SE Controls solves corridor overheating in
multi-storey buildings
An effective solution to overheated
corridors and communal spaces in multi-storey residential buildings has been
developed by SE Controls, which exploits the versatility and performance of the
company’s smoke ventilation systems, allowing the controlled ventilation of hot
air to maintain comfort for residents.
With the increasing focus on energy
efficiency, the use of centralised boilers and distributed heating are common
solutions in many multi-storey buildings for both new build and refurbishment
projects. While routing hot water pipe work through corridors provides a simple
method of distribution to feed individual apartments, it can make the corridors
uncomfortably hot for residents as well as service and maintenance teams working
within the building.
To combat this issue, SE Controls
has designed a solution, which allows its smoke ventilation systems to also
operate as a precisely controlled passive or mechanically assisted natural ventilation system to help maintain comfortable temperatures and energy
efficiency.
By using sensors to monitor the
temperature on each floor, the smoke ventilation system’s control panels
automatically manage the proportional opening of end of corridor vents, smoke shaft doors and roof vents, which allows the controlled venting of hot air to cool
the corridors.
SE Controls’ combined smoke
ventilation and natural ventilation solution not only enables the integrity of
the fire safety system to be maintained, but also provides an effective answer
to corridor overheating, which has already been proven on a number of new build
and refurbishment projects.
Kevin Deane, SE Controls’
Maintenance and Supply Commercial Manager, explained: “As most multi-storey
buildings with more than three floors require smoke ventilation to aid escape, our
systems exploit the automatic ventilation capabilities to control the
cumulative thermal gain. In new build projects, we’re finding that consulting
engineers, architects and developers are well aware of this issue and are
incorporating this solution into building designs.”
He added: “However, one of the main
advantages of the system is that it can be retro-fitted to existing smoke
ventilation installations. This also enables residential managing agents to
address concerns from residents and service teams over high corridor
temperatures, which can often reach 30OC, by providing an effective
automatically managed solution.”
SE Controls specialises in the
design, project management and installation of advanced smoke ventilation and
natural ventilation solutions to meet the needs of architects, contractors,
building services engineers and facilities managers worldwide. Further
information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by
visiting www.secontrols.comor calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.
