SE Controls invests in the future with five key management appointments

International smoke and naturalventilation systems specialist, SE Controls, has made five key management appointments to reinforce and expand its capabilities in core parts the business, including ventilation systems control and maintenance, fire engineering, project management and business development.

The new members of the management team are all highly experienced in their respective disciplines, each having worked for well over 20 years at a senior level within the building, construction and control systems industries with a number of UK and international companies.

Three of the new appointments, David Furneau, Stuart Coote and Nelson Godinho join from natural and powered smoke ventilation company, Airvent, taking up new roles within SE Controls as Project Manager, Business Development Manager, and Fire Engineer, respectively.

In addition to his time at Airvent, David has a long career in smoke control and project management having also worked for Colt International and GEC, while Stuart’s successful career in sales and business development in the engineering, electronics and construction industries includes periods with Colt International, and SMC Pneumatics.

Prior to joining Airvent as a fire engineer consultant in 2008, Nelson was a contracts engineer for Alstom South Africa, where he was directly involved in the design and management of a range of smoke ventilation and control contracts. At SE Controls, his role is focused on maintaining design and legislative standards across the smoke ventilation systems range, as well as liaising with fire engineering consultancies and specialists on relevant projects.

Simon North joins SE Controls as Service and Maintenance Division Manager from Honeywell Building Solutions, where he was responsible for energy and cost efficient life safety and natural ventilation solutions, while Paul Hunt takes up his post as Supply & Distribution Manager from Securistyle, part of the Assa Abloy Group, having also previously worked for the Newman Tonks Group.

SE Controls’ Managing Director, Will Perkins, explained: “We are constantly developing and growing our business in all the sectors and countries in which we operate through the design and installation of excellent solutions delivered by outstanding people. With these five key appointments we have not only increased our skills and experience base, but also created an even stronger platform for further development in key aspects of our business from customer service and systems maintenance through to product design and market development. “

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.

SE Controls helps provide the perfect environment at Audi Leicester

Sytner Group’s state of the art Audi dealership in Leicester is using advanced natural ventilation technology from SE Controls to ensure that a comfortable environment is maintained for its customers and staff.

Constructed to Audi’s ‘Terminal Concept’ dealership template, originally designed by Allmann, Sattler, Wappner Architekten GmbH, the extensive new showroom and workshop complex replaces Sytner’s previously facility, which it had occupied since 2007.

As part of the energy efficient design, the dealership uses natural ventilation to ensure the carbon dioxide levels and temperature are managed effectively within the entire building to create a comfortable environment for staff and customers within the large open plan showroom as well as for its technicians in the pristine workshops.

SE Controls supplied, installed and commissioned the complete natural ventilation system, which involved the supply of two SCCO Schuco 500mm stroke chain actuators and a precision OS2 controller to provide automatic operation of the sloping vents in the showroom atrium. Manual operation of the vents also formed part of the showroom system, operated by tamper-proof key operated switches.

Audi Leicester’s workshop area is split into six separate areas, each with its own localised ventilation, control and manual over-ride system. To actuate the Schuco AWS 55 vertical vents, SE Controls installed 18 of its new 24 Volt SECO 24 40 N chain actuators together with six OS2 controllers and key operated switches to give accurate and flexible control over the system.

SE Control’s Project Manager, Darren Wainwright, explained: “The strength of the natural ventilation solution at Audi Leicester is its simplicity, versatility and effectiveness. By using well designed vents in the showroom and workshops, coupled with our energy efficient actuators and OS2 controllers, the overall system not only provides effective ventilation and temperature control, but also allows a high degree of flexibility in its operation, particularly in the workshops.”

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.

Honorary Graduate receives SE Controls award at winter ceremony

Loughborough University student Tom Davis is the latest recipient to be awarded the ‘SE Controls’ prize for best overall performance on the MSc course in low carbon building design and modelling.

The course, which is accredited by CIBSE and The Energy Institute, covers concept design, renewable energy technologies and energy consumption as well as advanced thermal, airflow and lighting modelling, to ensure students have a complete understanding of the principles and practice of low carbon design.

