When Rochdale Interchange found itself in a position where it needed to overcome an unforeseen and seemingly insurmountable problem, using actuators to operate large steel framed ETFE pillow vents, they turned to D+H UK for a solution.

The requirement was to provide a day to day ventilation system to control temperature and air quality in the large open space beneath the glass ceiling of the transport interchange.

Usually large roof vents like those in the interchange require rack and pinion drives. However, on this occasion, this type of drive could not be used as they would have clashed with the supporting steels that had been positioned directly beneath the opening vents.

D+H UK were able to solve this problem by providing heavy duty twin chain drives.
These drives were known to D+H UK, but had not ever been used in this capacity. By harnessing the 3000N force generated these by these drives we were able to fully open the vents through a full 1000mm stroke.

D+H UK were also able to reduce wiring costs as the drives used operate on 230V, allowing direct control from the BMS, negating the usual need for interface panels, further simplifying and reducing the cost of the project and completing a unique solution to a difficult problem.

To complete the Rochdale Interchange project D+H UK also carry out planned maintenance on the vents, ensuring the longevity and quality of the work completed.