VENT-AXIA’S MVHR TECHNOLOGY USED IN BRE LIGHTHOUSE RESEARCH
Vent-Axia’s energy efficient whole house, heat recovery system has formed part of the research on ventilation for a new BRE Information Paper for housebuilders, on delivering dwellings that comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Part 2 of the BRE Information Paper, entitled “Applying the Code for Sustainable Homes on the BRE Innovation Park – Lessons Learned about Energy Sources, Overheating and Ventilation” is derived from the experiences of four developers who have designed and built properties to the Code on the BRE Innovation Park in Watford. One of these properties, the Kingspan Lighthouse, built by Kingspan Offsite, is a net-zero carbon, two-and-a-half storey, two bedroom home which incorporates Vent-Axia’s HRE350 mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system.
From these findings, the BRE Information Paper advises housebuilders to consider using the most efficient mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems listed in Appendix Q of SAP, and to install them correctly. It also highlights the need to allow enough space in floor and wall zones for MVHR ducting, and to take account of this when designing the storey heights and the layout of the dwelling. The guidance suggests that prefabricating MVHR systems and their ductwork offsite should be considered, to make conforming to the specification more likely.
The HRE350 is a wholehouse mechanically ventilated, heat recovery system, listed in SAP Appendix Q and offering 90% energy efficiency. It incorporates an easily accessible, heat recovery cube protected by two removable EU3 filters. Two constant volume energy saving DC fans ensure long life (typically over double the life of AC motors) and the lowest possible energy use. Specifically designed for new build homes with a high level of insulation, the HRE350 has speed settings for each of the three Building Regulation ventilation rates; Normal, Boost and Purge.
On the front of the unit is a digital controller that can be used to set the speeds to any required performance and offer close control to prevent over ventilating. In addition the operating temperature settings can be pre-programmed for automatic operation of the summer bypass.
Ian Mitchell, Residential Product Manager at Vent-Axia, says: “With residential buildings accounting for around 30% of all UK energy consumption, and household fuel bills rising at an alarming rate, selecting and fitting technologies which are proven to minimise energy consumption is a necessity for housebuilders. Vent-Axia MVHR solutions provide a key route to achieving these targets and help them meet the Sustainable Code“
Vent-Axia MVHR systems are part of the company’s Lo-Carbon™ collection of energy saving ventilation solutions. The aim of the Lo-Carbon initiative is to offer the latest low carbon ventilation technology in order to reduce building energy consumption and so carbon emissions. Vent-Axia provides the most comprehensive range of high quality, low energy ventilation products, systems and solutions on the market available from any single manufacturer.
For further information on the HRE350 system, click the following link: http://www.vent-axia.com/product/hre350-energy-saving.html