Vent-Axia has retrofitted its state-of-the-art Sentinel Totus D-ERV (Demand Energy Recovery Ventilation) system with a low pressure hot water (LPHW) heater to provide heating and ventilation, saving energy in classrooms and admin offices as part of a major refurbishment programme at Aberdeen’s Oldmachar Academy.
Oldmachar Academy is a six year comprehensive, non-denominational school located in the large suburb of Bridge of Don in the north of Aberdeen. Established in August 1982 and opened on its current site in April 1983, it consists of seven blocks built to form an irregular quadrangle and serves just over 1000 pupils.
Within these buildings, the school was experiencing major problems with temperature control and the ineffective circulation of air, resulting in ‘stale’ air being trapped within the classrooms. Aberdeen-based building services consultants CCDP appointed Hutcheon Services to manage the project and installation of 50 Sentinel Totus Midi units. The new mechanical Demand Energy Recovery Ventilation system now regulates the room temperature, whilst providing the required amount of fresh air, keeping CO₂ levels below the prescribed 1500 parts per million level for schools as set out in Building Bulletin 101 (the regulatory framework for the Building Regulations). The double skin acoustic lining offers quiet performance from the Sentinel Totus, essential in a classroom environment.
The system’s precise control option capabilities are key to providing the required amount of fresh air to the internal rooms while maintaining CO₂ levels. Depending on room occupancy, a change in CO₂ levels is measured by sensors located in each space which then trigger the Sentinel Totus’s fan speed to increase or decrease to ensure good ventilation is maintained to meet demand.
The Sentinel Totus unit also recovers maximum energy (heat and cool) from the extracted air, transferring it into the fresh air supply via the unit’s integral high efficiency counterflow heat exchanger. In fact, integrating Vent-Axia’s proven on-demand control concept with efficient EC/DC motor technology and the counterflow heat recovery cell releases up to 90% energy recovery giving the Sentinel Totus the highest performance of any system on the market, and the UK’s first D-ERV system to be independently rated and tested to EN308. The result is a system which achieves required airflow rates and ventilates according to precise needs, significantly reducing fuel consumption, energy costs and cutting the carbon footprint of a building by up to 30% more than conventional crossflow energy recovery ventilation devices.
Sentinel D-ERV is part of Vent-Axia’s award-winning Sentinel demand ventilation range of commercial and residential applications. For those seeking expert advice on how to achieve the best outcomes for their public buildings, schools or offices, Vent-Axia offers 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.
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