HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 63
Why ventilation must be integrated earlier
Jason Bennett of indoor climate solutions provider Zehnder Group UK explores why including the consideration of heating and ventilation systems at design stages is the most effective approach, but it’s being overlooked
T
raditionally when designing properties, heating and ventilation systems were seen as two very
separate entities. Factoring in both, along with other essential building systems, can be problematic for architects, and as a result, this has often led to ventilation being a last- minute thought, or overlooked completely. However, in our efforts to build tighter for better energy efficiency and to meet our net zero targets by 2050, ventilation has had to shift to the top of the priority list for every build – and yet it’s still not properly considered, or its potential fully realised.
A ventilation – or air distribution – system shouldn’t just be considered in isolation from the other building systems but integrated to work together and fully complement one another. The evolution of these services within a home means that systems can now be more integrated for energy efficiency and futureproofing – and it is time more thought is given around that at the design stage. Ventilation systems can do more than provide better indoor air quality for occupants inside the dwelling – although that is reason enough for factoring them into building plans. An effective and integrated air distribution system can also assist with the heating and cooling load for the property, and this should be a consideration for any indoor climate strategy.
The initiative towards heat pumps replacing boilers is a key driver in this shift. Heat pumps are now being prioritised to supply heating for the home, but few realise that by using a reversible heat pump, in conjunction with a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) unit and water coil battery, heat output can be greatly increased – and vice versa when cooler
ADF MAY 2024
temperatures are required. As human beings, we naturally generate heat within our homes – through cooking, bathing and general living. This heat warms the air inside our homes but quickly becomes stale and needs to be refreshed. With an MVHR ventilation system this stale air is extracted and filtered. But before leaving the house, the air passes over a heat exchanger which recovers the heat that would otherwise be lost outside. MVHR systems provide ventilation with heat recovery of up to 96%. With an integrated air distribution and reversible heat pump system, this tempered (now filtered) air is passed over the water coil battery containing hot water inside from the heat pump and gains substantially more heat before being supplied into living spaces. These systems have already proven effective across warmer, colder and more humid climes in our European markets.
Then in the summer months when cooler air is required, the MVHR activates its modulating bypass to prioritise the recovery of the cooler air through the system. This provides a comfortable climate all year round as well as clean, fresh, filtered air for better occupant health and wellbeing. And with a reversible heat pump, cold water supply to the water coil can also substantially cool the tempered air into the property.
Integrated systems for overheating problems
An ability to cool as well as heat is essential for futureproofing homes. Our recent summers have already been characterised by extremes in the UK’s climate. Temperature records soared beyond 40°C for the first time and large parts of the country experienced unprecedented discomfort
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
The evolution of these services within a home means that systems can now be more integrated for energy efficiency and futureproofing
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
