsson_220628_0008_small_webb%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?width=75&name=magnus%20andersson_550x550%20(1).jpg)
-4.png?width=75&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-4.png)
Factories have come a long way from being dusty and smoky environments where production took center stage, to being light, clean and comfortable workplaces where people are safe and productive. Our expert, Welat Han, Junior Product Manager, describes the evolution of the factory indoor climate and explains how displacement ventilation can shape workspaces where people can be at their best, today and tomorrow.
Many can picture an old industrial town, perhaps similar to the scenes from Peaky Blinders or Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, with towering factories and heavy, smoky machinery. One can almost hear the noisy clatter of the machines and imagine the particle-filled mist hanging in the air. The smells are oily and the light is dim, the industry’s aged windows are only letting a portion of the daylight reach the factory floor.
In those times, production rates were low—not only due to the lack of advanced technology but also because of the poor indoor climate conditions. Today, we understand that the work environment is crucial for safety, employee performance and well-being. Research shows that air quality affects people in several ways. For instance, elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air particularly impair a person’s ability to absorb information and think strategically—skills that are just as important in industrial work as in any other profession.
From history until today
In clear contrast to historical factories, where productivity was often prioritised over workers’ safety and well-being, modern industries and manufacturing facilities have managed to balance the needs of both machinery and employees, and a factory today is a much better whole. Production has become more efficient and the indoor environment has improved - significantly.
Measures taken to enhance employee well-being have included soundproofing, ambient and direct lighting and provision of protective clothing, just a few exaples. While all these are both relevant and necessary, one of the most crucial measures has been the investments in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) – investments in the indoor climate. Improvements in air quality and temperature regulation have transformed indoor environments into spaces that are not only comfortable but also greatly support employee safety and productive work.
Displacement ventilation - key for a good indoor climate
Industrial facilities are typically characterised by large floor areas, high ceilings and relatively open layouts. Unlike many other indoor environments, factories and industrial sites often face direct sources of significant pollution, heat or cold —machines or production processes that contaminates the indoor climate.
Most ventilation principles are designed to distribute air evenly throughout a space, but displacement ventilation offers an additional distinct advantage, highly suitable for industrial premises. Displacement units introduce cooler air (typically 3 to 5° Celsius lower than room temperature) at a low level in the space. The supplied air rises naturally as it is warmed by heat sources such as machinery and people. This creates two distinct zones: an upper zone with polluted air and a lower, occupied zone, with “clean” air. The slightly colder supplied air allow for outdoor free cooling for a longer period of the day and the year, which in turn decreases the energy consumption, and most likely cost.
High ceilings allow space for storing polluted air above the occupied zone. To fully leverage the benefits of displacement ventilation, a ceiling height of at least three metres is required, however, heights exceeding four metres are ideal. From the upper zone, the polluted air is forced out of the space by extract air units. This air distribution technology provides a comfortable indoor climate while also effectively removing polluted air - air exchange efficiency is as high as 50–100%.
A Surprising Ventilation Principle for Factories
In summary, many industries have undergone significant transformation and are nowadays offering a vastly improved indoor climate that supports safety, productivity and comfort. While these changes have not occurred solely through voluntary action - many industries have been compelled to comply with workplace safety laws, air quality regulations and ambitious sustainability goals - a fundamental change has taken place and there is a continuous focus on safety, comfort and innovation for further enhanced productivity.
Displacement ventilation may seem to be a forgotten ventilation principle, but it is a highly effective solution for environments that are initially not seen as traditional workplaces. Displacement ventilation meet both immediate indoor climate requirements as well as comfort demands – making sure that people can be at their best, today and tomorrow.
Read Welat’s previous blog post for an introduction to displacement ventilation or visit our website to familiarise with our range of products. Last but not least, let our product selection software, Room unit design, help you in your next project.
