Eliturbo : Whitepaper

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Heat rises and humidity falls. In buildings with a ceiling height of 14 feet or more, warmer air
accumulates up towards the ceiling where it is of no use, while humidity accumulates at floor-level
which causes damage to the building, equipment, and creates an unhealthy environment for occupants.
In order to maintain a desirable temperature at the lower level, a significant waste of energy occurs as
the heat unit battles to keep up with the thermostat (at human level) signaling that its cold! Not only is
heat stratification costing the planet, it is hurting businesses and organizations who operate in large
open spaces huge amounts of money that can be reduced. A similar phenomenon is true for humidity
as building managers often resort to heat to resolve humidity problems.
The Eliturbo Air-Mixer prevents heat and humidity stratification via its patented convergent divergent,
heli-centrifugal air mixing motion. As opposed to classic blade fans or turbine type fans which simply
push air in a column, the Eliturbo pulls air in from above and below, mixes it and expels air radially. The
result is constant air mixing of both the coldest and the warmest air temperatures in the room,
equalizing the temperature and air pressure throughout a large space saving on heting and cooling
costs, and all without any annoying or damaging downdrafts. Eliturbos draw air away from the corners
and the constant air-mixing action prevents cold air settling and subsequent pockets of humidity and
cold.
The Eliturbo Air-Mixer is designed for buildings with ceilings from 14 to 60 feet in height and each unit
can cover up to 100,000 cubic feet by mixing the air five times in an hour.
Eliturbos have been installed and proven effective with a multitude of applications in over 100,000
structures in Europe, and are now available in the US.

PROBLEM: STRATIFICATION OF WARM AIR & HEAT LOSS IN HIGHER CEILINGED BUILDINGS
Warm air delivered via a typical heat source (forced air, radiators, baseboard, fireplace, etc.) in a low
ceilinged space, such as a room, tends to develop minimal differences in temperature between the
ceiling and floor (called heat or thermal stratification). This is not the case in spaces with higher ceilings,
where thermal stratification becomes quite pronounced, and the taller the inside of a building the
greater the difference in temperature between floor and ceiling.
Hot air rises due to the difference of density between hot and cold air,
accumulating just below the ceiling precisely where heating is seldom
needed. In building with ceilings of only 14 foot height can have
temperature differences of 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit between ceiling
and floor, while in higher ceilinged buildings the difference can be up
to 25/40 F.
Human physiology is such that we prefer warmer temperatures near our feet, and can tolerate cooler
temperatures near head level; therefore, for comfort purposes we want to avoid thermal stratification
and in business terms productivity is directly linked to comfort.
Energy consumption for heating is determined by three essential factors:
1. the type and efficiency of the heating unit (gas vs. electric, forced air vs. radiant, etc.);
2. the level of conductive heat loss through the building envelope (walls, glass, floor, roof); and
3. the amount of infiltration and exfiltration of outdoor air into the structure.
Clearly, the second and third elements are greatly affected by the exterior temperature which creates a
higher level heat loss at colder temperatures. The amount of heated air accumulating near the ceiling is
also tied to the variations of seasonal temperatures. As the chart below shows, heat difference between
ceiling and floor ranges from none in the warm seasons, to 39 F difference at an average winter low
temperature of 23 F .. The result is that the stratification of heat is worse during the cold weather.


As interior temperatures are generally measured 5 feet from the floor and regulated by a wall-mounted
thermostats they reflect only the temperature at that point, not the temperature at floor or ceiling level.
The air temperature increases as elevation increases because warm air is lighter and rises. This increase
is regularly calculated at 1-2 F per foot.
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Space Temperature, F
Effect of Outdoor Temperature on
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T
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C = Temperature
difference due to
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Heat
Delivery
Height
Ceiling
Height C = 9F
C = 22F
C = 39F
Thermostat Height

Considering the value C as the difference between internal and external temperature (Delta T) , the
increase of heat loss from the roof and walls at great temperature differences compared to the loss
without thermal stratification is shown in the graph below.



