Airwall versus door air curtain: a head start through flow technology

Airwalls and air curtains differ in their functional principle primarily in two aspects: While air curtains accelerate a lot of air volume to a low velocity in order to seal entrances, airwalls are characterised by a higher air velocity but move less air in return. As a result, airwalls can reliably seal significantly larger gates, work more energy-efficiently and are more versatile.

This is achieved by pressure modules in which significantly higher pressure is built up than in air curtains, as well as a fluidically optimised design so that this pressure is efficiently converted into speed. This is achieved by patented nozzles that produce a precise, laminar and narrow air jet.

Energy efficiency: Airwall beats door air curtains

Airwalls are particularly distinguished by their energy efficiency. When door air curtains are operated for long periods or around the clock, energy consumption, costs and CO₂ emissions are relevant factors.

The difference becomes most obvious when the system is used to distribute warm air at entrances in order to regulate the temperature at the workplace. Due to the high air volume, air curtains consume considerably more energy for this than airwalls, because more mass has to be heated and blown out. With airwalls, a built-in heating coil needs to heat less air and is therefore more energy-efficient.

Today, planners for technical building equipment (TBE) must place energy efficiency at the centre of their considerations. The most urgent issue is to keep unwanted air out of air-conditioned buildings. That is why, above all, incoming air – draughts – must be prevented across the entire cross-section of a door. Airwalls are designed for this and are much better at ensuring different air environments. This keeps out cold in winter and heat in summer.

"Because of the clean separation between warm and cold air, colleagues near the airwall have one of the coolest workplaces in summer and one of the warmest in winter."

Harald Schillinger, Senior Manager Maintenance and Sales Development, OBI Germany

When possible, airwalls can also use waste heat from machines and warm air under the ceiling to become even more efficient. The innovative technology in airwalls thus directly supports the achievement of climate targets.

Nevertheless, many companies – especially in retail – rely on air curtains. For smaller entrances and doors, these installations can suffice. But in terms of size, scalability and efficiency, air walls are clearly superior to the widely used air curtains, which makes them ideal for industrial purposes in particular.