Passivent supplies fresh air to library facility

A library and archive complex is achieving optimum ambient conditions for both its users and contents, with the help of a ventilation system from Passivent.

Huntingdon Library and Archive Centre, developed by Cambridgeshire County Council brings both facilities under one roof and gives 50 per cent more space than the previous library.

The Passivent natural 'passive stack' utilises the company's latest innovation, iwac, or intelligent window actuator controllers, which are helping the building achieve a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.

The Passivent passive stack concept harness natural air movement - convection, where warm air rises, and the venturi effect where air at higher levels moves more quickly, drawing the internal air out of the building through roof terminals.

Passivent ventilation reduces energy consumption over air conditioned buildings by up to 50 per cent, yield 15 per cent savings on capital costs, 75 per cent savings on maintenance costs, and eliminate the need for a separate plant room.

In one installation the Passivent system is being calculated at reducing energy demand by up to 80 per cent.

At Huntingdon Library, almost 100 LM300 chain window actuators automatically open and close low level windows, singly or synchronized, according to internal air temperature and quality.

This draws fresh air into the central atrium and ensure a constant, comfortable 24C.

Passivent Aircool insulated louvres help transfer the air round the building, with the warm, 'used' air being extracted by high level Passivent Aircool wall units.

In the community room and IT suite, Passivent Airscoops channel wind from any direction down through the units' windward chambers into the building, and exhaust warm, used air out through the leeward chambers, giving continuous gentle movement of air.

The entire system is managed by Passivent's 12 zone temperature and CO2 controller, which enables ventilation throughout the building to be minutely adjusted to attain the optimum internal ambient conditions, and optimise energy efficiency.

Passivent is a founder member of the NatVent EC/EU-funded project co-ordinated by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to develop practical natural ventilation solutions for the commercial sector, and is developing smart solutions to promote adoption of natural ventilation.

The company has contributed to the BSRIA guide BG2/2005 Wind Driven Natural Ventilation Systems, as well as being a member of the DSCF steering committee on ventilation guidance for schools, Building Bulletin 101.

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