Technical handbook

Technical handbook

Technical
handbook

103 The invisible door

104 Why is there a draught from an opening?
106 Optimized air curtains
108 Optimized performance
117 Minimized sound level
120 Energy saving with air curtains
122 Adjustment
123 Controls
124 Valve systems
127 Just a click away
128 Tables for dimensioning
Technical handbook

101
 Technical handbook

The invisible door

An open door is inviting and easy to pass through,
but it also means a poor working environment and
energy loss. An air curtain creates a comfortable
environment and minimizes energy loss. Frico
air curtains effectively separate indoors from
outdoors, hot from cold.

Air curtains create an air barrier between hot and

cold, both to prevent cold outdoor air from entering,
while the heated air is kept inside, and to protect air
conditioned premises and refrigerated rooms.
A correctly installed air curtain reduces draughts,
creates a comfortable indoor environment and reduces
energy losses at doors and doorways.

Air flows out of an unprotected opening. With a correctly set air curtain there is a sharp
separation between the different temperature
zones.
Technical handbook
 Technical handbook

Why is there a draught from an opening?

The amount of air that flows out through an open Pressure differentials indoor/outdoor
door depends on differences in pressure between In order for an air curtain to work well, it is important
the indoor and outdoor air. that there is not too great an overpressure or negative
pressure in the premises.
This pressure differential is dependent on three factors: Nearly all ventilation systems are mechanically
adjusted and are based on the prevailing conditions when
• Different temperatures indoors and outdoors
they were set. When the external conditions are changed,
• Different pressures indoors and outdoors for example by variations in temperature, air pressure,
• Incoming wind speed at the door opening wind influence and humidity, the balance is disturbed
and replaced by positive or negative pressure (usually
Simply put; if the conditions on one side of the door negative pressure).
differ in any way from those on the other side, then An air curtain can withstand a maximum of 5 Pa,
there will be a draught from the door opening. Air flows depending on the conditions. But even small differences
out through an open door to equalize the differences in pressure can significantly affect the efficiency of the air
in pressure and temperature. In heated premises this curtain.
means that hot air flows out and cold air flows in. Wind The pressure differential between a building and
blowing towards the door also affects the airflow. its surroundings can be equalized using balanced
ventilation, which increases comfort and reduces energy
costs. Balanced ventilation can be achieved by pressure
regulation via the ventilation system, but the most
efficient way is to continuously measure the pressure
differential between indoors and outdoors and use it
to control the ventilation flow. Contact Frico for more
Temperature differential outdoor/indoor
information.
Warm indoor air has a lower density and is lighter
than cold outdoor air. Therefore there is a pressure
Airflow dependent on pressure differential (QP) can be
differential at the door opening. The cold air flows
calculated using the following equation:
in through the lower part of the opening and pushes
the hot air through the upper section. The size of
the airflow depends on the temperature differential
between outdoor and indoor air. The air exchange is
thus dependent on thermal pressure differentials. If the
indoor and outdoor temperatures are known, then the
density of the outdoor and indoor air can be determined
and making it possible to calculate the pressure
differential and airflow through the opening.
QP = W • H • ∆P • 2 • Cd
The airflow (QT) can be calculated using the following (∆P< 5 Pa) ρ
equation:

Opening QP = airflow, pressure [m3/s]

W = door width [m]

W 1.5 ∆ρ H = door height [m]

QT = • H • Cd • g•
3 ρm ∆P = pressure differential

ρ = air density

Cd = flow coefficient 0.6 - 0.9

Opening QT = airflow, temperature [m /s] 3

W = door width [m]

H = door height [m]

Cd = flow coefficient 0.6 - 0.9

g = gravity coefficient (9.81 m/s2)

-18 °C +18 °C
∆ρ = the air masses' density differential

ρm = the air masses' average density

Airflow caused by thermal
pressure differentials.
 Technical handbook

Wind stress Important to remember

When the wind blows towards an opening, air flows • If there is negative pressure in the
through the opening. The airflow is assumed to be building, the efficiency of the air curtain
evenly distributed across the whole door opening. is considerably reduced. The ventilation
The airflow is then proportional to the wind speed should therefore be balanced. An air
horizontally against the door opening. (After the curtain cannot prevent a deficit in the
pressure build up the airflow is limited to what escapes amount of air that is due to unbalanced
through leaks in the building.) A wind speed of 3 m/s ventilation (negative pressure).
corresponds to a load pressure of 5 Pa.
• If an opening is exposed to wind it affects
the efficiency of the air curtain. An air
The air flow (QV) can be calculated using the following
curtain can withstand a wind speed of up
equation:
to 3 m/s, depending on the conditions.
In an existing opening that is exposed to
greater wind loads you may supplement
with more heating to improve the
comfort.
Qv = W • H • Cv• v • Where there are high wind stresses it
is appropriate to supplement the air
curtain with a revolving door or an air
lock, ideally with the openings offset in
Opening Qv = airflow, wind [m3/s] relation to each other.
W = door width [m] • The design of the building affects the
function of the air curtain. In large
H = door height [m]
buildings that are strongly affected by
v = wind speed wind, premises with staircases where the
Cv = wind direction coefficient = chimney effect occurs and premises with
0.5 - 0.6 if perpendicular wind load draughts, more powerful curtains are
towards the opening
required.
0.25 - 0.36 if diagonal wind load towards
the opening • Normally the air curtain unit is placed on
the inside of the opening to the premises
it should protect. When used to protect
cold storage or a freezer room, the unit
must be mounted on the warm side.
• The air curtains must be as close to the
The total airflow opening as possible and cover the full
The total airflow through open doors is the sum of the
width of the opening.
flow caused by temperature and pressure differentials
and wind stresses. • The direction and speed of the airflow
should be adjusted to the conditions in
the opening. Wind pressure and negative
pressure affect the function of air
curtains and try to bend the air stream
inwards. The air stream should therefore
Qtot = QT + QV + QP be directed outwards to withstand the
load.
Technical handbook

The total airflow is the sum of the flows caused by temperature

and pressure differentials and wind stresses.
Technical handbook

Optimized air curtains

Separating climate zones is relatively easy if it is only the temperatures
that differ. Handling an opening that is exposed to wind, pressure
differentials and unbalanced ventilation is more difficult. Frico air
curtains reduce the problems by creating an air barrier with the perfect
balance between air volume and air velocity and a high uniformity of
the air beam.