SE Controls originally created the prize as part of the company’s highly productive relationship with Loughborough’s School of Civil and Building Engineering. The School is one of the largest multi-disciplinary engineering faculties in the UK. It aims to develop and nurture the skills required to face the challenges of an increasingly complex built environment. Its world-class teaching and research are integrated to support the technical and commercial needs of both industry and society.

On presenting the award, Will Perkins of SE Controls commented “The school’s graduates are extremely sought after by industry and commerce, and its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are consistently ranked as excellent in both student surveys and independent assessments”.

Prior to completing the MSc, 25-year-old Tom graduated Nottingham Trent University with a 2:1 in Building Surveying. Tom is currently employed as an Energy & Sustainability Consultant and aims to work towards CIBSE chartered status in a building services design consultancy.  

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.

‘Why Automate Windows' Part 2

'Window Orientation and Cabling'

Will Perkins - Managing Director - SE Controls

In this series of articles by Will Perkins we look at the provision of adaptive natural ventilation for healthy and efficient buildings and the safety provision of smoke ventilation. The series attempts to explain some of the pitfalls in the lack of early design and understanding of such systems.

The process of opening windows of any orientation can be automated to provide easy access to the outside air for natural ventilation or for the provision of smoke ventilation no matter where the windows are located. There are various types of window openings currently available:

‘Hung’ on the outer frame, ‘hung’ refers to the part of the frame which is hinged allowing the vent pane to open, ‘top hung’ refers to a window which is hinged at the top, ‘top hung - open out’ suggests that the window is hinged at the top and opens outward. There are many types of arrangement using these two parameters, including ‘bottom hung - open out’ providing a hopper type window, generally used for smoke ventilation.

‘Hung’ windows can be fitted on ‘butt’ hinges to the outer frame, but more frequently are fitted on ‘variable geometry friction hinges’. These are usually made of stainless steel and are concealed in the space around the vent frame to outer frame and are actually fitted near to the ‘hung’ outer frame member, being placed on corresponding jambs. They are known as variable geometry as the hinges often move the vent frame away from the ‘hung’ outer frame once they are opened.

Centre pivot, or offset pivot windows have simple pivot points on the jambs and can rotate 180 degrees for easy cleaning. These are available in both horizontal and vertical pivot arrangements.

Both ‘hung’ and ‘pivot’ arrangements can be used in sloped facades or roofs.

Glazed or solid banks of opening louvres can also be incorporated into an effective natural and/or smoke ventilation system.

Parallel opening windows are becoming a frequent feature in modern architecture, offering  a simple ‘push out’ arrangements taking the whole vent away from the facade line and offer an excellent mode of ventilation.

All these arrangements can have one or more actuators fitted to provide simple operation and security. In order to calculate the number and size of the actuators required the size and weight of the window needs to be identified, together with its material, the hinge mechanism, and what free area is needed for ventilation. Free area is the area open to allow for ventilation which needs to take into consideration cills and reveals which compromises the free area.

The Geometric Free Area (GFA) of the opening window is calculated as the leading edge of the opening vent ‘x’ the distance opening, plus the two open triangles on each side of the open vent. The GFA can never exceed the maximum opening in the outer frame, or the ‘throat’ as which air can pass. Building Regulation, Approved Document B 2007, states that the method of calculation should only include the leading edge of the opening vents by the maximum opening of the window. Here adjustments may need to be made to the calculation regarding both possible obstructions and the presence of reveals and cills.

Depending on the opening, or stoke distance of the vent to outer frame, a variable efficiency is achieved for the free area provided, this is known as the coefficient of discharge (CV). Depending on the design of the windows and the area being ventilated, this is crucial to efficient operation and the design of the window configuration that needs to be detailed at the early design stages. More importantly the provision of free area for smoke ventilation is crucial in case of fire - again early involvement of a ventilation specialist is crucial.

