Natural Ventilation

The ventilation within buildings has become a serious problem due to the introduction of high performance insulation, draught-proofing and double glazing.

Whilst these are desirable features, they have effectively sealed off natural fresh air routes and as a consequence have made adequate natural ventilation impossible inside modern energy efficient buildings.

The Passivent solution is to provide planned air routes using primarily the gentle suction of natural air movement. This is achieved using humidity sensitive inlets and outlets strategically placed to optimise the air flow without compromising loss of heat.

There is a wide range of Passivent solutions to suit both Domestic and Non- Domestic situations, as well as a comprehensive range of popular Trickle Vents.

Passivent PSV provides simple automatic ventilation by means of non-electrical humidity-sensitive air inlets and extracts. These monitor the humidity level in each room and adjust accordingly to provide balanced ventilation room by room. This provides greater savings. Air movement depends on simple principles - the temperature difference inside and outside. There are no mechanical parts, no electrical connections or power consumption.

Systems are suitable for most types of dwellings: detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, bungalows and flats, comfort and energy and for both new build and refurbishment.

Ridge Terminals
Stale, moist air is removed from the house and exhausted through the ridge terminals. A ridge terminal must be provided for each duct rise, ie one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom etc. Ridge terminals are available to match most manufacturers' ridge tiles and so blend into the roofline, making them almost indistinguishable from ground level.

Ductwork
Ductwork within the heated envelope of the house (eg running through the first floor) is uninsulated. Ducts are normally sited in a fitted wardrobe or airing cupboard, or can be discreetly positioned in a corner. Flat Channel Ducting can be fitted within stud partition walls. Duct runs in the roof space are insulated to avoid the risk of condensation within the ductwork. All ducts must be as near vertical as possible with no sharp bends. Flexible ducts must be supported so as to be kept taut with no sagging.

Air Inlets
Fresh air is introduced into the house through unobtrusive wall or window inlets. The inlets are non-electrical and adjust automatically depending on the humidity level within each room, allowing the correct level of ventilation. The external airbrick grille blends into the surrounding brick area inconspicuously.

Air Extracts
Stale, moist air is extracted from 'wet' rooms (kitchen, bathroom, utility) by the non-electric passive extracts. The louvres automatically open and close depending on the humidity level within the room, allowing the correct level of ventilation

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The Passivent Flair range offers a new and innovative approach to the effective ventilation of new-build apartments. Aesthetically pleasing cooker hoods and discreet bathroom and ensuite extracts are linked to a low-noise, low energy central extract. It ensures a fresh, clean and healthy internal environment throughout the apartment, with low energy consumption.

Self regulating extracts operate constantly to keep the bathroom and ensuite ventilation at its planned level.

In the kitchen, increased extraction when cooking is provided by a touch on the boost switches on the cooker hood.

Feature & Benefits

1. Provides ventilation where it is most needed – kitchen & bathrooms.
2. Self-regulating bathroom ventilation to maximise performance and minimise energy loss.
3. Whisper quiet central extract fan can be located in a cupboard, making the system much quieter than conventional extract fans.
4. Elegant Italian designed cooker hoods in stainless steel, with height adjustable duct and dishwasher proof grease filter for easy cleaning.
5. Attractive wall or ceiling mounted extracts.
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6. Single discreet wall outlet minimises façade disruption.
7. Quieter and more effective than single extract fans.
8. Cost competitive.

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Natural Ventilation - a low energy strategy
Low energy natural ventilation is an increasingly important design strategy for commercial and other non-domestic buildings.

Economic and Environmental Benefits
In comparison with air conditioning or mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation can bring economic benefits through savings in both capital equipment and running costs. It provides environmental benefits by reducing energy use and cutting greenhouse gas emissions

System Design
Designing natural ventilation systems to be as efficient as possible requires specialist expertise and ideally needs to be considered during the preliminary stages in the design of a building.

Building layout, orientation and other factors will enable the most effective use to be made of natural ventilation.

With its in-house research and design team, Passivent can provide a comprehensive design and advisory service, covering both system design and product selection from a range of complementary ventilation strategies

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