Frico has been developing air curtains for the demanding Scandinavian
climate for 45 years. Our experience and knowledge has resulted in
Thermozone technology, the theoretical foundation that we base the
development of our air curtains on.
Thermozone technology gives optimum curtain effect with perfect balance
between air volume and air velocity and a high uniformity of the air beam.
This balance does not just make the air curtain more effective but also has
other advantages. The indoor climate is more comfortable if the sound level
and the turbulence are reduced and the energy costs are lower.

Air curtains with Thermozone technology have optimized performance and

minimized sound levels.

Read more about Thermozone technology on the following pages.

R
A Technical handbook

B C

Right from the start and the whole way

When we start to develop a new product the most
important factors are performance and sound level. The
designers test their way forward step by step to find a
level with optimum performance and the lowest sound
level.
The turbulence in the unit must be minimized
to prevent high pressure drops and high energy
consumption and to give as low a sound level as possible.
To minimize the turbulence, the designers follow the
path of the air from the intake grille to the outlet.
The shape of the fan housing is very importantA
for the
performance of the fan and the fan's capacity to increase
the pressure. The air must be directed to and from the
fans in a natural way and finally leave the unit through
the important outlet grille. The width and design of the
outlet is very important. The throw is at its most effective
when the flow of air leaving the air curtain is laminar and
homogenous throughout the width of the outlet.
From the very beginning of development, Bconsideration
is taken to make the product easy to assemble, install and
service.
The designers are involved in the product the whole
way through to manufacture and launch to ensure that
the design functions in production terms and that it
meets our customers' wishes.

Technical handbook

107
Technical handbook

Optimized performance
Independent tests show that a correctly installed
air curtain can reduce energy losses at an open
door by up to 80%. A correctly installed air curtain
covers the width and height of the opening and is
adapted for the stresses that it is exposed to.

Protects the whole door opening

A correctly installed air curtain creates an air barrier
that covers the whole opening and is adapted for the
stresses that it is exposed to. In addition to the air
volume from the air curtain, when dimensioning you
must set requirements for the air velocity and the
uniformity of the air beam at the floor level. Because it
is at the floor level the stress is greatest. You then know The opening is affected by the differences in temperature,
pressure and wind stress. The effect is greatest at floor level.
that you have an air barrier that reaches the whole way
down and gives the best possible protection.

By setting requirements for the air

velocity and uniformity of the air
beam at floor level, you have an air
curtain that covers the whole door
opening.

...not just where it is least needed

Many people evaluate air curtains based on the air
volume that they produce without considering the
length of the air barrier. The air volume is measured
closest to the unit, where the stresses are smallest. If
you choose an air curtain based purely on air volume
you may get an air curtain that only gives good
protection close to the outlet.

If you choose an air curtain based purely on air volume you

may get an air curtain that only gives good protection close
to the outlet, where the impact on the door opening is less.
 Technical handbook

Air barrier power = impulse

To evaluate an air curtain's performance the term
impulse is used, which describes what force an air
barrier has. 13 m/s 8 m/s
1900 m3/h/m 3100 m3/h/m
Impulse = air volume x density x air velocity

13 m/s 8 m/s
[kgm/s2] = [m3/s] x [kg/m3] x [m/s] 1900 m³/h/m 3100 m³/h/m

The unit for impulse is [kgm/s2], that is Newton (N),

the SI unit for force. The impulse can be achieved in
different ways. A product with high air velocity and
small airflow can have the same impulse as a product
with low air velocity and large airflow.
The impulse must be sufficiently large the whole A product with high air velocity and small airflow
can have the same impulse as a product with low air
way down to the floor in order to obtain an effective
velocity and large airflow.
air barrier across the whole opening. It is therefore
important to take air velocity into consideration when
dimensioning.

Balance between air volume and air velocity

Thermozone technology creates a balance between air volume
and air velocity that gives optimum performance. The design of
the outlet is a key factor in achieving this balance. To explain
it we usually use the analogy of a hose pipe, because airflow
is physically similar to water flow. With a hose pipe without a
nozzle (large water volume and low pressure) you cannot reach
far because the velocity of the water leaving the hose is too low.
If you connect the hose to a pressure washer (low water volume
and high pressure) the water leaves the pressure washer at
Large volume, low
high speed, but still does not reach further than a few metres,
pressure
because of the turbulence created in the water flow by the high
pressure washer. If you then connect the hose to a nozzle, the
water volume and pressure can be adjusted and the range of the
water jet can be optimized and reach a long way.

The performance is reduced in the same way in air curtains

with low air velocity and large airflow or high air velocity and
small airflow. They don't reach the floor. Large air volumes
also require more heating and unnecessarily large amounts of
energy. Thermozone technology creates a balance between air
volume and air velocity that saves energy by using the minimum
amount of air and gives optimal efficiency over the whole door
opening.