Similar to the heat loss from walls and roofs, the heat
loss from air-exchange and infiltration is also
negatively impacted by thermal stratification. As the
temperature at the roof level increases due to
stratification, the amount of heat loss increases up to
2.8% for each degree difference in Fahrenheit between
the floor and ceiling. For example if the out-door
temperature is 32 F then the resultant heat loss in a
structure with stratified heat is 70% greater than the
same structure with an even thermal pattern. (C=86-61=25 F at ceiling level -> Heat loss = 2.8 * 25 = 70%)
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UA RATIO = UA Roof / UA Walls
Effects of Stratification on Heat Loss via Walls of
Industrial Buildings based on "C"
HEAT LOSS IS A SAMPLE BUILDING WITH & WITHOUT STRATIFICATION

Example #1: Industrial Factory or Warehouse Older (pre-1980) Construction
For the purposes of our first example, we will use a moderate sized steel-framed structure with saw-
tooth roof and clerestory windows. It is an older building, as are many throughout the US, and does not
conform to the latest standards for energy efficient construction. The heating required is calculated using
23F average nighttime winter outdoor temperature as is usual for design purposes.








If the air in this structure were to be fully mixed resulting in zero difference in internal temperature
between the ceiling, the walls and the floor then the heat loss calculated in BTU/Hr would be 2,523,371
as shown in the table below .


Aspect
U
BTU/hr ft2 F
Area,ft2
U*Area
BTU/hr F
T, F
Q Heat Loss,
BTU/hr
Walls 0.335 22,389 7,497 37.8 283,370
Floors 0.106 32,292 3,414 37.8 129,065
Roof (total) 0.557 43,056 23,977 37.8 906,325
Glass 1.022 8,611 8,802 37.8 332,702
Roof Panels 0.441 34,444 15,175 37.8 573,624
1,318,761
Ventilation 2x 0.062 258,334 31,868 37.8 1,204,610
Total Heat Lost 2,523,371
Projected Heat Loss with No Stratification
Floor Dimensions 330 x 100 feet
Perimeter 860 feet
Floor Area 33,000 sq. feet
Average Ceiling Height 26'3" feet
Max. Ceiling Height 32'10" feet
Volume 866,250 cubic feet
Infiltration Air Changes 2 per hour
Min. Outdoor Temp. 23 F
Average Seasonal Temp. 41 F
Floor Temp. 61 F
Temp. at Ceiling 100 F
Heating Unit Capacity 2,450,000 BTU/hr
719 kW
This theoretical calculation is based on there being zero temperature stratification in the building with
the air totally mixed. However, in most cases there would be significant thermal stratification leading to
ceiling temperatures that can
reach as much as 39F higher
than the floor temperature on a
cold winter night even in this
relatively low building. The
same concept holds true for the
average temperatures of the walls and for the temperature of air-exchange; all of which can have a
significant impact on heat loss.

Most the heated air sits trapped near ceiling where the difference in temperature from the ceiling to the
outside can reach 67 F. or more as shown above. As expected, much of the heat lost by conduction is
through the roof, especially through the glass window panels. The result is a significantly larger heat
loss.
In the case below example, where we have used a lower than maximum heat differential from floor to
ceiling (only 28F), the heat loss with thermal stratification is 143% of the loss estimated with the air
fully destratified, or over an additional 1,000,000 BTU/Hr (3,596,051 Vs. 2,523,371).

Example #2: Industrial Factory or Warehouse Newer Construction (post-1980)
In a second example we will use the same type of building, a moderate sized steel-framed structure with
saw-tooth roof and clerestory windows, however in this case it will be constructed to comply with the
1980 Seattle Energy Code. It is built using non-pressurized loose construction and has a U factor of 0.046
for the roof and 0.109 for the walls. Here again, the heat required is calculated using the prescribed 23F
nighttime winter outdoor design temperature for Seattle and the differences of internal vs. external
temperature due to stratification are the same as above.