Once the windows are designed, actuators will need to be placed on brackets to ensure that when a window vent opens the chain actuator operates to the geometry of the opening window. It is vital that this is correctly achieved for all opening positions of the vent to ensure long life of the actuator and correct operation as specified. A poorly designed actuator fixing can cause the actuator to clash with the outer frame which may not be noticeable, but will ultimately lead to damage to the frame and failure of the actuator Early confirmation of design details will ensure that the correct parts and preparations are completed on the windows to make site fixing effective and efficient, accurate and most of all to a high standard. Cabling between the actuator and the control panels seems like a straightforward task, but not one that should be tackled without prior planning, particularly if 240v actuators are being used. If tails are going to be left are these going to run through the window material, if so are bushes required and internal preps to the windows and or curtain wall? What material, what colour of cable should be used - who is going to install and where to? So many questions - all of these need to be answered at the design stages so that a safe and efficient installed system is provided.

To meet the aesthetic requirements of the client, consideration and detailing at early design stages again is crucial. Whilst the sheathing colours of cables may not match the colours of the window system, actuators can be powder coated to match the internal finish of the window making the installation as neat as possible.

As mentioned throughout this series, one of the most important aspects in delivering a cost effective and efficient system is the early involvement of a natural ventilation and smoke control specialist. A complete installation involves many trades working side by side and one experienced specialist overviewing the whole provision.

In the next and final issue we will cover the control of the actuators and the contractual process along with covering free area calculations guidance under the new Approved Document B 2007, and how to achieve this effectively and safely.

SE Controls operate across the globe with offices in several continents, with dedicated specialists offering clients expert advice based on local legislative requirements. Visit the website at www.secontrols.com for further information. To discuss your requirements with SE Controls, or request literature, please call their head office in Lichfield on 01543 443060.

‘Why Automate Windows’ Part 1. ‘Fresh Air & Actuators’

In this series of articles by Will Perkins we look at the provision of adaptive natural ventilation for healthy and efficient buildings and the safety provision of smoke ventilation. The series attempts to explain some of the pitfalls in the lack of early design and understanding of such systems.

One of the main reasons to automate windows is that of convenience. Not all windows are located at reachable height and may need a pole to operate, in some larger rooms and corridors many windows may need to be opened, so clearly an automated solution is preferable. On securing premises in the evening, automated systems can ensure all windows are closed prior to setting alarm systems. Other benefits can include ‘night time cooling’ strategies, when premises may not be occupied, and an automated solution can operate above ground windows on a time switch basis.

The integration of automated windows into a complete building management system can ensure the most efficient use of energy. Many of BREEAM excellent rated projects in the UK today use natural ventilation strategies based on window automation.

But why do we need to ventilate our buildings? According to Approved Document F and CIBSE it is mainly for health reasons offering the occupiers appropriate Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Inadequately ventilated buildings can harbour such gases as radon, a naturally occurring gas in the earth, hydrogen sulphide, which often results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, carbon monoxide, by combustion processes, dust, virus and fungal spores. The presence of any of these elements can prove to be the cause of ‘sick building syndrome’.

Today we are also much more aware of VOC’s  (Volatile Organic Compounds), which have significant vapour pressures which can  affect the environment and ultimately human health. In newly fitted buildings VOC’s are often present in high quantities in materials such as setting paint and new carpets, these ‘smells’ can easily be identified in the atmosphere. Whilst many are non-toxic at the levels present, VOC’s can still have chronic effects on health. Today anthropogenic VOC’s are tightly regulated, particularly in materials used indoors, but ventilation strategies can play a big part in negating the risk.

In busy buildings, body odour, an increase in moisture from breathing and build-up of CO², often leads to lethargic working or learning environments, resulting in poor working performance - this issue has been well documented in schools where an ‘appropriate indoor air quality’ is crucial to learning ability.

It is crucial that the ventilation strategy is decided at the outset of the design process. By adopting either a completely natural ventilated solution or a hybrid mixed mode solution with mechanical cooling for in only the harshest of weather conditions, can significantly reduce a buildings running costs.