Small volume, high

pressure
Technical handbook

Ideal relationship
between pressure and
volume
Technical handbook

High uniformity of the air velocity profile

Uniformity displays the velocity profile throughout the
width of the profile. The uniformity of the air beam is
important in order to achieve optimal performance. An
air beam with high uniformity ensures good coverage of
the total width of the opening.

How to measure
Uniformity of the air beam is measured by comparing
air velocity at different positions throughout the width
of the air curtain and is expressed in percentage. A
uniformity of 100% implies the air beam has the same
velocity throughout the entire width of the air curtain.

Why high uniformity is important

The strength of the air beam is determined on its
lowest velocity at the floor level. An air beam with low
uniformity will therefore need additional air in order
to ensure minimum velocity is reached over the entire
opening. More air in the air beam areas of high velocity
creates turbulence, which has negative influence on
the comfort. An air beam with high uniformity strikes
the floor simultaneously with the same velocity over
the whole opening, which minimize turbulence and
maintains the strength of the air beam.
 Technical handbook

Optimized airflow geometry

The designs of the outlet and the inside of the unit are key factors in creating an air
barrier that protects efficiently and has a minimal sound level.

1 Depth of the outlet

At any given air volume, it is the depth
of the outlet that determines the air
velocity. Too small an outlet creates
turbulence because of an air velocity
which is too high, this shortens the
throw length. If the outlet is too deep
it reduces the air velocity and shortens
the length. In Frico air curtains the
throw length is optimized via the depth
of the outlet.

2 Outlet grille
Height, width and fin distance all play a
part in the design of the outlet grille, so
that the air is directed and turbulence
minimized. The result is a uniform air
stream and an effective air barrier.
Frico's outlet grilles make it easy to
&
direct the air to resist pressure loads in
the opening, so that energy losses are
minimized.

3 Minimized turbulence
Turbulence inside the air curtain gives
higher pressure drops resulting in
higher energy consumption and less
uniformity of the air beam. In Frico air
curtains the turbulence is minimized
and the energy consumption is limited.
Technical handbook

111
 Technical handbook

Create maximum protection at floor level

Too low air velocity at floor level gives a curtain that
cannot withstand stresses. Too high velocity gives
turbulence that reduces the protective capacity of the air
barrier and also has loud sound levels.
An air beam with correct velocity and high uniformity
gives the best protection. Thermozone technology gives
the most effective air barrier by ensuring that the air
stream reaches the floor and at optimal velocity and
Air velocity is too Air velocity is too Correct air velocity
uniformity. Thermozone technology solves the problem
low high
with the minimum amount of air.

Test - protective effect

The environment replicated in this test is a dairy The clear red colour shows normal room temperature
section directly attached to a room with normal room and the darkest blue colour shows the cold storage
temperatue. Different operating cases were studied in temperature. The values on the X-axis state the distance
a cross-sectional temperature measurement and the in centimetres from the unit, the values on the Y-axis
values were compiled in a diagram showing how the air state the distance in centimetres from the floor.
streams affect the temperature in the areas around the
opening.

Opening without air curtain Opening with air curtain, wrong angle
In an unprotected opening the cold air flows out and the If the angle is too small the hot air is blown into the cold
cold storage room becomes much too warm. storage room.

Opening with air curtain, too high speed Opening with correctly adjusted air curtain
Excessive speed creates turbulence, which causes With a correctly set air curtain unit there is a sharp
energy loss and increases the cold storage temperature. separation between the different temperature zones.

The test was made with ADA Cool, model ADAC120, and carried out by technicians from Malmö University.
 Technical handbook

Dimensioning
Frico has supplied air curtains for over 40 years and In many cases there are other factors to refer to,
our experience of dimensioning can be illustrated in a see the section "Important to remember" earlier in the
diagram. handbook.
The relationship between the size of the door and how The air stream direction and velocity must be
powerful the air curtain needs to be is not linear. The adjusted at installation to obtain an air curtain that
higher the door the greater the force required. We have works optimally. Read more about adjustment later in
chosen to use the distance to the floor as reference, the handbook.
together with the air velocity and the air beam
uniformity measured in accordance with ISO 27327-1.
For an installation height less than 2.5 metres it is
usually appropriate to select an air curtain with the
Air barrier force Stresses
capacity to deliver approx 2.5 m/s in a laboratory
environment at a distance equal to the installation Industry
height. For other heights, see the diagram. In addition, Air velocity with distance to
the uniformity of the air beam should be ≥90% to ensure 4m/s*
4 m/s* floor level according to ISO
low turbulence and maximum strength of the air beam.
Please note that the air velocity at dimensioning is
not the velocity the air should have at floor level in an Commercial
actual installation, but the capacity the unit needs to 3m/s*
3 m/s*
be able to compensate for the wind loads and pressure
differentials occurring in an actual doorway. Entrances
2,5m/s* Mindre entréer Större entréer
2,5 m/s* <2,5 m 2,5 m < 4,2 m < 4,2 m
<2,5 m 2,5 m < 4,2 m

*= ±0,5 m/s Installation height [m]

Air barrier velocity and uniformity

There is an ISO standard to measure the air barrier
velocity and uniformity (ISO 27327-1 Laboratory
methods of testing for aerodynamic performance
rating).

Frico measures all air curtains according to the ISO

standard, the result is in the air velocity profile of the
relevant product.

m
0,1 10,7 m/s

1,0 5,5 m/s

2,0 4,1 m/s

Technical handbook

3,0 3,4 m/s

3,5 3,2 m/s

ISO measurements at our laboratory in Skinnskatteberg, which is one of the Air velocity profile PA3500
most advanced in heating and ventilation in Europe.
Technical handbook

Tests - performance

Air curtain efficiency

Frico has developed a method to test air curtain
performance. The test is full scale. The idea is to
measure the volume of air that passes through a
door with an air curtain is installed in comparison
to a door without an air curtain. In the test
all stresses are converted to a pressure evenly
distributed across the door.

