Big Ass Fans for LEED Credits
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Photo: Big Ass Fans
Not only does Kentucky-based manufacturer Big Ass Fans have one of my favorite company names, but they also produce an innovative product that can significantly contribute to LEED certification.
Big Ass products range in diameter from 6′ to a whopping 24′ (pictured in this post) and can circulate a huge amount of with very little energy comsumption. The 20′ diameter model only consumes about 1300 kwh per year and has an amazingly huge displacement of more than 240,000 CFM.
From a LEED perspective, the fans can contribute to EA, EQ, and ID credits, as they did in the world’s first LEED platinum airport hangar at Bob Hope International airport in Burbank, CA. Seven of the 24′ Powerfoil Plus models were installed in the facility.
According to BAF, there are also a few ancillary benefits to having the fans in the hangar. When aircraft return from flight they tend to be covered in condensation, causing corrosion and wet floors. The fans help attenuate these problems by drying the aircraft quickly and also discourage birds from entering the hangar.
I recently spotted a Big Ass fan in a Dominican Republic airport terminal. Please report any Big Ass (fan) sightings you have had.
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2 Comments
February 25th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Awesome article and awesome fan!
February 26th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
*Disclaimer: I am a Big Ass Fans Engineer
Thanks for the shout out Andrew! Big Ass Fans has actually been a part of several LEED Platinum projects, including the Smog Shoppe(www.smogshoppe.com) in L.A.
In fact, we have several LEED® AP’s, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and a High Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) available to answer any questions and provide project and design assistance. Just give us a call if you’re interested.