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JUNE 08 - PASSIVELY ADDING TO THE MIX OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY...

Ahead of new legislation coming into force that requires commercial and public buildings to be energy rated like electrical appliances, Passivent has developed a solution that ‘ticks all the boxes...

In a phased introduction, from April 2008 all commercial buildings being built, sold or rented must by law have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), with all public buildings having to display one by the end of the year. Certificate classes range from A to G, with A being the most efficient for both energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Passivent’s innovative mixed mode cooling system has been proven in ‘real life’ to achieve Class A, with the added benefits of saving almost half the energy used by traditional mechanical ventilation, reduced plant capital and maintenance costs, improved indoor air quality and occupant performance, and greater useable floor space.

Developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi Electric, the Passivent mixed mode system combines natural ventilation and comfort cooling in offices, shopping centres, schools and hospitals where there may be high internal heat gains and high expected levels of comfort.

Warm air naturally rises, creating a flow of cooler air into the space. The Passivent system controls that natural physical principle, using minimal energy, purely to regulate the flow. By drawing outside air into the building, the building is cooled 24/7, keeping internal temperatures comfortable when occupied, and removing unwanted heat when the building is empty. An Intelligent Controller constantly monitors internal temperatures, and air quality; when they vary outside preset levels, in exceptionally hot or cold weather, the controller triggers operation of the Mitsubishi air conditioning unit, purely to restore the preset internal temperature and CO2 levels.

Studies have shown that energy consumption over traditional mechanical ventilation is reduced by 41%. Because the building is primarily aired naturally, incidence of sick building syndrome is reduced, thus improving occupant performance. There is a reduced requirement for plant space, optimising useable floor space.

The system can be retro-fitted as well as incorporated into new build schemes, and can adapt to the building’s changing use over time. Passivent and Mitsubishi have both retro-fitted the mixed mode system within their office headquarters, and yielded a reduction in energy bills of over 40% as a result.

Wayne Aston, Passivent Commercial Technical Manager, comments, “Already, 50% of CO2 emissions in the UK derive from buildings, and heating and cooling can account for more than 50% of a commercial building’s energy consumption. A well controlled and energy efficient ventilation system is therefore a prerequisite for low energy consumption and a reduction of CO2 emissions, especially if it additionally helps ‘future proof’ the building.”

Passivent is a founder member of the NatVent EC-EU-funded project co-ordinated by the Building Research establishment to develop practical natural ventilation solutions for the commercial sector, and is a committee member of CIBSE’s natural ventilation group and has participated in relevant natural ventilation guidance documentation.

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