Outdoor Indoor The test installation consists of two

rooms that correspond to indoors
and outdoors. A powerful fan with
equipment to measure airflow is
located between the rooms. The air
curtain is installed above the opening.
When the fan is run an airflow is
Air curtain
created from one room to the other,
exactly the same volume of air passes
∆ P [Pa] through the fan as through the
opening. This gives rise to a pressure
differential (DP) between the two
Q [m³/h] rooms. The fan starts to run at low
speed that then slowly increases.
Information about airflow and pressure
differential is stored on computer. This
data is then used to create a curve, see
diagram 1.
 Diagram 1: Airflow through the opening with and without air curtain at different differential pressures.

Without air curtain

With Frico air curtain

[Pa]
∆P[Pa]
∆P

Airflow [m3/s]

Pressure and flow over the opening are Example: At 3 Pa the airflow through the opening
measured with and without the air curtain. without the air curtain is 4 m³/s and with the air
The result is two curves where the airflow curtain is 1.6 m³/s. The difference in the airflow
at a particular pressure differential can be shows the perfomance of the air curtain. In this
compared. case it is (4–1.6)/4 ×100 = 60% less flow with the
air curtain compared to without.

Diagram 2: Air curtains mounted at a height of 3 metres, measured efficiency at different differential pressures.

Frico, impulse = 19.3 kg x m/s2, air velocity 13 m/s, airflow 4500 m3/h

Competitor 1, impulse = 11.9 kg x m/s2, air velocity 18m/s, airflow 2000 m3/h

Competitor 2, impulse = 22.3 kg x m/s2, air velocity 9m/s, airflow 7500 m3/h

Differential pressure [Pa]

This also makes it possible to compare the performance The air curtain from Frico has an optimized air
of different products under the same conditions. velocity and airflow that makes it more efficient
Technical handbook

Diagram 2 shows the result of testing three air curtain than competitor 2 despite (22.3-19.3)/22.3 =
units that have been designed using different basic approx 13% lower impulse.
concepts. Competitor 1 has a high air velocity and small
air flow and competitor 2 has a medium air velocity and
large air flow.
Technical handbook

Tests - performance

Impulse at the floor

A practical test of different air curtains at floor level can
be carried out by comparing the air throw length and
power using a wind board.
X°

To directly compare the throw length and power

of different air curtains you can position them
equidistantly on either side of a wind board and see
which way the board moves.
At the same air volume, air curtains from Frico give
Y
a stronger impulse at ground level than competitors,
which means greater protection. Frico air curtains
maintain the impulse the whole way to the floor, which The angle X indicates the air barrier force (impulse).
gives a lower operating cost, because the same strength
Y = corresponds to the distance to the floor
of air barrier can be achieved using lower air volume.
Impulse = air volume x density x air velocity

Large air volumes cost 13 m/s 8 m/s

Low air velocity can be compensated for by higher air 1900 m3/h/m 3100 m3/h/m

volume to reach the floor. Large air volumes require

more heating and therefore cost more. As shown by
above test, Frico air curtains can give the same strength 13 m/s 8 m/s
to the air barrier at floor level with lower air volume. 1900 m³/h/m 3100 m³/h/m

Calculation of output on an air curtain from Frico and

an air curtain with low air velocity and large airflow
shows that, in this example, Frico air curtain consumes
40% less than the competitors’, but achieves the same
impulse.

A product with high air velocity and small airflow can have
the same impulse as a product with low air velocity and
large airflow.

Conditions: T = 20 °C =>ρ = 1,2

Competitor (3100 m3/h/m, 8 m/s)

Same impulse
P = Q • DT • ρ • cp = 2 • 3100/3600 • 15 • 1.2 • 1 = approx 31 kW
Desired temperature increase: 15 °C
Room temperature: 20 °C
Frico (1900 m3/h/m, 13 m/s)
Opening width: 2 m
P = Q • DT • ρ • cp = 2 • 1900/3600 • 15 • 1.2 • 1 = approx 19 kW
 Technical handbook

Minimized sound level

Sound is important for indoor comfort. At Frico
we place great importance on the sound levels of
our products. The fans we use together with our
optimized air flow geometry provides a low sound
level.

Air intake on the top

With the air intake placed on the top of the air curtain,
the sound level experienced is minimized because the
walls and ceilings absorb some of the sound before it
spreads.

Turbulence - no thanks
Turbulence inside the air curtain causes higher levels
of sound. In Frico air curtains turbulence is minimized
and the sound level is limited.

Optimized amount of air

The sound level originating from the outlet depends on
the air volume, a greater air volume increases the sound
level. Optimum airflow in combination with the outlet
grille gives a controlled air stream with less air volume
and lower sound level.
Technical handbook
Technical handbook