The results using fully modern construction change dramatically in terms of heat loss reducing it by
2/3
rd
s in the case of both stratified air and mixed air cases; however the benefits of destratification
continue to be significant with heat loss reduced by fully mixing the air and thereby eliminating
stratification remain significant as shown in the following table.

Aspect
U*Area
BTU/hr F T, F
Q Heat Loss,
BTU/hr
Walls 7,497 46.8 350,840
Floor 3,414 37.8 129,065
Total Roof 23,977 55.8 1,337,911
Glass 8,802 55.8 491,132
Coverings 15,175 55.8 846,779
1,817,816 38% Qs
Infiltration 31,868 55.8 1,778,236 48% Qv
Total Heat Loss 3,596,051 43% QT
Calculated Heat Loss with Stratification
Outside Air T = 23F
Floor Temp. T = 61F
Ceiling Temp. T = 61 + 39 = 100F
Roof T = 100 - 23 = 67F
Walls, average T = [(100 + 61)/2] - 23 = 57.5F
Infiltration Air T = 61 - 23 = 38 F (outside air heated to floor temp.)


In this case with the outdoor temperature of 23F, the building with destratified air will save the same
43% of the heat input to maintain the floor level temperature than the building with fully stratified air.
In many buildings, the effect of stratification is much worse. Although this is the case in deep winter,
heat loss percent improvements will be similar at higher ambient temperatures. This evaluation also
points out the need to control ventilation as much as possible, as much of the gains possible by mixing
are lost by infiltration of cold outside air.

HOT AIR HEATING UNITS
Heating via hot-air heating units works in two phases:
1. the heating of ambient room air by conductive or radiant heat exchange using electric heater
coils or gas burners, and then
2. the distribution of the hot air in the space using fans with or without ducts.
The ambient air is drawn from the lower area generally at a height of 5 to 8 feet, and it is occasionally
mixed with exterior air. The heating unit increases the temperature of the air normally between 45 and
90F; most frequently about 55-60F. This corresponds to a volume of air equal to 3,530 cf/hr, or 59 cfm
per kW of thermal power.
The greatest challenge in heating large rectangular spaces is how to obtain a uniform, evenly distributed
temperature both vertically and horizontally so that the vertical space and four corners are equally
heated. Warm air stagnating in the upper portion of the building is heat wasted; which means energy
wasted and money wasted. Meanwhile, the lower portion of the space suffers a less-than-optimal
temperature and is subject to humidity in cold zones. Condensation forms on cold surfaces which not
only can lead to corrosion and reduced longevity for equipment, but can also lead to dangerous mold
growth creating health hazards. An owner or building manager will often adjust the thermostat to a
higher setting to achieve comfort at floor level, making the problem worse by sending more heat to the
ceiling.
Additionally, heating units are often placed in less-than-optimal positions dictated by access, work-flow
or machinery locations, exacerbating the temperature imbalance
THE DISTRUBTION OF HOT AIR
To resolve these problems, a constant mixing of the air in a space is desired. Ceiling fans are designed
to merely push warm air downward, but causes pockets of warm and cold, as well as drafts which stir up
accumulated dust. Space heaters usually direct heated air flow in only one direction, angled towards
the floor resulting in only a limited area being heated, and do nothing to circulate the air or reduce
stratification.

Ideally, the goal is to recycle the volume of air in the
space 5 times per hour. One solution is to install
heating units that have a CFH heating capacity of 5
times the volume of space, but in order to achieve
this level of air movement it would require
significantly more heating capacity than would be
needed if the air were destratified. Considering the
purchase price and the running costs of additional industrial heating units to create the needed air flow,
it is well above the cost of installing an appropriate number of Eliturbo Air-Mixers to destratify the air as
we heat.
Additionally, condensation on the walls and the resulting corrosive impact on machinery would be
eliminated, along with improvements in comfort and temperature uniformity for workers. The heating
units can cycle as needed without the burden of maintaining even air distribution, as that function is
now assured by the Eliturbo units. Applying the Eliturbos thermal and humidity destratification
capabilities to HVAC installations at the design phase will lower the initial investment needed as well as
save energy costs over time.


