Example HVLS Fan Calculation
Example HVLS Fan Calculation
90 m × 30 m × 8 m Factory
This example shows how the Koven Air HVLS Fan Calculator produces a preliminary whole-floor airflow plan for a rectangular industrial building.
| Parameter | Example Value |
|---|---|
| Building dimensions | 90 × 30 × 8 m (295 × 98 × 26 ft) |
| Application | General factory |
| Fan model | Koven Air P5-73 |
| Fan diameter | 7.3 m (24 ft) |
| Ambient temperature | 30°C (86°F) |
| Relative humidity | 65% |
| Clothing assumption | Short sleeves and trousers, 0.50 clo |
| Operating schedule | 10 hours/day, 300 days/year |
| Average operating load | 60% |
| Electricity rate | US$0.12/kWh |
These example inputs demonstrate how the calculator interprets building, comfort and energy conditions. They are not universal design values.
Preliminary Result
For this example, the standard layout uses:
- 3 × P5-73 HVLS fans
- One row of three fans
- Approximately 30 m (98 ft) center-to-center spacing
- 4.5 kW total rated load
- Approximately 8,100 kWh annual fan energy consumption
- Approximately $972 estimated annual electricity cost
- An estimated whole-floor perceived cooling effect of approximately 4–5°C (7–9°F), depending on location within the airflow pattern
The perceived cooling value describes the cooling sensation experienced by occupants. It does not mean that the fans reduce the building’s actual dry-bulb air temperature by the same amount.
The standard three-fan layout is normally the practical starting point for this building. A four- or five-fan layout may provide more uniform air movement in densely occupied areas, but it also increases equipment cost and rated electrical load.
For production lines, workstations or other partially occupied areas, a zoned layout may achieve the required comfort with fewer fans than a whole-floor plan.
This example is a preliminary planning estimate. Actual fan quantity, spacing and performance depend on obstructions, occupied zones, mounting conditions and site-specific requirements.
Calculation Limitations
The Koven Air HVLS Fan Calculator is intended for preliminary planning, model comparison and budget estimation. It is not a final installation drawing, certified CFD report or substitute for a project-specific engineering review.
Building geometry: The calculator assumes a simple rectangular floor area. Irregular buildings, mezzanines, internal walls and divided spaces require individual review.
- Whole-floor coverage: Standard layouts assume that airflow is required across the full floor area. Zoned layouts for workstations, production lines or other occupied areas may require fewer fans.
- Obstructions: Storage racks, machinery, internal walls, cranes, lighting, ductwork, sprinklers, large doors and building openings are not automatically included in the calculation.
- Air-speed data: The airflow distribution charts are generated based on Koven Air’s CFD data, experimental data, and airflow characteristic data for specific models or product series.
- Perceived cooling: The displayed cooling effect represents the estimated cooling sensation experienced by occupants. It does not mean that the fans reduce the building’s actual dry-bulb air temperature by the same amount.
- Comfort model: The calculation uses an ASHRAE 55-based thermal comfort model combined with Koven Air CFD data and field-performance calibration. It does not represent ASHRAE certification or guarantee a specific comfort condition at every point.
- Energy estimates: Annual energy consumption and electricity cost are based on the selected fan quantity, rated power, average operating load, daily operating hours, annual operating days and electricity rate. HVAC savings, installation costs, demand charges and maintenance costs are not included.
- Final engineering review: Fan locations, mounting points, structural requirements, electrical supply, safety clearances, fire-protection requirements and applicable local codes must be confirmed before installation.
- For projects with storage racks, machinery, partial occupied zones or complex airflow requirements, send the calculator configuration to Koven Air for a project-specific engineering review.
Most Asked Questions About Hvls Fan
You can obtain a preliminary estimate of the required quantity using our HVLS fan calculator; please contact our engineers for the exact figure.
HVLS fans generally do not reduce the dry-bulb air temperature in an unconditioned building. They create air movement that can make occupants feel cooler through increased convection and evaporation.
This figure presents a preliminary schematic of airflow in the active zone, generated using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics); it aligns well with practical engineering experience and is suitable for early-stage planning and scheme comparison, though it cannot replace project-specific layout designs.
Each fan model has a recommended installation-height range. Mounting outside that range can affect airflow distribution, clearances and overall performance. The calculator displays a warning when the entered clear height is outside the preliminary recommendation.
Yes. Many factories only require airflow over workstations, assembly lines, loading areas or frequently occupied zones. A zoned layout may reduce fan quantity and investment compared with full-floor coverage.
Energy consumption= Fan quantity × rated power × average load × hours/day × days/year.