Sound facts Fundamental concepts

Sound is an important environmental factor, equally
Sound pressure
important as good light, fresh air and ergonomics.
What we usually call the sound level of a product is Pressure develops when pressure waves move, for
actually the sound pressure level. The sound pressure example in the air. The sound pressure is measured in
level includes the distance to the sound source, the Pascals (Pa). To clarify sound pressure a logarithmic
position of the sound source and acoustics of the room. scale is used which is based on the differences between
This means that a silent product is essential, but the the actual sound pressure level and the sound pressure
whole environment needs to be considered to achieve a at the threshold of hearing. The scale has the units
comfortable sound level. decibels (dB(A)), where the threshold of hearing is 0
dB(A) and the threshold of pain is 120 dB(A).
The sound pressure decreases with the distance from
the source and is also affected by the acoustics of the
room.
What is sound?
Sound is caused by air pressure fluctuations that evolve Sound power
when a sound source vibrates. The sound waves that are Sound power is the energy per time unit (Watt), which
produced are condensation and dillusion of air particles the object emits. Just like sound pressure, a logarithmic
without the air in itself moving. A sound wave can have scale in decibels (dB(A)) is used to specify the sound
different velocities in different media. In air the sound power. Sound power is not dependent on the sound
has a velocity of 340 m/s. source nor the acoustics of the room, which therefore
simplifies the comparisons of different objects.
How is sound measured?
Sound level is measured in decibel (dB). The dB is a Frequency
logarithmic unit used to describe a ratio. If the sound A sound source’s periodical oscillation is its frequency.
level is increased by 10 dB, the result is twice as loud Frequency is measured as the number of oscillations
(matematically it is 6 dB, but the way we hear it, it is per second, where one oscillation per second is 1 Hertz
10 dB). (Hz).
It is also useful to know that two equally strong sound
sources give an added sound level of 3 dB. Assume
you have two entrances with two air curtains in each
entrance, all four units with a sound level of 50 dB. The
total sound level will then be 56 dB. The first opening
will have a total sound level of 53 dB plus an extra 3 dB
from the other opening.

Points of reference – dB

0 The softest sound a person can hear

10 Normal breathing
30 Recommended max. level for bedrooms
40 Quiet office, library
50 Large office
60 Normal conversation
80 Ringing telephone
85 Noisy restaurant
110 Shouting in ear
120 The threshold of pain
 Technical handbook

Sound power level and sound pressure level Testing - sound

If the sound source emits a certain sound power level,
the following will affect the sound pressure level:
Our test facility for air and sound is among the most
modern in Europe. We regularly carry out tests
1. Direction factor, Q
and measurements during the development of new
Specifies how the sound is distributed around the sound
products, but also to improve existing products. The
source. See figure below.
measurements are carried out according to the AMCA
and ISO standards.
2. Distance from sound source
This picture shows our acoustic chamber, where we
The distance from the sound source in metres.
measure the sound levels of our products. The acoustic
chamber consists of a sound chamber standing on
3. The rooms equivalent absorption area
powerful springs with a background noise that is lower
The ability for a surface to absorb sound can be
than can be detected by the human ear.
expressed as an absorption factor, α, which has a value
The sound levels of our products are stated for each
between 0 and 1. The value 1 corresponding to a fully
product. Our sound measurements are carried out
absorbing surface and the value 0 to a fully reflective
according to the international standards ISO27327-2
surface. The equivalent absorption area of a room is
and ISO3741. The distance to the product is 5 m,
expressed in m2. This can be calculated by multiplying
directional factor 2 and the equivalent absorption area
the room’s surface area by the surfaces’ absorption
is 200 m².
factor.

With these known factors it is possible to calculate the

sound pressure if the sound power level is known.

Q=4
Q=8

Q=1
Q=2

The distribution of sound around the sound source.

Q=1 Middle of room
Q=2 On wall or roof
Q=4 Between wall and roof
Q=8 In corner
Technical handbook

Energy saving with air curtains

The diagram below illustrates how large energy losses

can be from a door without air curtains as protection.

Conditions:

Large premises
Average yearly temperature 6,5 °C
Annual average wind speed υ10 4 m/s
Opening times 1 hour/day

Losses [MWh/year] Door height [m]

240
8
220

200
180 6

160

140 5

120

100 4

80
3
60

40

20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Energy losses through unprotected doors. Door width [m]
 Technical handbook

Calculation of energy savings

Door height 5
Door width 4
Number of days per week in operation 5 days
Time open during a day 1 hour
Average time open per opening 5 minutes
Dim. indoor temperature 18 °C
Dim. outdoor temperature -18 °C
Average yearly temperature 5 °C
Wind speed 4
Room volume 6400

We will compare energy loss through an open, If we compare the values from the diagram on the
unprotected door with a similar door where air curtains previous page with the diagram below, we can see that
have been installed. The calculation should only be the air curtain eliminates up to 65 % of the air exchange
viewed as an estimate. Calculation of energy savings through the door.
is not an exact science. It is difficult to determine the
impact of cross draughts, building seal, chimney effect, Energy loss, unprotected door: 69 MWh/year
wind speed and direction. But what we can see is that Energy loss, curtain protected door: 24 MWh/year
there will be high energy losses if an opening is left Energy saving: 45 MWh/year
completely unprotected.

Saving [%]

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5 6 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 9,5 10 Door height
[m]
Estimated possible savings (efficiency) in doors of different heights. The
comparison applies to doors protected by an air curtain compared to the
equivalent without protection.

Contact us at Frico for advice

You are very welcome to contact us if you want to
Technical handbook

discuss the requirements for your doors. With some

information from you we can give an estimate of the
possible energy savings. See the following checklist with
useful parameters.

121
Technical handbook

Adjustment
The direction and velocity of the air stream must
be adjusted as follows to obtain optimum function
from the air curtain. If the air velocity is too high,
turbulence will occur which reduces the protective
effect and the comfort inside the door. If velocity
is too low, the barrier does not reach the floor and
cannot protect the opening.

Cold storage and freezer rooms Entrances and doorways

Adjustment can be made using an anemometer. An External influences are greater at entrances and
alternative method is to attach a piece of thin paper on doorways, but an anemometer or simple adjustment tool
a rod. By moving it up and down the doorway it's easy can be used to give an indication that the installation is
to see how the air stream behaves. Start with middle correct. The adjustment tool (or anemometer) is placed
speed and with the minimum unit angled outwards slightly further in than with a cold storage or freezer
towards the hot side. Change to a higher or lower speed room. Initially the angle should be adjusted (5-15°
and try different angles (3 positions - 5, 10, 15 °) so that outward) and then the fan speed adjusted until the
it neither blows inwards or outwards, but it may blow inward air stream is minimal.
slightly towards the warm side.