ELITURBO = AIR-MIXING, not pushing

The Eliturbo Air-Mixer recycles air continuously throughout a space, preventing the stratification of
temperature and buildup of humidity.
Traditional blade ceiling fans or turbine type fans attempt to destratify the air in a space by pushing
warm air from the ceiling downward to the floor, creating a turbulent, narrow column of air resulting in
uncomfortable drafts and the stirring up of dust. Whats more, as fans work only in vertical columns,
they often do not cover the entire space needed. Further, once strong fans have emptied the ceiling
area of heat, they need to be turned off awaiting a new build up so that they can then be turned on
again to forcefully push the heat down. From all of this, one can easily conclude that these types of fans
are a very incomplete solution to thermal stratification and humidity accumulation problems.

Sample Industrial Building
Surface Area 33,000 sq. ft.
Ceiling Height 26.25 feet
Internal Volume 866,250 cu. feet
Required Heat 2,453,500 BTU/hr
719 kW
Eliturbo on the other hand, leverages a set of uniquely designed, heli-centrifugal curved blades that
create a fluid-aerodynamic, convergence-divergence action, mixing the air continuously without
producing unnecessary turbulence and downdrafts. The result is no accumulation of hot air at the
ceiling, no costly stopping and starting of heating systems and no dust stirred up. Eliturbo works
constantly creating, in effect, its own low-velocity micro-climate.
(please note that according to AMCA, the national standard for fan testing, Eliturbos CFM & Air-flow
should not be compared to fan or turbine destratifiers CFM or Air-flow measurements as they have one
directional thrust of air; Eliturbo on the other hand, expels air 360 and therefore cannot be measured
or evaluated in the same way.)

VERTICAL MIXING
The Eliturbo Air-Mixer is a complete solution to heat stratification
and humidity build-up. The way it works, is both quite complicated
and quite simple. Referring to the drawing below:
Cooler air is drawn from below up into the unit, while at the same
time, warmer air is drawn into the unit from above. Air is drawn
away from the corners and these streams are mixed within
Eliturbo unit and expelled radially in all directions (360) through
sloped deflectors creating convergence divergence.

The air is expelled radially, creating a circular movement. Air
slowly travels downward along the walls to the floor and back up
to the units, all with minimal perception of air movement and
without warmer and cooler zones; hence, vertical mixing and
prevention of heat stratification.
Continuous mixing of air throughout the space provides even distribution of heat, humidity and
pressure, with minimal controls and maintenance.







Horizontal Mixing
The Eliturbo Air-Mixer takes the coldest and the warmest air in the space and re-distributes the mixed
air radially, dispersing it 360 as it exits the unit. In doing so it balances the temperature throughout a
space horizontally at the same time as it destratifies the heat vertically. The Eliturbo insures the
temperature is evenly distributed thereby making heating systems more efficient.
The illustrations below show how installed Eliturbos work to distribute air/heat evenly throughout a
space.






The Eliturbo air-mixers are manufactured with clock-wise or anti-clockwise rotation and are best
installed in a checker-board fashion with each Eliturbo rotating in an alternate direction to the adjacent
units.
Air expelled from an Eliturbo unit rotating clock-wise encounters air expelled from an adjacent unit
rotating counter-clockwise and is similar to meshing gears. Less fan energy is lost due to unnecessary
turbulence.





Heating systems push air into a space
creating pockets of hot and cold
Heating Elements pushing air into a space

With Eliturbos deployed the heat is
balanced throughout the building

THE ADVANTAGES of the ELITURBO Air-Mixer
Clearly, eliminating thermal stratification provides huge advantages in energy savings, comfort and
health vs. a stratified environment. Furthermore, the Eliturbos continuous air-mixing is superior to any
classic fan type point, air-pushing solutions that unavoidably leave pockets of hot & cold.
Destratified air results in dramatically lower ceiling temperatures, lower heat loss through roof and walls
and lower energy costs. Typically the savings amount to 20 to 30% on heating bills. A heating unit may
be the right size for the volume of a space, but without an efficient method to distribute the heat to the
lower levels of the space, two things will happen:
1. the space will have inconsistent temperatures, and/or
2. the heating unit will work overtime, continually providing heated air at work level, which will
quickly rise to the ceiling.

