Air curtains are devices used to separate two spaces from each other, usually at the exterior entrance. Air curtains are also commonly known as air doors. In terms of simplest description, air curtains are a refined form of ventilation. The most common configuration for air curtains is a downward-facing blower fan mounted over an opening. The air curtain is intended to help keep flying insects out by creating forceful turbulence. It also helps keep outside air out, avoiding cold drafts by mixing-in warm air from the air curtain.The most effective air curtain for containing heated or cooled air inside a building with an open door will have a high face velocity at the opening, generated by top-down flow, recovered by a re-circulating air plenum and duct return to the source fans. The air curtain is most effective with low exterior wind velocity. For industrial conditions, high face velocities are acceptable. For commercial applications like store entrances, user comfort dictates low face velocities, which reduce effectiveness of separation of exterior air from interior air. Non-heated air curtains are often used in conjunction with cold storage and refrigerated rooms.
Air curtains are a great, cost-effective way of saving energy by reducing the heat transfer between two spaces, although a closed and well-sealed physical door is much more effective. With the growing requirements for the same, more and more manufacturers of air curtains can be seen on the horizon. Thus a wide variety of air curtains, in terms of style, design, colour, brand, is available. One is sure to find the air curtain that suits one's requirements and budget!