Tip! There are films showing adjustment

at www.frico.se/adjust.

A small adjustment tool consisting of a simple stand and a free

hanging piece of tissue paper is placed near the door inside the Example of anemometer.
premises.

Correct air velocity Adjustment adapts your installation

The air velocity at dimensioning must be correct for Stresses vary between different installations and
the installation environment and height (see diagram adjustment ensures that the air curtain functions
under Dimensioning, earlier in the handbook). In perfectly in your particular installation.
an installation outside the laboratory environment,
the air velocity at floor level will be affected by wind
loads and pressure differentials. Our dimensioning
recommendations (for air velocity at floor level)
are made to withstand normal wind and pressure
differences in a real environment. It is essential that the Controls take care of the rest
air curtain is correctly adjusted for the specific opening Adjustment is usually carried out once when
and the air velocity then adapted to how the conditions commissioning, if and when the external influences
change over time. change, the controls automatically compensate.
 Technical handbook

Controls Advanced
Advanced is a fully automatic solution for air curtain
operation including all functions from Competent as well
How efficient an air curtain is and how much as further smart functions.
energy can be saved depends to a large part on Advanced also includes the possibility of choosing
the control system. Many factors that affect the air between Eco mode or Comfort mode. Comfort mode
curtain vary over time. The variations can be long prioritises comfort. Eco mode limits the outlet
term, for example seasonal, or more temporary, temperature and the energy consumption can be
for example when the sun goes behind clouds, reduced by up to 35%.
the premises fills with people or when a door is Advanced measures the outdoor temperature allowing
opened. the air curtain to be one step ahead. The fan speed
and temperature are always correct and assure optimal
protection. The colder it is outdoors the higher the fan
speed and vice versa in the summer. The automatic
SIRe Control system control, including the door contact, ensures that the
Most of our air curtains have an integrated air curtain operates when it should; you do not have to
intelligent control, SIRe, which automatically remember to switch it on. Many people forget that the
manages the air curtain operation, both in summer air curtain is also of benefit when it is hot outdoors and
and winter. The control system can optimize either don't switch the curtains on if it is manual, but cooling
comfort, energy saving or a combination of these. air is even more expensive than heating it.
When a water heated unit is controlled the return
SIRe is a smart and well designed, low voltage
water temperature can be restricted. With a sensor on
control system available in three different levels
the return pipe more of the energy in the pipe can be
with different functionalities. utilised and the system that produces the heat - a heat
pump or a district heating system - is significantly more
Basic efficient at a lower return temperature. In many cases
Basic includes basic functions covering manual control you also pay a lower tariff if you can keep the return
of fans and automatic heating with thermostats. temperature down.

Competent BMS
Competent is an automatic solution for daily air curtain The air curtain operation can also be controlled via
operation. an overall control system. The air curtain can receive
The included door contact makes it possible to adapt signals for fans and heating with voltage signal 0–10 V,
operation of the air curtain to whether the door is open but it also possible to control all functions and receive
or closed. If the door is open the air curtain operates all indications via gateway Modbus RTU (RS485).
at high speed. When the door is closed the air curtain Functionality for BMS is in Competent (on/off/fan speed
runs at low speed, but if there is no heating requirement and alarm function) and in Advanced (complete control
the air curtain switches off. The air curtain can also with indication and via gateway).
be integrated with a heating system and be used for
heating. In this way other heating costs can be reduced. Simple installation
From function level Competent and upwards, The different components are supplied together and are
a calendar function is included. For example, by easy to assemble. The system self-checks that everything
reducing the temperature at night and weekends energy is correct and that it functions. Thanks to the preset
savings are possible. Each degree of room temperature default settings it is easy to start air curtain operation as
reduction can save at least 5% of the total heating cost soon as the system is in place.
of the premises inside the door. Read more on the product pages in the catalogue.
It is also possible to choose the functionality between
the air curtain operating best for doors that are always Other controls
open or for doors that are frequently opened and closed. Frico offer a wide selection of control panels, speed
A common error is to turn the temperature up to max controls, door switches and thermostats for our other
when it is cold, which results in over temperature which air curtains. Some of our air curtains have integrated
in turn impacts on comfort and energy consumption. controls. See product pages.
With Competent it is possible to limit the range of room
temperature setting.
Technical handbook
Technical handbook

Valve systems
Water heated units must always be supplemented
with valves. When heating is not required, the valve
restricts the water flow and only a small amount is
allowed through so that there is always hot water in
the heating coil. This is to be able to provide quick
heat supply when a door is opened but also to provide
a degree of frost protection. Without valves the unit
gives off maximum heat energy as long as the fan is
running, which means energy loss.

Select the correct valve system for units

with SIRe

Which valve system should be selected is related to the

level of SIRe control (Basic, Competent or Advanced)
and what information is available about available
pressure and desired output.
In Basic and Competent the valves are controlled on/
off and in Advanced a modulating actuator is used that
controls the valve.
In order to select the correct valve size it is necessary
to know what water flow is desired and what available
pressure the pump in the pipe system can deliver to the
valve. It is often difficult to know the available pressure
and it varies with changes to the system, therefore it
is often advantageous to select a pressure independent
valve that compensates for variable pressure.
Specifications about the Frico valve systems are found
in the Water control chapter. There are diagrams and
tables for valves on our website to help you make a
precise selection.

