The air curtain at the front door: the installation and operation of

To create a favorable microclimate in the premises is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid walking drafts. This is especially important for crowded places where the doors are opened very often. Save internal heat, get rid of drafts and eliminate the possibility of getting a cold indoor air pollution will help the air curtain at the front door.

What is an air curtain and why it is needed

In winter, the cold dense air, which travel along the floor, quickly sent to the premises through the front door and pushes the warm light air. If for such a conventional air exchange add wind component, then the room will roam strong drafts. In this case, when the door is opened frequently or permanently close the open, with space heating is not able to handle any heating appliance. It is necessary to establish a strong flow of warm air tight, the pressure of which would prevent the pressure of the cold air mass, which comes from the outside.

With this task perfectly cope thermal curtain. It is a kind of shut off the cold air on the front door. Its principle of operation is similar to the thermal fan operation. It is able to reliably protect the room from drafts and cold penetration from the street and its inhabitants - from disease.

In the case of correct calculation of the heat flow parameters, it will not only prevent the penetration of cold masses and It allows to break out hot, but also helps the heating system, due to the fact that a large part of it is returned to the room.

The air curtain can be used not only during the winter season. Her work is also justified in the summer season. Directional air mass impedes the cool indoor air to go out and warm up the summer heat street - to get inside.

Regardless of the season, the curtain performs another important function. It protects the internal microclimate of the premises from penetration with outdoor air different harmful to human health suspensions. The veil is able to keep rain, snow, dust, and the multitude of small insects.

Useful advice!The air curtain allows zoned premises, creating a different climate.

Correctly chosen equipment can save about 30% of the electricity that is consumed for heating and air-conditioning facilities. In addition, the device itself does not take up a lot of storage space and does not clutter the interior of the premises.

The air curtain at the front door: the design and operating principle

In appearance resembles a thermal curtain indoor unit air conditioner with a pronounced elongated body. Air inlet from the space through a grating disposed in an upper portion thereof. Bottom housing is a nozzle through which under the pressure of the air outlet. The control buttons may be located on the shell or be mounted in a portable unit, to be positioned near the device. Some models have screens infrared remote control.

Inside the housing is a heat exchanger through which the air is heated and the blowing fan turbine type, performs its flow under pressure outwardly. The heat exchanger may be a heater, spiral or water heating circuit, which is characteristic for the stationary models.

Many curtains have built filter for cleaning the air mass from contamination. Virtually all models regardless of the manufacturer have a built-in protection against overheating, short-circuiting and short-circuit. They may also be equipped with thermostatically controlled fan speed and heat exchanger level.

Varieties air curtains

There are many types of air curtains, reviews of which can be found on specialized sites. They all differ in the way of installation and operation.

Depending on the type of installation the curtain can be:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• universal.

Horizontal device is mounted directly above the door opening, a window or gate, and is fixed by means of brackets or threaded rods. Vertical air curtain is mounted to one or both sides of the door. The height of the device should take three quarters of the height of the door opening. Horizontal models are more bulky and are not suitable for small spaces. Universal curtain can be mounted both vertically and horizontally. That such mobile construction is very popular because it is a full additional heating element. It is often used for office space and apartments.

Important! Horizontal devices are not designed to be installed vertically.

According to the type of installation, there are suspended and built-in models. The first embodiment is attached directly to the wall. The second is embedded in the wall or ceiling of the opening height. These models consist of a unit and the grille.

Useful advice!Very aesthetically pleasing looks thermal curtains, built-in suspended ceiling.

Embodiments of the heat exchanger of air curtains

Depending on the presence and type of heat exchanger curtain distinguish:

• water;
• electrical;
• without heat exchanger.

The most popular and in demand are electric air curtains, which operate from 220 V network These devices exhibit high levels of efficiency and easy to install. Many models have a possibility to continuously control the temperature of the air flow heating. The main disadvantage of the electric curtain is considerable energy consumption related to the fan and heat exchanger maintenance. Moreover, devices have certain inertia during startup, i.e., to exit curtains on the working mode at a specific time.

For water curtains at the front door with a batch designation RW, as a coolant hot water. Devices connected to the central heating system or hot water through pipes, which are arranged in the housing of the veil. The main advantage of this type of device are minimal operating costs. Here, electricity is consumed only on the fan and control system. However, the apparatus characterized by a mass difficulties during installation. There should be additionally mounted pipes with stop valves and control valves.

