5 Automated Window Systems Perfect for Mixed Mode Ventilation

While traditional mechanical Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are still widely used in Australia, contemporary concerns for improving the environmental performance and “liveability” of buildings has led to an increased interest in alternatives like natural ventilation and mixed-mode systems.

A major benefits of HVAC, particularly in deep plan and larger office buildings, is that they alleviate many of the problems associated with a naturally ventilated building such as noise, dust, insects, heavy winds, odours and uncomfortable temperatures.

However, there are some studies suggesting that a mixed-mode ventilation system of HVAC and natural ventilation, in combination with good passive design, can provide sufficient indoor air quality to keep occupants happy while reducing their reliance on mechanical air treatment.

Typically a mixed-mode system operates in either of two modes and is best used for a buildings’ perimeter spaces or for narrow planned buildings with good cross ventilation. The first is the natural ventilation mode which uses fresh external air from operable windows or dampers to cool the internal spaces and relies predominantly on the stack effect for hot air to be expelled through high-level exhausts. The second is the mechanical mode and sees the windows closed and the HVAC switched on, and is used only when the external temperatures are too hot or too cold for natural ventilation, or when there are heavy winds or rain.

Control of the operable windows can be manual or automatic and, in keeping with current trends in Australia towards automated buildings, we’re seeing more automated windows systems come to the market that are also compatible with Building Management Systems (BMS).

Some window manufacturers offer built-in automated systems that can be controlled by a BMS and that come with inputs for automated weather stations and sensors that detect smoke, rain, hail, temperature, wind, time and smog. Others advertise that their products can be easily automated with add-on products like actuators and reed switches, and can also incorporated into a BMS.

These products render manual operation from building occupants—one of the most difficult-to-control influences on a building’s environmental impact—unnecessary, as the BMS detects when it is optimal to open and close windows, and to operate the HVAC.

Some of the problems associated with the manually operation of a building’s HVAC and natural ventilation, like occupants leaving windows open with the HVAC on for example, can therefore be avoided with automated mixed-mode air-conditioning.

Below are six automated window systems and five new air conditioning systems that could benefit your mixed-mode ventilation:

Louvre Windows by Safetyline Jalousie

Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows are amongst the safest, strongest, widest, most functional and versatile louvre windows on the market. A unique design feature of Safetyline Jalousie automated louvre windows is that they pivot from the top rather than the centre, enabling the installation of internal insect screens.

Coltite by Colt International Pty limited

Most versions of Coltlite are classed as dual purpose ventilators, providing both day to day and smoke control ventilation. It can also be installed either for low level air inlet or for high level extract. Options include pneumatic, electronic or manual controls and a wide range of louvre types, accessories and finishes.

Schneider Louvre LF550 by EBSA 

This louvre window system contains a pivoting aluminium window louvre system with concealed motor and mechanisms that can be fully integrated into the Business Management System and Fire Indicator Panel.

These single glazed frameless louvre windows have an opening pivot of up to 90 degrees, which encourages natural ventilation into the building and when closed the windows are completely water tight with the high quality German manufactured mechanisms hidden in the mullion.

TOPP Automated Window Systems by Kintrol Pty Ltd

Kintrol Australia is the authorised Australian distributor of award winning TOPP automated window systems. Kintrol’s range includes everything from louvres to casement windows all of which can be synchronized to air conditioning, security units and fully home automation like BMS systems.

Altair Powerlouvre Automated Windows by Breezway

Widely used in the residential sector, Breezway’s Altair Powerlouvres incorporates a motor and gearbox concealed within the window frame or within the head section, resulting in an automated louvre window with no visible motors, rods or arms. Control is possible via wall switches, remote control systems, a Breezway app or integration into building management systems.

