Automatic ventilation is feature of refurbishment of listed building at Birmingham University
The refurbishment of the 45-year-old Grade 2 listed metallurgy and materials building at Birmingham University includes a fully automated natural-ventilation system from SE Controls. The system is powered by 24 V DC and comprises 238 chain actuators connected to 44 control units. Working with energy-management specialist Schneider Electric, the automated windows are controlled by signals from internal temperature and CO2 sensors and an external weather station.
This 3-storey building comprises over 14 800 m2 of gross floor space and accommodates teaching rooms, laboratories, offices and storage.
The previous glazing was based on a patent single-glazed system with a ‘lead’ feature. This feature has been replicated in the new design using modern materials, including Schueco profiles designed and supplied by facade specialist Parry Brown.
The window-control system is linked with the heating system so that heat is not provided when windows are open. Manual over-ride is available when rooms are reoccupied; it remains operational for an hour before reverting to automatic.
In the glazed staircase, a high-level bank of automated windows can be opened to allow heat from solar gain to escape. These windows are linked to a rain sensor on the roof and do not have a CO2 sensor.
To cool the internal fabric of the building overnight, windows on the first and second floor can be fully opened if the indoor temperature has exceeded the setpoint during the day and the outside temperature is at least 3 K below the internal temperature.
The weather station offers the most effective use of ventilation according to the direction of the wind and ensures windows are closed when the wind reaches a predetermined speed.
