scoop light and air together

Published by Angela May for Glidevale Ltd in Housing and also in Local Government

An innovative solution to optimising both natural light and ventilation without ANY energy consumption- natural or artificial- is being unveiled by Glidevale Ltd for domestic and commercial applications.

Glidevale Combined Sunscoop and Ventilation Unit brings together the established successful Sunscoop tubular rooflight technology with demand controlled, humidity sensitive ventilation, and uses neither electricity nor solar power to ensure a dry, odour-free internal environment is maintained, 24/7 365 days a year.

The 250mm diameter Sunscoop roof-mounted glazed dome reflects daylight down a highly reflective tube through the roofspace/ceiling into the room below. Ventilation is achieved via innovative nylon bands within the ceiling diffuser which react to changes in humidity in the room, and harness natural air movement and bouyancy principles, regulating air flow out through separate ducting adjacent to the Sunscoop tubing.

The system thus enables the amount of daylight within to be optimised and as the ‘passive stack’ ventilation operates only as humidity increases, there is no unnecessary ventilation and heat loss. Constant condensation control is ensured, minimising risk of damp and mould harming both the building fabric and occupant health.

Research by the SILSOE Institute shows the 250mm dia Sunscoop yields up to four times more light than a standard single 60W bulb. Sunscoop is also recognised by BREEAM as a positive contributor towards credits in reducing energy consumption.

Tests by the Building Research Establishment have shown the ventilation system gives a 15-40% saving in ventilation heat loss, whilst thermal modelling by de Montford University has proven it operates effectively even in summer months, internal bathrooms and ‘very airtight’ dwellings.

The unit has no mechanical elements to go wrong or require maintenance, and functions without any occupier input. It is also completely silent in operation with no noisy fans, yet provides ventilation in accordance with Approved Document F.

Neil Rideout, Glidevale Technical Director, observes, “Our new combined light and ventilation unit brings benefits for everyone- be it during the build process or after. It is easy to install, and needs no electrical connections or wiring. It uses no electricity to operate, and has minimal maintenance. The separate glazing on the roof and ventilation terminal enable a choice of either dome or in-line Sunscoop , along with optimum siting for daylight. The ventilation terminal, which may well need to be sited in a different position to maximise natural forces or wind and buoyancy can also be achieved. It ensures the bathroom, kitchen, toilet or poorly lit areas remains as bright, fresh and dry as possible, without any involvement from the occupant. It’s a win: win solution!”

Glidevale is part of the Building Product Design Group, and specializes in developing innovative yet practical roofing and ventilation products designed to meet changing requirements.
ENDS