Installation water heat curtain should foresee the total branch circuit that is not always possible with the already-mounted heating system. Also, for the tubular heat exchanger, you must install a filter device to prevent it from overgrowing. When choosing a veil is necessary to consider the unit capacity, which should correspond to the capabilities of the heating system to operation of the device did not affect the level of the heating radiator.

Air curtains without heat exchanger RV series are not used to heat the air. They are used to protect the premises from entering the street dust, insects and various contaminants. They also prevent external leakage of conditioned air. They are often used for zoning premises in manufacturing plants, in order to avoid falling into the storage or freezing chamber of warm air.

Electric curtains over the door

The heat exchanger can be used here heater, spiral heat exchanger or a ceramic. Device with spiral are the cheapest and at the same time low power. Buy Air curtains over the door can be 4,000 rubles. Due to the fact that the heat exchanger open, it quickly heats the air flow going to the operating mode. However, such a heating element burns oxygen. Veil with spiral characterized by minimal service life.

Useful advice! Device with spiral should be used for rooms with high air exchange.

More effective are the curtain with TAN. It is a metal tube, which is located in the middle of the heating element, wire or graphite and sand. These devices do not burn oxygen inside the room is long and work smoothly. Allocated affordable cost. The average value of the air curtain is 20 thousand. rub.

Considered the most modern curtains with ceramic heat exchanger that heats the air quickly to the set temperature and switch to Eco power mode. This device not only carries out the task, cutting off the outer cold air, it allows to save energy resource. The disadvantage is considered to be the high cost of air curtain in comparison with analogues.

Classification curtains as intended

Electric curtains have serial symbols RM, RT and RS, which indicate a destination device. Low-power mini-curtain RS series are used for small openings 1500h80 see. Their performance is not more than 500 m³ / hr. Veils are usually installed in the transport offices, street kiosks or over the windows of customer service.

The most popular are the veil of average power RM series, which are used for standard opening height of 2.5-3 m. They are capable of pumping up to 2,000 cubic meters of air per hour. Models are usually convenient remote units and the remote control. These middle-class devices are often used for the front door, or to go from a cool entrance hall into the living room.

Related article:

Infrared heaters: pros and cons, the price of equipment

Application of infrared heaters for different premises. Area heating appliances. Heaters Almak.

high performance device 2500 m³ / hr RT series of openings designed for height 3.5-7 m. Install such curtains on the doors to the shop, body shop, warehouse or production area, at the entrance to the supermarket or entertainment center.

Useful advice! For a wide door opening can install multiple air curtains average power, which are arranged in a row.

How to choose a thermal curtain

For right choice of the air curtain is not enough to determine the place of its setting and the principle of operation of the heat exchanger. Should pay close attention to the characteristics of the device:

• curtain dimensions;
• performance of the device, which indicates the amount of air pumped per unit of time;
• air flow rate;
• type heat exchanger;
• power heat exchanger unit;
• protection device;
• type of management;
• the availability of additional options;
• the appearance of the device.

Before you purchase a thermal curtain on the door should be familiar with the options, examine technical characteristics of the models, consider a photo, decide pricing and reviews of consumers on the specialized sites.

Linear device parameters

The main parameter of the device is its length, which should completely cover the doorway, to create the necessary air flow over its entire width. There should be no gaps that contribute to free penetration of cold and dusty air masses. Device length is in the range of 600-2000 mm. curtain 800 mm in length is acquired for a door of standard size opening.

Useful advice!For best results, you must purchase a veil which creates an air flow, width slightly greater than the lumen of the doors.

If the opening is wider than the length of the chosen model of the veil, it is better to install two units next to each other. Choosing a lengthy model, should be considered an important nuance. curtain turbine length is typically less than 800 mm, due to an increase of vibration phenomena during its increase, and to minimize them, additional costs, which will increase the cost of products.

In connection with this, manufacturers are making some trick. In the center of the device have electric drive, right and left of which to set the desired length of the turbine. However, this design has a significant disadvantage. In the central part of the device creates a low pressure area through which can freely penetrate the cold air outside.

Another important parameter is the length of the air jet stream, which is to reach the floor at rated power curtain. We are not talking about the height of the door opening, and the distance to the floor installation. If the air flow will not touch the floor, there will be clearance, which will enable free movement of drafts.

