1/13/2026
In livestock buildings, the key is not "how many degrees to lower the air temperature," but rather to make the airflow at the height where animals are active more stable and even. Proper airflow organization not only improves human comfort but also helps farms cope with a range of problems such as high temperature and humidity, ammonia odor, and damp bedding. Therefore, more and more farms are adopting HVLS large fans, using a "low speed + large diameter" approach to achieve wide-range, low-energy, and more uniform air circulation.
This article will systematically explain: how to choose different types of housing, how to determine the size and number of units, what pitfalls there are in the installation layout, and why PMSM permanent magnet direct drive is more recommended for agricultural scenarios.
The challenges of aquaculture environments are often multifaceted: heat stress, humidity and condensation, ammonia concentration, dead air zones, and temperature stratification in winter... The value of HVLS large fans lies more in "making the air distribution more uniform".
It can help improve common problems including:
Heat stress risks: High temperatures can affect feed intake, milk production, weight gain, and even reproductive status.
High humidity and condensation: High humidity leads to condensation on walls/roofs, increasing the risk of mold.
Ammonia and odor accumulation: Gases do not disperse easily, resulting in stronger localized irritation.
Damp bedding and slippery floors: Affect hygiene and safety.
Winter thermal stratification: Hot air accumulates at the top, while animals remain at a relatively cooler altitude.
The advantage of HVLS is that it makes the airflow "more comprehensive, more uniform, and more controllable," rather than localized strong blowing. It is especially suitable for scenarios with large spans, high ceilings, and dense animal populations.
Many purchasing mistakes occur because people treat different building types as the same space when selecting fans. It's recommended that you first determine your selection direction using your "building type target".
1) Dairy Barn
Core Objective: Reduce heat stress in dairy cows and improve comfort in feeding areas, lying areas, and waiting areas.
Common Strategies: HVLS (High-Volume Live Scale) is used for overall mixed circulation; hot spots (such as the waiting area) can be reinforced by zoning.
2) Chicken House
Core Objective: Improve air distribution uniformity, help litter dry, and reduce dead zones
Common Strategies: Chicken houses typically rely on a general ventilation system. HVLS (High-Voltage, Low-Voltage, and Low-Voltage) systems are more of a "mixed/reinforced" approach. Whether it's suitable depends on the ventilation path and house type.
3) Pigsty
Core Objective: Improve humidity, odor, and air quality while avoiding cold drafts that could irritate piglets.
Common Strategies: Emphasis is placed on "low speed and gentle airflow + controllability + zoned management".
Conclusion: In pig farms, "the stronger the wind, the better" is not the best approach. Instead, the goal is to achieve appropriate height, appropriate speed, and sufficient uniformity.
Step A: First calculate the "effective coverage area". Eliminate areas obstructed by partitions, dense equipment, and low ceilings. Mark priority areas: feeding line, bed area, waiting area, fattening area, passageways, etc.
Step B: Confirm Floor Height and Obstacle Clearance HVLS installation must ensure safe clearance: Avoid lighting fixtures, trusses, sprinklers, and curtain/roller blind systems. Consider actual usage scenarios such as manure scraping equipment, vehicle access, and maintenance lifts.
Step C: Determine the diameter and number (fewer units with larger diameters are generally recommended). Most aquaculture structures are better suited to fewer units with larger diameters because: More uniform coverage and less turbulence; Easier maintenance and easier zone control; More stable operation and better overall energy consumption control.
More professional suppliers will provide a layout plan, which will give recommendations on diameter, number of units, installation points, and operation based on the length and width of the building, the number of spaces/passages, obstacles, and seasonal strategies.
Different livestock species have different layout priorities, but the general principle is to prioritize covering animal activity areas and avoid dead ends and turbulence.
Dairy barn: Prioritize covering the feeding line and bedding area; heat stress is more pronounced in the milking area, so separate zone control is suitable.
Pig barn: Avoid direct airflow to piglet areas; low speed is more important; zoned/timed control can significantly improve comfort and stability.
Chicken barn: Focus on uniform mixing, reduce dead zones in corners, and help the bedding be drier and more consistent.
Common pitfalls:
Too close to the wall → Uneven coverage, wasted airflow
Insufficient clearance with trusses/lighting fixtures → Turbulence, noise, reduced efficiency
Randomly arranged enclosures without considering animal spaces/aisles → Dead corners remain
Running at maximum speed for extended periods → Animal stress, increased energy consumption, decreased comfort
The aquaculture environment poses more severe challenges to equipment: dust, high humidity, corrosive gases, and long operating times. The motor and transmission structure directly determine the maintenance frequency and reliability.
PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) direct-drive HVLS is gaining popularity in farms due to: Higher efficiency: lower long-term electricity costs; Gearbox-free: fewer wearing parts, less maintenance; More stable low-speed control: gentler airflow, better for animals; Lower noise and vibration: improved comfort for both animals and staff.