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INDUSTRY COMMENT
A smarter approach to natural ventilation
The last two years have put the spotlight on natural ventilation’s role in bringing high-quality, fresh air
indoors. Chief executive of WindowMaster Erik Boyter, explains how modern technology has turned natural
ventilation into a viable option for even large commercial spaces, taking it from a manual, buckshot approach to an automated, accurate one, based on real time data
I
t’s now widely accepted that fresh air helps mitigate a wide range of physical and mental health issues, e.g. by reducing symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome.
Building occupants aren’t the only ones to benefit. Connecting building management systems (BMS) to smart window automation not only leads to better indoor air quality (IAQ), it improves energy efficiency, helping owners save on skyrocketing utility bills.
A successful natural or hybrid ventilation solution, combining the best of both natural and mechanical, really relies on getting the technology right. It’s not all created equal. For optimal operational effectiveness, it’s crucial to get your digital systems right from the outset. Let’s look at what this means in context. A typical approach to automated natural ventilation comprises the BMS, weather station and room sensors to monitor conditions inside and out, a keypad input to the BMS allowing user override, a raise-lower device and a power supply – for each bank of windows. For a single bank, this is relatively simple, but with each additional group of windows, it quickly becomes very complex with a multitude of components, demanding considerable design work, maintenance and devices for monitoring. Then there’s the added challenge of operational tolerances for a traditional 0-10v approach, particularly with many devices across lots of field cabling, which means there is often less accuracy with window positions.
Fortunately, technology has evolved to allow for a level of precision, monitoring and simplicity unattainable with traditional systems. We’re now seeing increased specification of network-based
controllers and power supplies which can handle native BACnet, KNX or Modbus communication, and are compatible with any 24v DC actuators. A single modern controller, such as WindowMaster’s MotorLink, can substitute for 25 individual components, saving cost and design time while delivering performance gains, simplifying the system architecture considerably. Banks of windows and keypads are
wired directly into the controller, which is assigned its own IP address. The controller is in direct communication with the BMS network, using simple percentage position commands to control the groups of windows. Each controller has up to 10 motor outputs, each of which can connect to up to four actuators. The motor outputs then have unique objects for each of their functions, such as auto-positioning according to the BMS logic, based on the room sensors, CO2 levels or temperature. Another common object is maximum position: a set percentage opening, which prevents openings under certain conditions, past a certain limit. With proper programming, these objects will ensure a steady flow of fresh air and effective removal of stale air, while avoiding draughts, unnecessary heat loss and poor efficiency.
It’s important to caveat that in some cases, such as in warmer climates, a hybrid system might be more appropriate to deliver optimal IAQ efficiently. The best solutions are situation specific, taking location, design and purpose into account. What’s clear, though, is pureplay mechanical solutions should not be the first port of call, and the latest technology is now helping to unlock the full potential of natural ventilation.
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Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK) Ltd +44 (0)208 731 3450
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Chief executive of WindowMaster Eric Boyter Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2022 21
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