Precision window actuators from SE
Controls are being used as part of an energy efficient natural ventilation
system at Sheffield University’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
(NAMRC) in Rotherham, to help maintain a comfortable environment for
researchers and staff.
Work at the NAMRC focuses
specifically on innovative research into metals and manufacturing engineering,
rather than radioactive research and the new BREEAM Excellent rated building,
which was designed by Bond Bryan Architects, is based around an open plan 5,000
m2 workshop that incorporates cutting edge manufacturing equipment
and facilities.
As the building already employs low
energy and renewable initiatives, such as 320kW ground source heat pumps and a
900kW wind turbine, the use of natural ventilation was an ideal solution, as
the temperature and air quality can be maintained within clearly defined set
points while minimising the need for additional mechanical cooling.
To provide the high degree of
control required, SE Controls, supplied, installed and commissioned a range of
chain actuators, which are linked to the NAMRC building management system and
are used to control the operation of the high and low level vents.
Twenty TGCO 24 15 actuators with a
350mm stroke length were installed on the building’s high level exhaust vents,
while the need to protect against finger entrapment on the low level louvres prompted
the selection of eighteen SE Controls’ TGCO 24 20 ‘Easi-Drive’ compact
actuators each with 160mm stroke length.
SE Controls’ Project Manager, Darren
Wainwright, explained: “It is absolutely vital that the natural ventilation
strategy and system perform as designed to allow the right amount of fresh air
to enter the building while ensuring that heat energy is not lost unnecessarily
during the process. By using precision actuators to provide incremental
operation of the system’s vents and louvres, it helps ensure that required
performance is within the specified design parameters.”
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.com or calling
+44 (0) 1543 443060.
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