The Ultimate Guide to Industrial Roof Ventilation in Malaysia
In Malaysia's tropical climate, where ambient temperatures frequently exceed 32°C, heat accumulation inside factories and warehouses is a critical operational challenge. "Trapped Heat" not only lowers worker productivity but can also damage sensitive equipment and raw materials.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand how industrial roof ventilation works, the different types of ventilators available, and how to choose the right solution for your facility.
What is Industrial Roof Ventilation?
Industrial Roof Ventilation is the passive or active process of removing hot, stale air from the interior of a building and replacing it with cooler fresh air from the outside. In Malaysia, this is commonly achieved using Turbine Ventilators (wind-driven) or Exhaust Fans (powered), which utilize the "Stack Effect" to naturally lift hot air out through the roof, reducing indoor temperatures by 3°C to 5°C.
Why Ventilation is Non-Negotiable in Malaysia
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) guidelines suggest that effective air movement is essential for maintaining acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Without proper ventilation:
- Heat Stress: Indoor temperatures can rise 5-10°C higher than outdoors due to solar radiation on metal decks.
- Humidity Buildup: Stagnant air leads to condensation, rusting steel structures and damaging inventory.
- Toxic Fumes: Manufacturing processes release fumes that must be extracted to ensure worker safety.
Types of Roof Ventilators: A Comparison
Choosing the right ventilator depends on your factory's height, heat load, and budget. Here is a comparison of the three most common systems used in Malaysia:
| Feature | Passive Turbine Ventilator | Electric Exhaust Fan | Hybrid Solar Ventilator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Wind & Thermal Buoyancy | Electricity (Grid) | Solar + Wind |
| Operating Cost | RM 0 (Free) | High | Low / Free |
| Airflow (CFM) | Low - Medium (Variable) | High (Constant) | Medium - High |
| Rain Usage | Works in rain | Works in rain | Works in rain |
| Maintenance | Low (Bearings only) | Medium (Motors/Belts) | Low |
| Best For | Warehouses, Storage | Production Lines, Welding | Eco-Green Factories |
1. Passive Turbine Ventilators (The Standard)
These are the onion-shaped spinning vents you see on most factories in Klang and Shah Alam.
- Pros: Zero electricity cost, 24/7 operation, silent.
- Cons: Depends on wind speed; less effective on visibly still days.
2. Industrial Exhaust Fans (The Powerhouse)
Large powered fans (usually 50") installed on the wall or roof.
- Pros: Guaranteed airflow regardless of weather.
- Cons: High electricity bill, noise, wiring required.
3. Hybrid Solar Ventilators (The Innovator)
A new technology that combines a passive turbine with a solar-powered motor to boost extraction speed during hot, sunny days.
How Many Ventilators Do You Need? (Calculation)
A common mistake is installing too few ventilators. To calculate the required number, we use the Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) method.
Formula:
Number of Ventilators = (Volume of Factory × Target ACH) / Ventilator Capacity
- Warehouse Target ACH: 4 - 6 changes/hour
- Manufacturing Target ACH: 10 - 15 changes/hour
Example:
For a 10,000 sqft warehouse with 20ft height (Volume = 200,000 cu.ft) needing 6 air changes:
- Total Airflow Needed = 1,200,000 cu.ft/hour = 20,000 CFM.
- If one 24" Turbine removes ~2,500 CFM (at 8km/h wind):
- You need approximately 8 - 10 Units.