So we have covered the practical reasons and the need for ventilation in our buildings today, but how do we achieve the ‘automation’?

A window ‘actuator’ is usually an electrical device which is placed on the leading edge of a window to open and close a window to various degrees as required. These come in two basic types, a ‘chain’ actuator and a ‘linear’ actuator. Chain actuators are the most compact and operate by pushing a one way folding chain out from a flush motorised housing fitted to the frame or opening light. In areas where windows are much larger, linear actuators, based on fixed ‘screw’ and motor principle may be used.

Whilst these devices may seem to be simple, window actuators do come in a very wide range of sizes and typical offer the following choice specification:

Voltage: Either in 24V DC or mains 230V AC ratings. Where smoke control is required 24V DC actuators are used so that these can be operated from an independent battery back-up in case of fire and power outage in the building.

Load: Usually indicated in amperage and is very important to consider when specifying a complete system. Often cheaper units are less efficient and require greater loads which results in an increase of control panels to operate at the higher amperage, not to mention the increased energy requirements.

Force: Indicated in Newtons (9.81 N = 1Kg) and required to open and close the window safely in all weather conditions. Referring back to efficiency, the available force within the unit should be as efficient as possible to reduce the amperage required. Some larger windows may need two actuators to perform correctly.

Stroke: This is the distance the actuator travels creating the safe opening of the window normally indicated in millimetres.

Speed: Indicated in millimetres per second. This is an important consideration in smoke ventilation situations where smoke vents must fully open with a 60 second time limit.

Size: Units vary in size depending on their specification but housings are very important to be considered when looking at the space available within the reveal, the size of the vent and the stroke required.

Intelligence: Some basic actuators rely on simple switches to limit and run the actuator motor, where occupant intervention is required. Some more sophisticated devices offer resistance feedback and information on where the actuator is within its cycle by the use of incremental volt measurement.

The most important aspect of all these variables is getting the right actuator in the right place to do the job most effectively with the minimum of maintenance. As mentioned earlier it is crucial to get a specialist involved at the very early design stages to determine the most efficient product and designs available. Leaving the choice of actuator to the lowest common denominator - cost, can have a serious detrimental impact on an installations performance and  on-going maintenance requirements.

In the next article we will cover free area calculations guidance under the new Approved Document B 2007, and how to achieve this effectively and safely.

SE Controls operate across the globe with offices in several continents, with specialists offering clients expert advice based on local legislative requirements. Visit the website at www.secontrols.com for further information. To discuss your requirements with SE Controls, or request literature, please call their head office in Lichfield on 01543 443060.

Continued growth creates more new jobs at SE Controls

Continued growth and success at international smoke and natural ventilation solutions specialist, SE Controls, has led the company to take on a further 8 new technical and customer support staff, bringing the total of new jobs created during the past year to 21.

SE Controls’ most recent appointments cover a range of roles including business development; technical sales and key account management as well as installation engineering and project management.

The new staff are not only helping SE Controls meet growing demand for its fire safety and energy efficient ventilation solutions, but represent a significant investment in its future, which is underlined with the appointment of its fourth Trainee Project Leader in the past 12 months.

Maj Mohammed joins Faisal Amir, Ross Cameron and Sion Wilcox, who are being mentored by SE Controls’ experienced project leaders as well as studying for a BTEC level 4 HNC Diploma in construction and the built environment through the company’s in house training and development academy.

“Much of the success we’re experiencing is down to the quality of our people and their outstanding abilities in their respective areas of expertise, explained SE Controls’ Managing Director, Will Perkins. “This, in turn, has helped us grow and support our domestic and international developments, which has enabled us to create a range of new job opportunities here in the UK.”  

He added: “We have a very clear focus on the future of our business and our business development plans demand continued investment in high quality people to ensure we have the right people in place to maintain our high standards of design, technical and project management as well as supporting our increasing focus on customer service, support and quality.”

