Ventilation and energy demand, this is how smart buildings work

The search for energy efficiency leads us to improve our homes and adapt them to a much more responsible consumption, but always without compromising comfort. And a twist to ecological technology in construction brings us smart buildings, which are constructions specifically designed to economize consumption and make our lives easier. In addition to being able to efficiently relate ventilation and energy demand.

Smart buildings are usually newly constructed because there are some factors that are difficult to modify when renovating old homes, although efficient rehabilitation takes care of that. Although there are diverse opinions, to consider a building as smart, the following factors are usually taken into account:

• Design and structure. The smart building features a specific design. For example, it seeks places where climatic conditions affect the least and includes improvements to use energy more efficiently. Ventilated roofs, air chambers, and recovery systems are common in this type of construction.
• Supply systems. This is where elements such as ventilation and energy demand, lighting and electricity controls, air conditioning and heating devices, and even the type of wiring come into play.
• Smart services. New advancements in home automation are usually found in smart buildings. From sensors, detectors, automatic blinds, and security controls.
• Computer control. The optimization of all services is usually coordinated by a computer system that can economize resources.

Balance between ventilation and energy demand

Smart buildings usually incorporate what is called controlled ventilation demand. This means that the system will be able to adjust the volume of air and ventilation based on the needs of the space. The flow will be different at all times, always depending on the conditions of each specific situation.

At the moment the team of architects designs the building, this relationship between ventilation and energy demand must be taken into account. It is very important to know the energy needs of the space under maximum occupancy conditions, at full volume. This way, it can then adapt that need intelligently to the demand at each moment.

It is also necessary to make responsible use of energy when controlling the temperature and humidity in the building. The ideal and necessary is not to rely solely on mechanical ventilation systems, but to have heat or energy recovery units to be able to save. In this case, the ventilated roof is an example of a passive system that helps us economize energy.

Electric motors are the ones that should ventilate the smart building and should be highly energy-efficient. New models can save one-fifth of what traditional propellers require when at maximum work. However, the most interesting thing about modern and efficient ventilation systems motors is that they can regulate their power. They adapt to controlled ventilation demand devices for efficient use.

All this makes it possible that, in smart buildings, we can achieve a balance between ventilation and energy demand. And also without sacrificing our comfort and achieving considerable energy savings, which is why it is considered that the houses and offices of the future can be considered smart.