An air curtain or air door is an assembly of many parts and components that use a consistent stream of air to create a virtual barrier.
To understand how these systems work, it is critical to know the various parts of air curtains. That is exactly what we will focus on here:
What is an Air Curtain?
An air curtain or air door is a unique ventilation system that creates an invisible barrier using a steady stream of air flowing at high and steady velocity.
You will find this invisible barrier across doors or special openings.
Its main purpose is to prevent air or dirt from entering space. Additionally, with the invisible barriers, it plays an effective role in conserving energy.
Main Components of Air Curtain
1. Housing
The housing of an air curtain, also known as the casing. It is the outer shell that ensures the other internal parts are enclosed and protected from external damage.
Air curtain housing is usually made from either metal or durable plastics that are long-lasting.
2. Blower Fan or Motor Assembly
This is part of an air curtain that draws in ambient air and later pushes it through the system at high velocity.
3. Air Inlet
Air inlets are a major component of the air curtain. It is where air is drawn into the unit before being accelerated and expelled downwards across a doorway.
Its main purpose is to serve as an entry point for ambient air that is later processed by internal components, such as a fan and heater.
Lastly, it ensures that air is distributed evenly, thus promoting efficient and consistent flow.
4. Air Filter
An air filter in an air curtain removes unwanted particles such as dust, bacteria, among others, from the air which passes through it.
It plays a major role in protecting the equipment and improving the air quality, thus promoting good health and safety.
5. Air Outlet Nozzle
This part of the air curtain helps to control how air is discharged across a doorway or any openings.
Air outlet nozzle directs the high velocity air stream downwards to create an invisible air barrier.
6. Heating Element
The heating element is a part of the air curtain that warms the outgoing air just before it is blown across an opening.
Heating element plays a major role in preventing condensation from taking place in a humid environment and helps lessen cold drafts in winter.
7. Control Panel Switch
The control panel switch of an air curtain allows you to operate and adjust any functioning units.
Secondly, it can either have a manual or automatic control, such as power on and power off.
8. Mounting Brackets
The mounting bracket is a support system for the entire air curtain. In most cases, you will find mounting brackets made from either steel or aluminum. They should be strong enough to handle the weight of the air curtain.
Additionally, it also plays a major role in ensuring the air curtains are secured to the wall, ceiling, or any door frame above any openings.
9. Sensor
Sensor, also known as the door switch, enables the air curtain to be switched on or off when the door opens or closes.
The sensor or the door switch can be installed on the door or the frame. It can detect when the door opens or closes by the use of physical contact or a magnetic field.
Apart from these major parts of air curtain, let’s summarize the remaining parts in the table below:
| Air Curtain Component | Function |
| Fan impeller wheel | · Helps move air |
| Internal baffles | · Stabilizes turbulent air in the fan system, thereby producing sheet of air at the outline |
| Variable speed controller | · It adjusts the fan speed thereby optimizing the effectiveness of the barrier |
| Louvers/Grille | · It fine tunes the angle of the air stream |
Conclusion
Every part in an air curtain plays an integral role in ensuring efficient air flow. They ensure these ventilation systems work according to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1.
If you are looking for a trusted air door supplier in China, Aosun is your trusted partner.
FAQs
What is the function of air curtain?
They are virtual barriers that prevent contaminants, debris, flying insects, or air from moving from one space to another.
What are the different types of air curtains?
You can choose either recirculating and non-recirculating air curtains.
Can air curtain operate continuously?
You can operate air doors continuously however, they have settings that control the duration they can operate.
What materials are usually used for the casing of an air curtain?
The casing is usually made of galvanized steel plate, stainless steel or high-strength plastics.Metal casings are resistant to impact and corrosion.Plastic casing is lightweight and have low cost, which is suitable for small or household models.You should consider the usage environment when you are choosing.
What types of heating elements are there for the air curtain?
The common heating elements include stainless steel heating tubes, nickel-chromium alloy electric heating tubes, and PTC ceramic sheets. Among them, PTC ceramic sheets are the most widely used in electric heating air curtains. However, after the heating function is activated, the power consumption will significantly increase. It is recommended that you only use it in winter.
Can the outlet nozzle of the air curtain be adjusted in angle?
Yes. For most models, the air outlet deflector blades can be adjusted manually or electrically to change their angle. It is recommended to tilt them outward by 5 to 15 degrees to make the air curtain more effective in blocking external air flow. After installation, you should debug on site to ensure that the airflow sprays towards the center line of the door for the best effect.
Is the sensor of the air curtain infrared or a door magnetic switch?
Most are door magnetic switches.Door magnetic switches are low-cost and reliable. Infrared sensing is sensitive but may trigger falsely. Some models will also be equipped with both types of sensors to improve accuracy.
How to determine if the filter of an air curtain needs cleaning?
If the air output significantly decreases, the noise increases, or when placing your hand at the outlet, you feel uneven air speed, the filter may be clogged. Generally, observe it once every 1-3 months. If there is obvious accumulation of dust or the color becomes black, use a vacuum cleaner to clean it. Severe clogging will cause the fan load to increase.
What is the function of the inner guide plate in the air curtain?
The function of the guide plate is to convert the high-speed turbulence generated by the fan into a uniform laminar flow, so that the outlet flow presents a stable form. Without the guide plate, the airflow may be biased to one side or form eddies, which greatly reduces its barrier effect.
How much electricity can the frequency converter save?
The frequency converter can adjust the speed of the fan, allowing the air curtain to operate at a low speed when there is a low number of people or a small temperature difference. Compared to fixed-speed models, it can save approximately 30% to 50% of electricity annually. At the same time, it can also reduce noise.
