Newcastle Schools Demand "Sentinel" Fresh Air From Vent-Axia

Through the multi-billion pound Building Schools for the Future (BSF) investment programme, Vent-Axia is helping Newcastle schools meet optimum classroom ventilation standards and save energy with its state-of-the-art Sentinel Demand controlled ventilation system.

Newcastle City Council is undertaking a £220 million project that will bring outstanding new facilities to 16 schools across the city, which are all being either refurbished or completely rebuilt. Split into two phases, the first phase comprises three major new build secondary schools, one innovative special school for autistic pupils and four primary schools, with all schools in phase one now being complete. The second phase of the programme was given the go ahead by Government in August 2009 with all eight second phase schools set to be completed and operational by the end of 2012.

Under the BSF initiative, each school has to meet the ventilation requirements set out in Building Bulletin 101 which provides the regulatory framework for the Building Regulations. This specifies limiting CO2 levels within teaching and learning spaces to 1500 parts per million, helping to keep pupils alert and ready to learn. The Aura design team chose Vent-Axia’s cutting edge Sentinel ventilation system as the solution.

John Wade from Aura, explains: “We are committed to meeting the needs of clients and their communities on every project. The Vent-Axia Sentinel system is perfect for this school renovation programme - easy to install, great energy efficiency, automatic operation and always on guard to make sure that variable occupancy spaces, like classrooms, have the required amount of fresh air to keep CO2 levels within the prescribed limits.”

With the Sentinel system, operation is controlled and triggered by the demands of the space, for example, the precise number of people within the classroom. The system then utilises the latest control and EC/DC motor technology to respond to these exact ventilation requirements. Using the minimum energy needed, it automatically supplies or extracts air to meet the preset levels, removing the risk of over-ventilation which could waste valuable money and energy as well as preventing under ventilation thereby maintaining optimum indoor air quality.

The Sentinel system is available as either single or twin units for ‘run’ and ‘standby’ applications and for automatic load sharing in high duty applications. Fan sizes range from 100mm to 500mm for both singles and twins with airflow from 0.01 to 1.2m³/s at pressure up to 650 Pa with high efficiency backward curved impellers.

Sentinel demand ventilation is a popular choice on BSF programme and other educational projects where the energy and air quality benefits can be fully realised. For those seeking expert advice on how to achieve the best outcomes for their schools or other public buildings, then contact Vent-Axia for practical advice on HVAC installation and selection. This is supported by guidance on the best solutions to meet legislative requirements, project management, after sales support and maintenance information. Local authorities and specifiers who contact Vent-Axia will learn the ventilation knowledge and skills necessary to deliver the best academic environment and brightest future for Britain’s schools.