Valve systems VLSP and VOT are used for SIRe Basic
and Competent. Valve systems VLP and VMT are used
for SIRe Advanced.
 Technical handbook

Valve systems for SIRe Basic and Competent

VLSP, pressure independent valve system on/off

qmax
Two way pressure independent control and adjustment
valve with on/off actuator, shut-off valve and bypass. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DN15/20/25/32. 230V. Controls heat supply on/off. The
valve is pressure independent and ensures that the flow DN15LF 44 71 97 123 148 170 190 210 227 245
to the unit is correct even if the differential pressure in
the rest of the pipe system changes, which contributes DN15 88 150 200 248 295 340 380 420 450 470
to stable and accurate control.
DN20 210 335 460 575 680 780 890 990 1080 1150
Valve size
To select the valve size the water flow must be known DN25 370 610 830 1050 1270 1490 1720 1870 2050 2150
and available pressure must always lie in the range 15 –
350 kPa (DN15/20) and 23 – 350 kPa (DN25/32).
DN32 800 1220 1620 2060 2450 2790 3080 3350 3550 3700
Select the smallest possible valve size that can
achieve the desired flow. A valve setting between 6-8 is qmax = l/h
recommended.
Example of the tables for VLSP, which display the flow for different
In the example in the table a flow of 900 l/h is desired.
settings.
VLSP20 is a suitable choice. If you instead had selected
VLSP25 the valve setting would have been between 3
and 4, which would have given worse characteristics
and an unnecessarily large valve.
The valve will compensate for variations in the pipe
system, so that the desired water flow is maintained.

VOT, three way control valve and actuator on/off If you do not know the available pressure you can
The 3-way control valve controls the water flow make an estimate, for example 10 kPa, and select the
in combination with the actuator. Used when the valve based on that; but if the actual pressure is higher
adjustment, shut off and bypass valves and the than 10 kPa the water flow will be higher than required
differential pressure control are supplied in another and vice versa.
way. Controls heat supply on/off. If a two way valve is
required instead of the 3-way control valve included, the
third valve opening can be easily plugged (not included).
On markets where there are requirements for a
constant return flow (3-way control valve) this is a
suitable choice.
[kPa] [l/h]
Valve size 100 1000 10000

To select the valve size both the water flow and pressure 70 0,7

drop across the valve need to be known. 50 [bar]

40
Select the valve size so that the pressure drop across
the valve provides the required water volume.
In the example in the diagram, a flow of 500 l/h and a
pressure drop of 7.5 kPa is required. VOT15 should be 10 0,1
selected.
25
DN
.5
02

s4
DN
15

Kv
DN

.5
s2
.7
s1

Kv

Technical handbook
Kv

1 0,01
0,01 0,1 1,0
[l/s]

Example of diagram for VOT, which displays the pressure drop for
different flows.
Technical handbook

Valve systems for SIRe Advanced

VLP, pressure independent and modulating valve VLP20 is a suitable choice. If instead you had selected
system VLP25 the valve setting would have been between 3 and
Two way pressure independent control and adjustment 4, which would have given worse circuit characteristics
valve with modulating actuator and shut-off valve. and an unnecessarily large valve.
DN15/20/25/32. 24V. Controls the heat supply steplessly, The valve will compensate for variations in the pipe
modulates and gives the right heating. The actuator is system, so that the desired water flow is maintained.
set to always release a small flow with SIRe Advanced.
The valve is pressure independent and ensures that
the flow to the unit is correct even if the differential
pressure in the rest of the pipe system changes, which
qmax
contributes to stable and accurate control.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Valve size
To select the valve size the water flow must be known DN15LF 44 71 97 123 148 170 190 210 227 245

and available pressure must always lie in the range 15 –

350 kPa (DN15/20) and 23 – 350 kPa (DN25/32). DN15 88 150 200 248 295 340 380 420 450 470
Select the smallest possible valve size that can
achieve the desired flow. A valve setting between 6-8 is DN20 210 335 460 575 680 780 890 990 1080 1150
recommended.
In the example in the table a flow of 900 l/h is desired. DN25 370 610 830 1050 1270 1490 1720 1870 2050 2150

DN32 800 1220 1620 2060 2450 2790 3080 3350 3550 3700

qmax = l/h

Example of the tables for VLP, which display the flow for different
settings.

VMT, three way control valve and modulating For modulated valves it is very important that the
actuator regulating valve is the correct size and has authority
The 3-way control valve controls the water flow over the heating coil to prevent oscillation in the
in combination with the actuator. Used when the radiated heating output.
adjustment and shut off valves and the differential Too large a valve will give a large change in radiated
pressure control are supplied in another way. Controls output even at small adjustments.
the heat supply steplessly, modulates and gives the right Too small a pressure drop across the valve compared
heating. The actuator is set to always release a small to the pressure drop in the coil affects the accuracy
flow with SIRe Advanced. If a two way valve is required of the valve and therefore also increases the risk of
instead of the 3-way control valve included, the third oscillations.
valve opening can be easily plugged (not included).
On markets where there are requirements for a
constant return flow (3-way control valve) this is a
suitable choice. [kPa] [l/h]
100 1000 10000
70 0,7
Valve size 50 [bar]
To select the valve size both water flow and available 40

pressure need to be known.

Select the size of the valve, where the pressure drop
over the valve is at least as large as the pressure drop
over the heating coil. 10 0,1

In the example, if you want a flow of 500 l/h, that is

25

0.14 l/s, the pressure drop must be at least 7.4 kPa (see
DN
.5
0
N2

s4
15

table on previous page). VMT15 is therefore a suitable

D

Kv
DN

.5
s2
.7

choice.
s1

Kv
Kv

1 0,01
0,01 0,1 1,0
[l/s]
Example of diagram for VMT, which displays the pressure drop
for different flows.
 @
Just a click away

Smart tools
Information about all our products can be
found on our website. There are also smart
tools to help find the right product, make
heating calculations and create specification
texts.

