Passive Approach Offers Efficient Solutions

Published by Angela May for Passivent Ltd in Environment and also in Housing, Local Government

New research is revealing that Passivent’s ventilation systems are potentially the most energy and cost-efficient solutions to ensure a condensation- free and fresh internal environment throughout the life of the building.

The company has already proven in comparison statistics show Passivent iPSV, for example, costs under £1000 to buy and install, with no subsequent expenditure, whilst a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery could cost more than double that to buy, and up to £28,000 over a 60 year lifecycle! The latest data establishes that once installed, the Passivent iPSV uses the least energy of all ventilation strategies, whilst its latest development- Passivent Domestic Mixed Mode- which combines a Passive Stack system with Heat Recovery offers the best heat recovery solution available, by optimising natural ventilation of convection and the venturi effect, switching to heat recovery mode only when temperatures fall below preset levels..

The detail behind the claims, and both strategies, will be outlined on stand 1941 at Ecobuild 2010.

Elaborates Stephen Smith, Passivent Domestic Product Manager,“ Research by the Institute of Energy & Sustainable Development shows that our BBA certified iPSV™ solution provides enhanced performance in ventilation and carbon emissions over mechanical systems. With the imminent Regulatory changes, and growing pressure to build even more energy efficient, airtight homes, it is vital to ensure those homes are properly, but effectively ventilated. It is about balancing the air flow, stopping unnecessary heat loss but ensuring damp air is removed- and still ensuring ‘best value’ over the lifespan of the building.”

Passivent iPSV is a ‘fit and forget’ solution. The system uses NO electricity, power source or fans to function, and has no moving parts to wear out or develop faults over time, requiring maintenance and/or replacement. It works automatically, and silently, by harnessing natural variations in air temperature and pressure- convection and the venturi effect. Moisture-laden air is warmer, so rises due to convection. Strategic ceiling extracts respond to changes in humidity, opening and closing as required to extract the stale, moist air as required and without unnecessary heat loss through ducting to a roof terminal, whilst inlets allow gentle replacement air in without draughts. Wind blowing across the roof enhances extraction (also known as the venturi effect).

The company’s new mixed mode system interlinks the benefits of passive stack ventilation with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, the former functioning most of the time, and the latter being programmed to operate only when temperature falls below preset levels, and then only the restore to internal ambient conditions to within the presets.

Passivent’s range for domestic buildings further includes assisted and mechanical ventilation solutions for single person to multi-occupancy properties, plus a range of background window and through-wall ventilation solutions. Passivent is part of the Building Product Design Group which incorporates Glidevale (roofing and ventilation), Z-Led (damp-proofing solutions), and Kingfisher Louvre Systems (ventilation and solar shading louvre systems), all of which aim to bring to market innovative yet practical products in line with changing requirements.