Performance and heat output of the veil

Efficient operation of the device depends on the density of the air flow. The internal pressure therein must exceed at any point outside the opening. The flow rate should also be optimum and not to create discomfort to people. Its minimum value for effective operation of the device should be not less than 2.5 m / s. It depends on the diameter of the fan and its speed of rotation.

The data sheet for each device contains its performance. Properly chosen model should provide the air supply, which is only 1/3 of scattered down, and the rest of its volume is returned to the room. If the device is matched with excess capacity, a significant portion of the air will be imposed from inside out, indicating that the inappropriate use of the veil and unnecessary expenditure spent electricity. If the air curtain provides an insufficient flow of air, cold air masses are easily penetrate into the room, making the installation work ineffective.

For standard size doorway 800h2000 mm veil should be selected, productivity of 700-900 m³ / hr. However, manufacturers are producing models with more modest options. Choosing the veil must take into account the input location, temperature changes, wind direction and speed. All these characteristics are taken into account when performing the calculation of the air curtain. Therefore, for each specific model manufacturers indicate in the passport of all the necessary parameters and recommendations for the installation location of the device.

Thermal power of the veil is not a decisive indicator when choosing a curtain. After all, the main purpose of the installation is not space heating and to maintain an optimal temperature in it. The appliance should only compensate for part of the heat loss through the door. The device only helps the heating system to function better, but certainly should not replace it. In practice, however, justified setting warm curtain 2 kW as additional heating. Most models provide a temperature rise to 20 ° C. In some cases, this value reaches 30 ° C.

protection system and device management

For each model, the air curtain provided with two control levels. Using the first created and maintained by a given device performance. The second is responsible for the heat exchange unit. Specially designed protection circuit prevents the actuation of the heater during a broken turbine that will protect the device from overheating.

already set heating level and the heater set the device performance, which can not be changed in the most low-end models. However, for an independent climate control in the room is better to choose curtains with a manual control device. There are also complex embodiments where integrated level adjustable curtain, which provides multiple levels of gradation of the turbine power and heat exchanger.

Very popular today are models with electronic controls that allow a smooth and accurate adjustment of the device. Typically, control unit located on the chassis. You can also buy thermal curtains with the control panel or remote unit, which is located on the wall. The panel is placed a row of buttons, by which the effective work curtain customizable: on / off, productivity, mode of heating, temperature, etc..

Each model is equipped with modern high degree of protection against overheating, power surges, short-circuit, phase short-circuiting, and other security options. There are also models that are equipped with thermostat and timer. In newer embodiments provides air regulation angle, which increases the efficiency of the curtain.

Mounting the air curtain

Despite the fact that the degree of complexity of the device setup is much easier than for domestic air conditioner manufacturers insist entrust a professional installation of the veil. However, you can work independently.

Before proceeding with the installation of the air curtain, it is necessary to provide the required power supply line, the device connection point, safety and protective elements (RCD and automatic). This is followed by fine-partitioning, which is performed after fixing mounting parts for wall hanging plane for further air curtain over the door. The devices typically include a set of mounting a panel or bracket and fasteners.

If the selected model has adjustable curtains jalousie, They must be tilted from the vertical at an angle of 30 degrees. the entrance. The design of the air nozzles of many models already has such a bias airflow. It may also require the installation of a signal cable and securing the remote control panel on the wall. All of these actions are described in detail in the installation instructions the device with which you should know before you install curtains.

Mounting a horizontal or vertical water heat curtain is more complex event which It requires certain thermal calculations and mounting additional pump or reservoir equipment. To perform the installation should involve experts in this matter.

Repair curtains

To assess the scale of damage to the curtain, and the possibility of its repair can only be a qualified technician. It can be easily exchanged for a new one, which appeared to order the item, and perform a subsequent adjustment of the device.

The most common cause of failure of the veil is overheating, which occurs due to non-compliance with the recommendations of the instructions. The fan runs at full capacity, resulting in the failure of the fan, heating element, a relay switch fails and the affected electrical contacts. Most often fail curtain device with a length of more than 80 cm, equipped with very sophisticated bundle.

the service technician can remove small fault in place. However, if you need a more complicated repair, the equipment is dismantled for a while. You can also try to fix the problem yourself by studying in detail the instructions before.

All work must be performed in compliance with safety regulations. If the device does not turn on, first, ensure the availability of electricity. Then check the contacts and fuses. Defective items can be changed by following the instructions.

