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NOVEMBER 07 - EXTRACT INCREASED CONTROL OVER VENTILATION

New ventilation options that are claimed to be more advanced than any other of their type on the market, and which minimise energy consumption, are being launched by Passivent Ltd.

The company, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic and commercial natural ventilation systems, has increased its product range in response to changing demands for energy-efficiency, so keeping costs and carbon emissions down.

Passivent has launched two new continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) systems, at the heart of both is a low-wattage central extract DC fan - using less energy than an AC fan, energy costs are kept to a minimum.

Passivent MEV is a system that comprises of extracts sited in ‘wet’ rooms, linked by ducting to a continuously-running central extract fan. Warm, damp air is extracted from the house and exhausted to outside, maintaining a pleasant indoor atmosphere, free of condensation.

The fan is commissioned to extract at a prescribed level in compliance with the Building Regulations. Extraction can be boosted by a control switch, which shows the occupier, via an LED display, the stepped boost at which the fan is operating.

The display clearly shows the occupier the level at which the fan is operating, how much more it could be boosted, giving them greater control over their environment.

It has been independently tested by the BRE, and is SAP Appendix Q compliant; it will help the building achieve an improved energy rating.

It is a very quiet system, producing none of the noise associated with intermittent fans in bathrooms or kitchens.

In addition, Passivent has also developed an automatically controlled MEV system. iMEV - the 'i' standing for both innovative and intelligent - integrates ‘intelligent’ extracts and an ‘intelligent’ fan within a central extract system for the building, be it an individual house or multi-occupancy building such as student accommodation, nursing homes and hotels.

The extracts open and close in response to varying humidity levels. The central fan is constantly monitoring the extracted air and as it detects the humidity content is more than a pre-set level, it boosts the extraction rate. As the extract will be open only in a room with a high level of humidity, boosted extraction will only take place in that room. Other systems would extract from all the ‘wet’ rooms in the house, which removes warm air from a room unnecessarily.

The system works without any occupier input, and ensures the interior remains fresh, dry and odour- and condensation-free 24/7, even when the building is unoccupied.

Mike Massey, Passivent Domestic Technical Manager, elaborates, “When the windows and mirrors are steaming up or running with condensation, we know we need to increase ventilation, but 99% of the time do we really know when humidity levels are increasing and ventilation is required? And do we always remember to turn on AND off extract fans, or even want to, with the noise they can generate? Passivent iMEV removes those pressures on us, allowing the residents to get on and enjoy life, in an energy-efficient way.”

Passivent is the only natural ventilation supplier to offer independent BBA certification across its range, proven in use for over 20 years. In addition to its mechanical extract ventilation systems, it also supplies ‘whole house’ natural ventilation solutions and a comprehensive range of background trickle ventilators, the Fresh range of through wall ventilators, with or without acoustic options - all of which contribute towards efficient ventilation of the home with little or no energy consumption.

Passivent is part of the Building Product Design Group, which specialises in developing innovative yet practical ventilation and roofing products in line with changing market requirements.

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