Passivent adds its expertise to Derby College redevelopment
Natural ventilation for a £43 million regeneration scheme at Derby College is provided by Passivent systems. The Roundhouse campus links revitalised Grade 2 listed buildings originally used for repairing steam locomotives with purpose-built new buildings. The entire 18 000 m2 of teaching and learning space, spread across three floors, benefits from the Passivent ventilation strategy.
The draught-free ventilation strategy is based on the passive stack principle. Air entering the spaces through 30 Aircool wall-mounted internal louvres is warmed and rises, encouraging air to enter the spaces. Transfer units in the ceilings ensure the fresh air is effectively drawn through the entire building. The ‘used’ air is extracted via 18 Airstract terminal units on the roof.
The system is computer controlled to maintain appropriate temperatures and CO2 levels throughout 28 zones. There is a control interface between the ventilation system and the BMS.
The Aircool and transfer units have been acoustically treated to prevent the transfer of noise form one area to another.
The Passivent system can provide overnight cooling when the building is unoccupied.
Passivent natural-ventilation systems reduce energy consumption by up to 50% over air-conditioned buildings. Capital costs are reduced by 15% and maintenance costs by 75%.
