What power does an inflatable building require?
The power requirements of an inflatable building will vary according to the size of the structure and the equipment installed within it.
Inflation System
The main power demand for an inflatable building comes from the inflation system. The inflation system consists of blowers or fans that maintain the internal air pressure required to keep the structure inflated. Although our inflatable buildings are typically used to create temporary and portable work environments, it is possible to leave our structures up for many months, with the fans / blowers running continuously.
The power consumption of the inflation system will depend on the size and type of the building.
Constant Air Inflatable Buildings
Our constant air inflatable buildings are inflated using fans / blowers which continuously supply air to keep the air beams pressurised and the structure inflated. For a constant air building, if the power supply to the blowers fail, the air beams will gradually lose pressure and the tent will slowly sink to the ground
The fans / blowers are available in 110V-230V and 50Hz-60Hz options.
Constant air Fast Tents up to 10m wide require one 1.5hp fan for each 5m long tent module.
Constant air Fast Tents over 10m wide require two 1.5hp fans for each 5m long tent module.
Each fan should be connected to a 15amp dedicated circuit. The purpose of dedicated circuits is to guarantee that, when the appliance requires a substantial amount of energy, it can operate efficiently without causing an overload in your system.
For a constant air tent, where the blowers constantly maintain air pressure, a 1.5hp /
2kW fan will use about 30 pence / 37 cents of electricity per hour
The fans / blowers should be located within 15m (50’) of the power source. Extension cords / cables must be of the heavy duty / commercial type. If the Inflatable must be placed more than 50′ from a power source, It may be necessary to use a generator.
Sealed Air Inflatable Buildings
Our sealed air inflatable buildings, once inflated, do not require constant air. These fans switch off when the tent has reached the correct pressure. They then monitors the pressure of the inflatable building and switch on automatically to top up the pressure when required. Sealed air fans are available in 110V and 220V variations.
Lighting & Electrical Equipment
If the inflatable building is equipped with lighting, heating, air conditioning, sound systems, or other electrical equipment, these components will contribute to the overall power requirements. The specific power needs will depend on the type and quantity of equipment installed.
Heating & Cooling Systems
Inflatable buildings may require heating or cooling systems. The power requirements for these systems will vary based on factors such as the type of heating / colling system being used and the size of the inflatable building.
Generator Compatibility
In situations where a reliable grid power source is unavailable or impractical, inflatable buildings may be designed to be compatible with generators. This allows for flexibility in various settings, such as outdoor events or construction sites.
For 1.5hp fans:
1x 1.5hp Fan = 2.8 kva Generator
2x 1.5hp Fan = 4.3 kva Generator
3x 1.5hp Fan = 5.8 kva Generator
4x 1.5hp Fan = 7.6 kva Generator
For 2.0hp fans:
1x 2.0hp Fan = 3.2 kva Generator
2x 2.0hp Fan = 5.5 kva Generator
3x 2.0hp Fan = 7.9 kva Generator
4x 2.0hp Fan = 10.8 kva Generator
It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific fan / blower and guidelines for the specific inflatable building in question. Manufacturers typically provide information on the recommended power supply, including voltage, amperage, and any other considerations.
