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 | | REHAU AWADUKT THERMO PROVIDES OPTIMUM COMFORT CONDITIONS | | | REHAU | | 09/07/2008 | | | REHAU’s AWADUKT Thermo controlled ventilation system is providing the optimum comfort conditions at a specialist new build educational unit for children with severe and complex needs at Nairn Academy in Scotland.
AWADUKT Thermo is a ground to air heat exchanger which uses the natural temperature of the earth to pre-warm or pre-cool filtered air as it is drawn through a network of underground pipes before it enters the building.
The solid walled pipe is made from a specially formulated polypropylene, which incorporates antimicrobial particles within the pipe and acts as a very good heat conductor allowing excellent heat transfer between the ground and the air. Due to the low velocity of air required (max 3m/s), a small electrical fan is all that is required to draw air through the system and into the building via displacement floor grilles.
By using AWADUKT Thermo, it is possible to raise the temperature of air taken into a building by up to 9K in winter and reduce the temperature by up to 14K in summer.
The system was chosen by architects at the Highland Council who wanted a sustainable ventilation solution which was sympathetic to the needs of the unit’s pupils who can be particularly sensitive to their environment.
Chris Little, M&E consultant for the Council said: “Having a passive ventilation system enables us to maintain a comfortable internal environment whilst keeping operating noise generated by the ventilation system to an absolute minimum.
“It also allows for slower air movement which suits this project as high air change rates are not required and, by pre-heating the incoming external air, it reduces the amount of energy consumed by the space heating system during the winter.”
The REHAU AWADUKT Thermo system guarantees that there are none of the cold air draughts associated with passive ventilation and no requirement to open windows and compromise security, safety and noise levels.
Clever use of solar shading and north facing glazing on the 400m2 building means it is not expected to overheat but the architects were reassured by the fact that, as well as providing warmth in winter, AWADUKT Thermo has the capability to deliver fresh, cooled air as required during the summer to maintain a consistent and comfortable internal temperature with minimal energy consumption.
At Nairn Academy, main contractor John A Jack Contracts laid 200mm AWADUKT Thermo pipework in three 30m lengths at 1.5m below ground alongside the new building. 250mm pipework is being used for the two air distribution ducts. All of the pipework is manufactured with an integrated antimicrobial layer made of silver particles to prevent microbial growth which could cause musty smells. | |
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