| Low-speed
fans help Toyota increase warehouse efficiencies
By focusing on energy efficiencies and ways to alter energy
consumption a Toyota distribution centre was able to accomplish big
savings and comfortable work environments. Installing six-foot to
24-foot diameter high-volume, low-speed fans from Big Ass Fans
helped Toyota increase warehouse efficiencies.
Rick Lehmkuhl, facilities coordinator at Toyota's
900,000-square-foot-parts distribution facility -- Toyota's largest
parts distribution centre in the world -- says that his firm gained
huge savings after installing 20 Big Ass fans last year.
The Toyota Distribution Centre was overheating to compensate for the
majority of the warm air rising to the ceiling. Running the fans at
slower winter speeds pushed the hot air trapped at the top of the
building down to floor level. This de-stratification of air can lead
to big energy savings. With the fans, Toyota reduced its natural gas
consumption by 87 percent during the heating season. The decrease in
energy use means monthly utility bills dropped from $40,000 to
$6,000 after the fans were in operation.
Big Ass Fans' latest technology, The Powerfoil, uses a patented
airfoil, or blade design, and winglet at the tip of each foil that
maximizes air movement and minimizes energy usage. At winter speeds
a 24-foot diameter Powerfoil can cover an area as large as 20,000
square feet while using the same amount of energy as a 60 watt light
bulb.
Big Ass Fans
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