Important! All work on the device performs when fully disconnected from the mains.

If the device switch is in the "heating" position, but the function is not possible faulty switch or electrical circuit poor contact. In the first case, the element is changed to a new one. In the second version, check the connection and re-establish contact.

If platten periodically turned on and off, check the correctness of its installation and to clean the inner part of the accumulated dust.

Important!The device will operate correctly when all of the recommendations of its installation, maintenance and periodic cleansing.

Scheduled maintenance of air curtains

To ensure effective and continuous operation the air curtain must be followed precisely the recommendations specified in the operating device, which requires timely professional maintenance instructions.

Month necessary to perform external inspection device mounting checked, barriers and the block design. Is performed for each phase current and voltage check. It test the air curtain in all its regimes and the control unit. Clears the body, the front panel of control unit, the input blinds and air filters.

Once a quarter qualified tightens the threaded connection of wires on the terminal box, performs the cleaning contacts, check the fuses and job tips. In case of defective parts to replace them with new ones. Also runs diagnostics screens to identify and remove extraneous noise. Conducted a survey of the fan blades.

Each half should perform seasonal debug modes of the device, which consists in re-activation or preservation of the air curtain. At this time also produced a pneumatic cleaning of the heat exchanger and other units.

Annually Clean the heat exchanger using a special chemical composition. the degree of wear of the fan motor bearings also set.

Well-known manufacturers of electric curtains over the door. Price of the device

Today, the most popular manufacturers of air curtains are the following companies:

• Friko;
• Pyrox;
• Olefini;
• Termoscreens;
• ballu;
• Teplomash;
• Tropic.

More than 70% of the total product range of the company owned by the Swedish and Norwegian firm Friko Pyrox. Products brands of data is a benchmark for other manufacturers. Companies produce a wide range of high quality products, which begins compact models for the window openings and ends with large-sized industrial air curtains. The reliability of the devices is achieved by using as a heat exchanger of high quality heaters, developed by special technology that extends the life of the installation.

In industrial electric thermal curtains longer than 1500 mm installed turbine single large diameter, which ensures a uniform and intense airflow. Both companies produce devices with distinctive characteristics of energy-saving and noiseless performance. However, the production of European brands is very expensive. Buy Air curtains 3 kW small size can be for 50 thousand on average. rub. Products for standard-sized doorways starts from 100 thousand. rub. Price overall air curtain Friko reaches 800 thousand. rub.

Less expensive products offers English brand Termoscreens. Despite the fact that the products are of lesser capacity from 1.5 kW thermal curtains are not inferior to the reliability of the Scandinavian producers. The role of the heat exchanger in the thermal curtains performs elektrospiral. The air flow is created turbines small diameter. The average price of air curtains of small dimensions is 7-10 thousand. rub. Products for wider openings will cost 25-45 thousand on average. rub. Price embedded type models reached 100 thousand. rub.

Vertical electric curtains semi-industrial type offers Greek trademark Olefini. Products offer high performance, but work quite noisy. Because they are often installed in the production halls. Curtains have a low price, which is 50-75 thousand on average. rub.

Curtains Ballou

Chinese manufacturer Ballu has several factories in Russia. This allows the company to produce low cost products, oriented to the Russian consumer demands. The company is constantly engaged in the improvement of products, expansion of product range and reduction in manufacturing costs. Heat Ballou curtain different high energy efficiency, which saves resource without reducing the effective operation of the device.

The manufacturer produces several series of devices. The series S1 budget includes electric platten Ballu BHC CE 3. Device performance is 300 m³ / hour. Installed above the entrance to the shopping center, cafe or office to a height of not more than 2.5 m. The heating element can be operated at full or half power and without heat during the summer season. unit price is 4300 rubles.

Another budget model is a new generation of curtain heat Ballu BHC CE 3T. In comparison with the previous product, this device has a thermostat, and its output reaches 400 m³ / hour. Price veil is 6000 rubles.

S2 S1 series differs from the fact that the heating devices have a needle "Stitch-element", a thermostat and a system of noise reduction. A series of small-sized thermal curtain begins BHC 3.000 SB of 300 m³ / hour. It can operate at full power and 3 kW in economy mode with a power of 1.5 kW. Price of the device is 4000 rubles.

More advanced small-sized thermal curtain Ballu BHC L06 S03 capacity of 350 m³ / h with electronic wired remote BRC-E with broad functionality. product price is 4500 thousand. rub.