SE Controls is already in the process of seeking the next Trainee Project Leaders to join its team and the company’s latest recruitment and career opportunities are always posted in the ‘Careers’ section of its website, which can be found at www.secontrols.com.

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.

SE Controls publishes new ‘white paper’ on smoke control in apartment buildings

A new ‘white paper’ exploring the effective design and installation of smoke ventilation systems in apartments has been developed by leading smoke and natural ventilation specialist, SE Controls, which builds on the recent guidance published the Smoke Control Association (SCA).

The comprehensive SCA report entitled ‘Guidance on smoke control to common escape routes in apartment buildings, flats and maisonettes’ was created to not only highlight the objectives and performance criteria of residential systems, but also identify system options, testing and the integration of smoke control with other fire systems.

By publishing its white paper, SE Controls sets out to communicate a number of key critical aspects covered in the SCA report into a more condensed guidance document focusing on smoke ventilation system design, particularly where a standard ‘Approved Document ‘B’ compliant solution may not be possible.

The white paper also recognises the changing legislation and legal obligations on property owners to ensure adequate smoke control and escape provision is made and it is kept well maintained. It also goes beyond the need for safe means of escape and deals with the need for fire fighting teams to access the building safely to attend possible victims and extinguish the fire.

Will Perkins, SE Controls’ Managing Director was part of the SCA group that compiled the original guidance document and is committed to ensuring that effective smoke control is firmly on the building safety agenda. He said: “It’s a well documented fact that asphyxiation from smoke accounts for 80% of all deaths in the event of a fire, yet in multi storey apartments, where escape routes could be inaccessible due to ineffective smoke control, this figure could be disproportionately high. Ultimately the single primary objective of our white paper and the original SCA guidance is to help save lives through understanding the risks and implementing effective solutions to control smoke and aid escape.”

SE Controls (www.secontrols.com) 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.

Focus on waste management and recycling pays off for SE Controls

An ongoing programme of effective waste reduction, management and recycling by Staffordshire based smoke control and natural ventilation solutions specialist, SE Controls, has enabled the company to ensure that none of its waste goes to landfill sites.

Since mid 2008, SE Controls has partnered with commercial waste management and recycling business, Briers, to not only reduce the level of waste it produces, but to also improve the efficiency while increasing the proportion of waste material that could be recycled.

In addition to metals, plastic, paper and cardboard waste produced by the company from its day to day operations, a proportion of the SE Controls waste is made up of electronic components and equipment, which is managed in compliance with WEEE regulations.

Mark Soleil, SE Controls’ operations Director, explained: “All businesses have an obligation to meet the minimum standards for waste management, but at SE Controls, we’re always looking to reduce our waste material and its impact on the environment, as well as reducing our packaging waste costs.”

He added: “Our partnership with Briers has proven to be highly productive and we have worked together closely. Their high quality recycling solutions coupled with our focus on reducing scrap and waste has enabled us to achieve our present situation where no waste from our UK operations is sent to landfill.”

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.

SE Controls presents latest smoke control technology at the LABC Conference & Exhibition

The annual Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Conference and Exhibition takes place on 13^th to 15^th March 2012 and SE Controls will be taking part as one of the key exhibitors at this important event for LABC members and clients.

Throughout the event, SE Controls will be displaying products and solutions from its extensive smoke ventilation range, including the SHEVTEC® Extended Travel Distance System, which recently received full Registered Detail Certification from the LABC.

Held at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill, Dudley, the first of the event’s three days is dedicated purely to LABC clients, where businesses have the opportunity to discuss changes to the building regulations and offer their opinions, following presentations from the LABC and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The remaining two days are for LABC members only and provide detailed discussion and debate on key issues surrounding building control enforcement and building regulations, as well as a full workshops programme on both days.

SE Controls Managing Director, Will Perkins, commented: “The LABC plays a vital role in maintaining and improving standards to ensure building design, construction and environmental efficiency are compliant with the relevant codes. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the current issues as well as enabling delegates to see and experience what SE Controls has to offer in terms of products, solutions and expertise.”

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 by calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.