FAQ About large diameter High Velocity Low Speed (HVLS) fans
You’re interested in providing better ventilation, energy savings, and a more comfortable environment for your employees and customers in your facility with large diameter HVLS industrial overhead fans, but you may still have some questions. The following will provide answers in two parts to our most frequently-asked questions about our large diameter industrial fans. (See videos)
Q: How do the fans circulate air?
A: The surrounding air is pulled from the area above the fan and pushed down to floor level. The air that is pushed down moves out horizontally when it hits the floor, providing a large cooling zone with constantly moving air.
Q: What is Tubercle Technology™?
A: Tubercle Technology™ is inspired by the flippers of humpback whales, which have tubercles to promote better maneuverability through water. On fan blades, it provides hyperstability that lowers noise and vibrations that cause damage to the blades and drive train. The tubercles increase lift and decrease drag, meaning they are more energy efficient since they require lower wind speeds and can generate more electricity in more locations than conventional blades. The tubercle blades offer stall angles as high as 22º.
Q: How do I know what size fan I need?
A: The size of your fan should typically match the height of your facility as close as possible. For example, a 24′ high ceiling should have a 24′ diameter fan. Larger fans will be able to move air further across obstructions and down aisles, while smaller fans tend to be more effective in smaller spaces.
Q: What should be the mounting height for the fan?
A: A minimum clearance is required for each fan since the air is pulled from above it. The minimum clearance is based on the diameter of the fan and your ceiling’s support structure. We can help you determine the mounting height of the fans with our site surveys of your facility.
Read Part 2 of our FAQ here for any additional questions.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Our Large Diameter HVLS Fans
You’re interested in providing better ventilation, energy savings, and a more comfortable environment for your employees and customers in your facility with large diameter HVLS industrial overhead fans, but you may still have some questions. 
Q: Can the fan be run backwards in winter?
A: Yes! Unlike other industrial-grade fans, the large diameter HVLS industrial overhead fans can be run in reverse for winter heating without sacrificing efficiency. The fans bring hot air trapped in the ceiling down to destratify temperatures at the floor level. In fact, we encourage you to run the fans in reverse so you can experience year-round comfort and savings.
Q: How should the fan be set up with a sprinkler system?
A: According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard 13:
High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Fans. The installation of HVLS fans in buildings equipped with sprinklers, including ESFR sprinklers, shall comply with the following:
- The maximum fan diameter shall be 24′ (7.3m).
- The HVLS fan shall be centered approximately between four adjacent sprinklers.
- The vertical clearance from the HVLS fan to sprinkler deflector shall be a minimum of 3′ (0.9m).
- All HVLS fans shall be interlocked to shut down immediately upon receiving a water flow signal from the alarm system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72.
The large diameter HVLS industrial overhead fans all have the ability to receive stop signals from your fire system.
Q: Can the speed of the fan be adjusted?
A: Yes. The fans come with a variable frequency drive that allows you to adjust the fan’s speed from the control panel from 0-100%.
Q: What can I expect from a visit to my facility?
During an initial visit, our team of professionals will survey your location to determine the specific needs of your facility. Then we will put together a quote showing you the suggested products and the costs to purchase and complete the installation. In-house licensed installers are available with turnkey installation services to ensure that your system is up and running smoothly as soon as possible.
Contact Us For Large Diameter HVLS Industrial Overhead Fans
Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for large diameter HVLS industrial overhead fans for a wide variety of facility types. SSG will even provide a free consultation so we can help you with choosing the right fan for your facility to ensure the most efficiency and savings. To learn more about our fans or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.
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