Jet Fans for Car Park Ventilation: The Modern, Ducted-Free Solution

Rethinking Basement & Car Park Ventilation with Jet Fans

Traditional car park ventilation systems relied on extensive, bulky ductwork to remove harmful carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke. These systems were costly, difficult to install, and consumed valuable ceiling space. Today, the jet fan ventilation system has revolutionized how we keep underground spaces safe.

A jet fan, also known as an impulse fan, is a high-velocity fan that creates a "jet" of air. Instead of pulling air into ducts, these fans use the principle of induction. They strategically "push" the air in the desired direction, creating a bulk movement of air towards the main extraction points. This eliminates the need for most, if not all, of the ductwork.

How Does a Jet Fan Work in a Car Park?

Imagine an underground car park. Stale air and vehicle exhaust can create hazardous pockets. A jet fan system works by:

• Induction: A series of jet fans are installed across the ceiling. Each jet fan moves a small amount of air at high velocity. This jet stream entrains or "induces" the large volume of surrounding air to move along with it.
• Directional Flow: By placing the fans strategically, engineers create a continuous, controlled airflow path across the entire car park level.
• Extraction: The air is directed towards large, primary car park exhaust fan locations, where it is safely removed from the building.

This method is highly effective for both day-to-day pollution control and emergency car park smoke ventilation.

The Advantages of a Jet Fan System

Why are developers and engineers increasingly specifying jet fans for car park ventilation?

• Space Saving: No ductwork means higher ceiling clearance, a cleaner aesthetic, and easier installation of other services.
• Energy Efficiency: Jet fans only run when needed, thanks to CO sensors and fire detection systems linked to a jet fan control panel.
• Enhanced Safety: A jet fan provides more effective smoke control during a fire, keeping smoke clear of escape routes. The jet fan design and thrust calculation are critical for this and must comply with standards like ASHRAE car park ventilation guidelines.
• Cost-Effective: Lower installation and material costs make the jet fan price highly competitive compared to fully ducted systems.