This system has been developed from research at a leading university centre with specialist expertise in rheology (the science of flows). Modelling the complexity of thermal flows in buildings resulted in a system based on detailed science and engineering, and it has been tested extensively in several buildings, producing reference data.The system comprises:
- Inlets and outlets sited according to a detailed model of the building and the way it is or will be used.
- Heat exchange between outgoing and incoming air, mainly eliminating the substantial energy losses associated with natural ventilation in winter due to heating of the incoming air, which is ultimately vented back to the environment.
- Passive night cooling in summer to minimise overheating.
The major benefits are:
- Very low energy consumption (a small amount of fan assistance).
- CO2 levels in work areas remain below levels recommended in building codes (currently most naturally ventilated buildings achieve less than half the number of recommended air changes for school rooms).
- No cold draughts.
