SE Controls monitors and controls natural ventilation in school science block
SE Controls has provided the monitoring and control solution for the natural-ventilation system of the new £2 million science centre of Moreton Hall School in Oswestry. The NVLogiQ system maintains air quality in classrooms, while providing a stimulating and comfortable environment for pupils.
This independent school was founded over a hundred years ago and provides education for girls aged 3 to 18 and boys from 3 to 11.
The new 2-storey science building was designed by architect Baart Harries Newall of Shrewsbury, which was keen to ensure that its indoor air quality was maintained within national standards and energy consumption minimised. SE Controls worked with the architects and main contractor Jones Brothers Weston Rhyn to develop an assisted natural-ventilation solution.
The NVLogiQ room controllers constantly monitor CO2, air temperature and relative humidity in each classroom. External sensors monitor outside temperature, wind and rain. Each NVLogiQ unit incorporates a data logger for recording and analysing all key aspects of the room environment.
The modelling and control algorithm was developed with Loughborough University’s School of Civil & Building Engineering.
18 twin-chain compact actuators control automatic opening of windows and small cross-flow fans in each laboratory.
As CO2 levels increase in a laboratory, the windows are opened incrementally to admit fresh air. At the same time small dampers on the wall opposite windows are opened, and the low-energy fans drawn air from the room to stimulate the cross flow of air.
Dr Chris Iddon, design manager with SE, said, ‘Post-occupancy monitoring of the Moreton Hall classroom environment has shown excellent indoor air quality, proving that the design is an example of how having a clearly defined, controlled and executed ventilation strategy can maintain a high quality and stimulating classroom environment for students. Using NVLogiQ enables excellent on-demand ventilation whilst minimising heating-energy demand.’