RECAP OF ELITURBO Air-Mixers:
In Winter
Reduction of thermal stratification between floor and ceiling resulting in uniform temperature
within different vertical zones of a structure.
Considerable improvement in comfort in the work space with the heat designed for occupants
comfort, remaining at the human level (floor to 6-7 feet).
Reduction in heat loss through roof and wall areas.
Better use of the heat generated by heating unit and/or heat produced by machinery.
Reduced needed capacity, running time and therefore energy costs of heating units.
Less wear and tear on heating unit (less frequently turned on and off).
Minimal air turbulence at floor level and very little stirring of dust improving worker comfort
and extending machinery life.
Reduction in heating differences throughout a space.
Reduced air stagnation in isolated areas of the space (corners, behind equipment, etc.)
Reduces risk of condensation forming on machinery, walls, windows, etc.
Overall energy savings and increased worker comfort.
In Summer
Greater exchange/recycle of air through ventilation.
Greater efficiency of natural ventilation.
Reduced concentration of odors/fumes.
Reduced areas with stagnant, high humidity in isolated areas of the space (corners, behind
equipment, etc.) resulting in increased life and decreased maintenance for machinery.
Reduces risk of condensation forming on machinery, walls, windows, etc.
Greater efficiency of air conditioning units.

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES of the ELITURBO Air-Mixer
Installing Eliturbos in existing structures can reduce energy consumption costs immediately leading to
the capital investment being paid back within the first year. Therefore, all subsequent years energy cost
savings would go straight to the bottom line as the maintenance costs of Eliturbo are basically zero.
To show an example of how this works using real costs, using the same sample building from above, the
heating need for this structure is approximately 2,400,000 BTU/hr. or 57,600,000 BTU per day.
The most cost effective power/heating source, readily
available in the US today is natural gas and the US Energy
Information Administration predicts average 2015
**Industrial gas prices to be $5.45 per 1,000 cubic feet
(McF). The full report is available at
http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/natgas.cfm.

By reducing heating loss by just 25% through reduced
stratification, the cost of installing 12 Eliturbos in this
sample industrial building will be recovered within 1
years.
* calculations based on technical specs from a major manufacturer of
commonly used industrial heating units and the application of modern
code U-Factors. Older buildings with higher U-Factors, will find the
payback period for installing Eliturbos even shorter.
**$5.45 projected industrial rate & $9.58 commercial

Savings associated with installing Eliturbo Air-Mixers with existing and new HVAC systems come from:
1) Reducing the number of times heat unit starts up by keeping the desired temperature down at human
level through destratifcation; and
2) Reducing the size and quantity of heating units needed as thermal destratification closes the gaps
between theoretical heat loss calculations and actual heat loss.
Summary
Thermal loss through buildings is a major culprit in wasted energy resources and of great cost to
organizations. Reducing thermal stratification can provide significant savings on energy costs and can
noticeably improve the comfort and health; but only if implemented correctly. Competing
destratification devices unavoidably create warm and cool zones and pocket of hot air escaping to the
ceiling. Partial coverage will ultimately deliver partial results.
The Eliturbo Air-Mixers revolutionary method of continuously mixing air delivers balanced temperatures
both vertically and horizontally and reduces the effects of humidity; instead of simply pushing air,
Eliturbo mixes the air.
Copyright 2014: Import IT LLC . All rights reserved.
Sample Industrial Building
Surface Area 33,000 sq. ft.
Ceiling Height 26.25 feet
Internal Volume 866,250 cu. feet
Required Heat 2,453,500 BTU/hr
719 kW