Platten Ballu BHC L08 S05 capacity of 450 m³ / hour is mounted on a standard doorway. Operates at full capacity is 5 kW, and in the economy mode is 2.5 kW. device cost is 6400 rubles. Other platten BHC 5.000 SB capacity of 400 m³ / hour as calculated for the door of 800 mm width. Its price is 5990 rubles.

The price of the large air curtain Ballu BHC L10 S06 capacity of 1050 m³ / h and a power of 6 kW is 10 000 rubles.

The T series are modernized device TAN as a heater. Veil equipped with thermostat, have low levels of noise and vibration. air flow stream length is 3 m. One of the most popular models in this series considered the thermal curtain Ballu BHC L08 T 03 capacity of 600 m³ / h and a power of 3 kW. Price of the device is 5700 rubles.

Curtains Tropic

One of the most popular domestic manufacturers of air curtains is the company Tropic. It produces a wide range of semi-industrial, appliances, curtains for doorways and gates of different dimensions, which differ in size, capacity, type of coolant, the type of heating element and place installation. For the company's products are characterized by high reliability and low production costs.

All the curtains of this brand are combined in series. The smallest and cheapest considered curtains Series "K", which are used for door heights up to 2 m. Their performance is within 150-350 m³ / h With its mini-size device can be used not only as a thermal curtain, but also as a heater or heater to "warm function floor". Buy electric Air curtains can be for 3200 rubles.

The series of "A" are lightweight, compact, low noise and inexpensive device, which are arranged horizontally above the door opening height of 2.2 m. The curtains are equipped with "Stitch-element" ultra-light alloy impeller made of aluminum, which reduces the output device to the operating mode, reducing vibration and noise. And the most popular budget model from this series is the thermal curtain Tropic 3 A capacity of 270 m³ / h. Installation price is only 3700 rubles.

The "M" series assembled small curtains which have an aesthetic appearance and advanced specifications. They can be installed for doorways in height and 2.3 m vertically and horizontally. The role of the heat exchanger here performs "Stitch-element" by which provided a reliable, silent and effective operation of the device. Curtains have a high productivity, easy adjustment and enhanced functionality. Includes remote control with built-in thermostat.

The smallest model of the series is platten 3 M tropic capacity of 450 m³ / hour. Price of the device is 5900 rubles. platten 6 M tropic capacity of 900 m³ / hour is suitable for standard-sized doorways.

In a series of "T" includes veils Medium sized power 3-12 kW. Mounted above the entrance doors of shops, stores, cafes, a vestibule at a height of not more than 2.5 m. The heat exchanger serves finned heater. Control of the operation of the device performs a built thermostat. Price air curtain with a minimum performance for this series of 1100 m³ / hour is 10 600 rubles. Maximum Performance "T" series of devices is 4200 m³ / h. Buy noiseless thermal curtain over the door can be 30 000 rubles.

Air curtains Teplomash

No less popular manufacturer of air curtains is the Russian company "Teplomash". It produces a wide product range of high-quality equipment with electric or water heat source, which is clearly presented in the catalog. Price Teplomash curtains depends on the size, performance, apparatus mounting location and source of heat. All models in the series are combined with a numerical designation. The higher the number, the more powerful product. Recommendations for installation and operation are described in detail in the instructions. "Platten Teplomash" individually for each model.

Low-power and medium-power curtains KEV collected in a series 100, 200 and 300. Device performance is in the range of 300-2800 m3 / hr. They are installed in commercial premises and office lobbies. Price compact 2kW air curtain of 300 m³ / hour is 2 500 rubles. The device will cost a maximum capacity of 35 000 rubles. For comparison, the price of water heat curtains Teplomash capacity 2800 m³ / h is not less than 41,000 rubles.

Industrial devices are more powerful and have high performance. These include models of the series from 400 to 1000. They are installed in shops and warehouses. Price air curtain at 4.5 m height of the door will be 30 thousand average. rub. The cost powerful model with a maximum capacity of not less than 110 thousand. rub.

For rooms with high demands on design should choose curtains of the 600 series. The devices are installed in offices, administrative buildings, cafes, restaurants, hotels with pretentious interior design. Buy Thermal veils Teplomash of this series can be 55 000 rubles on average.

Only correctly selected and installed according to the rules of the air curtain will be able to work effectively and carry out its mission. A planning and maintenance will extend the life of the device.