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PhD, supported by Nuaire, awarded for study on MVHR in low-carbon housing


Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is delighted to announce that Faisal Farooq, which the company has sponsored, has been awarded a PhD for his research work on designing ventilation systems for low-carbon housing in Wales.


Faisal’s PhD thesis - ‘MVHR system evaluation based on ventilation effectiveness and human comfort in bedrooms


of low-carbon UK dwellings’ – took a case study approach to investigate the current practice of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), and the impact on ventilation effectiveness and comfort in sleeping environments. Both case studies were social housing developments in South Wales, and the MVHR systems (MRXBOXAB-ECO2) were supplied by Nuaire who also part sponsored Faisal’s PhD. Colin Biggs, Technical Director at Nuaire, acted as Faisal’s ‘industrial’ supervisor, providing technical advice and support. The results from the study have been informative. Amongst its findings is that the proper mixing and effective delivery of fresh outdoor air is achievable as long as a distance of 600mm (on plan) is kept between the supply vent and door undercut; and that thermal


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discomfort is unlikely to occur even in worst-case scenarios. The thesis highlights the need for stricter procedures to ensure that compliance with building regulations is met, and provides recommendations for good practice for MVHR designers, installers, and manufacturers to ensure adequate provision of ventilation and minimum disruption by noise and draught in sleeping environments.


“The research was conceived during COVID-19 lockdown when people spent most of their time indoors, and consequently became more sensitive to their indoor environment” comments Faisal. “Hence finding solutions for occupant health and comfort was a step in the right direction. I was lucky to have Colin, my industrial supervisor at Nuaire, who shared this vision, and with his guidance and support was able to bring the research to a successful completion.”


The PhD was conducted at Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture and funded by Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship (KESS).


From large commercial Air Handling Units through to MVHR units, Nuaire has been delivering clean air solutions for over 50 years from its premises in Caerphilly, South Wales. Designed for residential properties, its MRXBOX MVHR range combines supply and extract ventilation in a single system. Moisture-laden, stale air is extracted from ‘wet’ areas, and the heat recovered via a heat exchanger and transferred to incoming air which is delivered into the living areas of the home. MRXBOX recovers heat with up to 95% efficiency, making it highly effective.


 www.nuaire.co.uk/residential/heat-recovery-mvhr ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Summer 2025 17


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