Product selection guide

The product selection guide has a basic and an
advanced level. What level is used depends on how
much information is available about the installation.
The product selection program should be used to get
an idea of what products are suitable.

Specification text
Using this tool you can choose accessories for a
selected product, make heating calculations and
receive all the technical data in a specification sheet.

Heating calculations
Heating calculations can also be used as a separate
tool. Calculations can be made in order to easily
compare different water temperatures, fan settings
etc.
Technical handbook

Tables for dimensioning

Basic electrical formulas Dimensioning table for cables and wiring
Amperage Installation wires, Connection wires
Direct current and 3-phase 3-phase alternating open or in conduit Area Continuous Fuse
1-phase alternating alternating current ∆-connection
Area [mm2] Fuse [A] [mm2] current [A] [A]
current at cosϕ=1 current
Y-connection 1,5 10 0,75 6 10
I=U/R=P/U If=I I=If 3 2,5 16 1 10 10
4 20
Voltage 6 25 1,5 16 16
Direct current and 3-phase 3-phase alternating 10 35 2,5 25 20
1-phase alternating alternating current ∆-connection 16 63 4 32 25
current at cosϕ=1 current
25 80 6 40 35
Y-connection
35 100 10 63 63
U=RI U=Uf 3 Uf=U
50 125
Output 70 160
Direct current and 3-phase 3-phase alternating 95 200
1-phase alternating alternating current ∆-connection 120 250
current at cosϕ=1 current
150 250
Y-connection
185 315
P=UI P= 3UIcosϕ P= 3 UI cosϕ
240 315
U = operating voltage in volts: with DC and singlephase 300 400
AC between the two conductors, with 3-phase AC two 400 500
phases (not between phase and zero).
Uf = voltage between phase and zero in a 3-phase cable.
3 ≅ 1.73 Dimensioning table
Current load at different outputs and voltages
I = amperage in ampere
If = amperage in ampere in phase wire Power Voltage [V]

R = resistance in ohm [kW] 127/1 230/1 400/1 230/3 400/3 500/3

P = output in watt 1,0 7,85 4,34 2,50 2,51 1,46 1,16

1,1 8,65 4,78 2,75 2,76 1,59 1,27
1,2 9,45 5,22 3,00 3,02 1,73 1,39
Symbols for model types 1,3 10,2 5,65 3,25 3,27 1,88 1,50
= normal design (no symbol), IPX0 1,4 11,0 6,09 3,50 3,52 2,02 1,62
= drip-proof design, IPX1 1,5 11,8 6,52 3,75 3,77 2,17 1,73
= splash-proof design, IPX4 1,6 12,6 6,96 4,00 4,02 2,31 1,85
= jet-proof design, IPX5 1,7 13,4 7,39 4,25 4,27 2,46 1,96
1,8 14,2 7,83 4,50 4,52 2,60 2,08
1,9 15,0 8,26 4,75 4,78 2,75 2,20
Enclosure classes for electrical materials
2,0 15,8 8,70 5,00 5,03 2,89 2,31
IP, first figure Protection against solid objects 2,2 17,3 9,67 5,50 5,53 3,18 2,54
0 No protection 2,3 18,1 10,0 5,75 5,78 3,32 2,66
1 Protection against solid objects ≥ 50 mm 2,4 18,9 10,4 6,00 6,03 3,47 2,77
2 Protection against solid objects ≥ 12.5 mm 2,6 20,5 11,3 6,50 6,53 3,76 3,01
3 Protection against solid objects ≥ 2.5 mm 2,8 22,0 12,2 7,00 7,03 4,05 3,24
4 Protection against solid objects ≥ 1.0 mm 3,0 23,6 13,0 7,50 7,54 4,34 3,47
5 Protection against dust 3,2 25,2 13,9 8,00 8,04 4,62 3,70
6 Dust-tight 3,4 26,8 14,8 8,50 8,54 4,91 3,93
3,6 28,4 15,7 9,00 9,04 5,20 4,15
IP, second figure Protection against water 3,8 29,9 16,5 9,50 9,55 5,49 4,39
4,0 31,1 17,4 10,0 10,05 5,78 4,62
0 No protection
4,5 35,4 19,6 11,25 11,31 6,50 5,20
1 Protection against vertically dripping water
5,0 39,4 21,7 12,50 12,57 7,23 5,78
2 Protection against dripping water max 15°
5,5 43,3 23,9 13,75 13,82 7,95 6,36
3 Protection against sprinkled water
6,0 47,3 26,1 15,0 15,1 8,67 6,94
4 Protection against spraying with water
6,5 51,2 28,3 16,25 16,3 9,39 7,51
5 Protection against water jets
7,0 55,0 30,4 17,50 17,6 10,1 8,09
6 Protection against heavy seas
7,5 59,0 32,6 18,75 18,8 10,8 8,67
7 Protection against short immersion in water
8,0 63,0 34,8 20,0 20,1 11,6 9,25
8 Protection against the effects of long-term
8,5 67,0 37,0 21,25 21,4 12,3 9,83
immersion in water
9,0 71,0 39,1 22,5 22,6 13,0 10,4
9,5 75,0 41,3 23,75 23,9 13,7 11,0
10,0 78,5 43,5 25,0 25,1 14,5 11,6

At outputs between 0.1 and 1 kW the read off current load is

multiplied by 0.1. At outputs between 10 and 100 kW the read off
current load is multiplied by 10.