Smart solutions in mechanical ventilation systems

The systems of controlled mechanical ventilation are intelligent ventilation systems that adapt to the occupants. Do you know the different smart solutions that VMC systems have? In this article, we present them.

100% motorized automatic by-pass

Having a 100% motorized by-pass in summer allows detecting the season in order to avoid opening the by-pass in the middle of winter.

Anti-freeze protection systems

Protection systems for the system when temperatures drop below 0°C.

Control units

Having a management box allows controlling the system according to climatic conditions and scheduling. Additionally, it allows the modularity of flows. At the request of the owner, the programming interval can be adapted to needs. The advantages of having a control unit are multiple: it allows for a state self-diagnosis; ensures anti-backflow operation; allows for the autonomous operation of each vertical; allows the visualization of climatic data and schedules; and allows modification of operating parameters.

High-performance heat exchanger with energy recovery

The exchanger allows recovering up to 92% of energy. It preheats the supply air in winter (if it is 5°C outside and 20°C inside, the new air can enter at 19°C) and cools the supply air in summer (if it is 30°C outside and 21°C inside, the new air can enter at 22°C).

Smart solutions to ensure optimal indoor air quality

There are various measuring devices on the market for smart control of indoor air quality, each depending on the studied pollutant.

CO2 meters

Having a CO2 meter allows the user to control the air quality of indoor spaces in buildings. Since the meter detects carbon dioxide levels (an indicator of occupancy in rooms), the ventilation flow of the system can be adjusted according to the needs of each moment. This device works as a presence detector connected to the ventilation system of office buildings (where occupancy is just above 50%). Depending on whether the ventilated space is compartmentalized or not, the sensor will be mono-zone (not compartmentalized) or multi-zone (is compartmentalized).

It is very important to control the amount of CO2 in indoor air, as exceeding 800 to 1,200 ppm (parts per million) can lead to discomfort (headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems) among the occupants of the building.

Radon level detector

Thus, to detect radon levels in the environment, monitors can be used that control the affected area for a minimum period of three months. The radon level in the environment should be between 200 and 600 Bq/m3 in homes. For work environments, it should not exceed 1000 Bq/m3.

Formaldehyde detector

Formaldehyde is a contaminant present in certain materials (paints and varnishes for wood, foams...) and in cleaning products (disinfectants). To avoid risking people’s health, the level cannot exceed 0.0 ppm.

According to the UNE–EN ISO 16000 standard, the meter must be a diffusive cartridge sampler with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and phosphoric acid, with sampling times from 24 to 72 hours.

Detection of material formed by different particles

To detect the level of particulate matter, pumps, sampling tubes, and external flow counters are used.