Air curtains, also known as air doors, are an increasingly popular option for businesses who use them to preserve indoor climate control efforts or to prevent unwanted airborne particles from entering the building. Yet despite the convenience and robust operational abilities they offer, these are not exactly modern inventions. In fact, the basic idea for the air curtain has been around for more than a century, and they even saw some use in the early 1900s. Where did this technology ultimately come from, and how has it developed over the years? Take a moment to answer those questions with a quick look at the history behind air door development.
The air curtain’s origin story
You’re probably already familiar with another invention by the originator of air curtains: the revolving door. Theophilus van Kennel, an inventor from Philadelphia, found great success with the revolving door yet continued to envision new and better ways to prevent dust and air from the outdoors from getting inside. In 1904, he patented his “Means for Excluding Drafts from Open Doorways,” the original document describing an air curtain. Its design is remarkably similar to what businesses use today, a testament to the thoroughness of his engineering skill. However, he didn’t create any production models for another eight years, and adoption was slow to take place due to energy requirements and inefficiencies.
A maturing technology grows
Air curtains began to grow as a viable technology in the post-World War II era thanks to renewed interest among businesses in Europe. They offered both an easy way to keep hot or cold air outside while also offering patrons the inviting sight of an open door. Advances in air door design would lead to improved efficiency as well as the development of heated air curtains for use during the winter. However, their primary usage remained largely in the realm of cold storage, protecting large refrigerators from sudden temperature spikes due to open doors.
Air curtains today
Ultimately, these dual purposes evolved into the air curtains we know today. Now, not only are they highly efficient, but they also feature advanced engineering that makes them relatively maintenance-free. Air curtains now find use in restaurants, office buildings, warehouses, and of course, walk-in freezers and fridges. As a more cost-effective alternative to building out a vestibule for a building that can also function in smaller spaces, it’s easy to see why they have finally found success. With these changes, many have enjoyed the benefits that van Kennel could only imagine more than a century ago.
Since the initial development of this technology, the devices it enabled have undergone a dramatic evolution. Once sidelined and largely forgotten in favor of other solutions, air curtains have undergone a renaissance and now enjoy broad popularity in wide-reaching applications. From restaurants and warehouses to office buildings and more, the energy-saving, comfort-creating features of air curtains deliver a better experience overall. Are you interested in investigating the potential applications of this technology in your building? Contact Air Door Distributors today.
