A new £2 million science centre at Moreton Hall School in Oswestry is using an advanced NVLogiQ natural ventilation monitoring and control solution from SE Controls to maintain classroom indoor air quality while providing a stimulating and comfortable environment for pupils.
Designed by Baart Harries Newall, the architects wanted to ensure the buildings indoor air quality was maintained within national standards and its energy consumption was minimised.
Using compact NVLogiQ room controllers linked to automatic opening windows and a low energy cross flow fan in each of the eight lab classrooms, the system manages ventilation as well as the operation of radiators to provide a fully integrated low energy system.
The NVLogiQ room controllers monitor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in each classroom alongside indoor air temperature and relative humidity, as well as outside temperature, wind and rain via external sensors. Each NVLogiQ unit also incorporates an integral data logger to allow the recording and analysis of all key aspects of the room environment.
During normal operation, as CO2 levels increase within each individual science lab, the NVLogiQ controller triggers SE Controls SECO N 24 40 compact chain actuators to begin the incremental opening of the windows to allow fresh air to enter the classroom. Simultaneously, small dampers located on the wall opposite the windows are signalled to open and the low energy fans start to draw air from the room to stimulate cross flow and aid ventilation.
Dr. Chris Iddon, SE Controls Design Manager, explained: "Post occupancy monitoring of the Moreton Hall classroom environment has shown excellent indoor air quality proving that the design is an example of how having a clearly defined, controlled and executed ventilation strategy can maintain a high quality and stimulating classroom environment for students."