The fact that buildings are the biggest energy users in the world of sustainability means that just keeping the doors closed is not enough, it is the exterior door speed that that will make a huge difference. High speed doors are able to make a huge difference to the usage and energy generated. Most buildings can be considered as small towns with an appetite for energy. The processes that are carried out in them can be compared to manufacturing sites that consume the largest amounts of energy.
It was in the 1960s that a Swedish company began searching for a solution regarding drafts between different production areas when individuals or vehicles entered and exited. Flexible doors were constructed from wire gauze sheets that could open by rolling them onto a cylinder. Using a unique balancing system that was quiet and stable, the doors were constructed to open and close quickly. This resulted in the birth of the first high-speed roller door. The ”RapidRoll” industrial doors were established driven by market demand in the mid-1970s.
The doors of any industrial building are vitally important. Wind speeds, outside and inside temperature variations and differences in outdoor and indoor air pressure are the main factors in the amount of air flowing through open entrances. Tremendous amounts of energy are wasted when doors are left wide open and this usually leads to unwanted incoming noise, exhaust fumes or drafts. Similarly, the traffic flow of people and vehicles is often impeded by doors that operate inefficiently and this may pose a potential hygiene or safety hazard.
In this age of energy consciousness and technology, the simple and ancient door was due for improvement. This would include reducing air leakage, better insulation, gaps between the door and frame and improving the automatic closing and opening. Systems that prevented the mixing of indoor and outdoor air across the opening and faster door opening technology were required.
Due to improvements we are able to make use of a variety of high-speed industrial doors. These can be used as to divide areas that require different temperatures, partition indoor areas to stop drafts or for outer doors that have to be opened often. These door types are used in parking garages, supermarkets, facilities that process foods, fire stations, airports, pharmaceutical plants, equipment protection, heavy industry and storage. This style of door system is responsible for reduced energy consumption, better working environment, greater efficiency of movement of equipment and people in the workplace, reliable operation, improved safety and faster opening and closing.
High speed doors are found to be mostly used on doorways that require 75 to 100 cycles per day. These doors meet this demand by demonstrating superior overall energy efficiency in high-cycle door operation in buildings. Door panel insulation is not a factor because the doorways are opened frequently. Waiting time for vehicles at entrances is also rapidly reduced and enhances crucial efficiency. Scientific research has proven that a faster closing door is much more energy efficient than an insulated door. High speed doors are fast becoming a relevant tool for energy management in the building industry.