Large structures such as warehouses, distribution facilities, and manufacturing complexes present unique design challenges when it comes to developing heating system concepts. These buildings not only cover large areas, but they tend to be high-bay structures and have the potential for many overhead doors at the perimeter. Fixed equipment such as machine tools and conveyors can get in the way of heating distribution systems, and dirt, grime, and vehicle fumes can complicate the operation as well as the ventilation aspects of the proposed systems.
URS Corporation has been fortunate to be involved with evaluating the relative merits of different approaches to heating and ventilating such facilities at a number of geographic locations across the United States. Two of the most common approaches include the use of low-intensity infrared heaters coupled with exhaust fans and the use of direct-fired pressurization units.