Reference: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/features-articles/6-automated-window-systems-and-5-new-air-condition

Here Comes The Sun: Motorised Window Treatments

Sunlight is free. Its rays bathe the Earth with both light and heat. With the aim of taking full advantage of our nearest star, architects have started designing buildings that purposefully exploit this resource for illumination and comfort by strategically placing windows to channel these benefits to the building’s interior. With proper daylighting design, buildings can use significantly less energy from the lighting grid and HVAC systems.

Daylighting is the strategy of using this passive form of energy to illuminate and warm interior spaces. Building owners, architects, engineers, and lighting designers are perfecting technologies for maximizing sunlight. Automated smart window treatments are an excellent partner for any daylighting approach.

First, some basics on motorised window treatments. A motor within the roll up tube propels the operation of the shades and blinds. Though the motors can be battery powered, for larger-scale applications, they are wired into the building’s electrical system or even can be solar powered. Building tenants can operate the motorised window treatments using a remote control or operation can be wired into the building automation system (BAS).

Smart blinds and shades can enable building owners to fully exploit the benefits of the sun in a number of ways.

Lighting Energy Efficiency

Electric lighting uses 15 percent of all the energy generated in the U.S. The application of daylighting design can save 20 to 60 percent in costs depending on the locale’s availability of sunlight and the percentage of wall area devoted to windows. In addition, 10 to 20 percent of building cooling energy can be saved by turning off electric lights.

Of course, the position of the sun changes throughout the day or clouds can pass through and block sunlight. Motorised window treatments can be connected to sensors that detect when sunlight intensifies or diminishes, enabling the position of the shades and blinds to change as the sun changes.

Many buildings have electrical lighting systems that respond to the amount of sunlight coming into the room. Smart window treatments can coordinate interior lighting as well with the sun to provide the desired level of illumination and decrease energy usage.

HVAC Energy Efficiency

Thanks to zone interior room comfort control, different rooms will have different needs for heating/cooling based on the window configuration. This set up is crucial for energy usage as excess sunlight can consume a considerable amount of cooling energy.

As with illumination, the system controls whether to allow in additional sunshine to warm the room on cold days, or reduce the amount of sunshine to minimize solar heat gain. The smart blinds system can work with the BAS to maintain the room’s set point.

In addition to reducing the need for both generated lighting and room heating/cooling, some systems available can run on DC motors, saving operating energy by two thirds. For facilities with hundreds of automated shade units, the savings can be significant.

Room Comfort

The smart shades’ automated design knows when to open and close when room temperature is outside the bandwidth set for the area based on readings from sensors wired into the system. Remote controls enable room occupants to control the shade position and override the system if the room temperature is outside their personal comfort zone.

Productivity

In the workplace, sunlight is an important element for maintaining worker morale. Studies have shown that lack of sunlight can impact the ability to concentrate, particularly during the winter. At the New York Times, workers reported positive health benefits from daylighting, augmented with automated shades.

Glare from the sunlight on computer screens is also an issue. Using remote controls, workers can adjust window treatment position to achieve a balance between adequate sunlight for illumination and the ability to focus on their work.

Automated and remote control also mean that employees don’t have to stop what they are doing to adjust the shades. In addition, the motors have a non-disruptive, whisper quiet operation.

Design Freedom

Many architects design interior spaces with tall windows or windows positioned many feet above the floor. While these features may have visual impact, there are buildings with very tall south facing windows that have to employ moveable partitions to shield against heat and glare. Motorised window treatments enable architects to make these dramatic statements without the drama of dealing with discomfort and distraction. In addition, smart shades are a highly regarded amenity.

Precision Counts

Manually controlled window treatments can be subject to misalignment, which often means there are cracks between the window frame and the window covering. Depending upon the time of day, this can produce an almost laser-like beam of light. In contrast, the shade hems on motorised systems can be more precisely aligned to the windows.

These systems also can detect objects in their path and can reverse operation upon contact. Furthermore, their smooth operation prolongs component life.

You Control The Sun

Three tasks are critical to a successful daylighting installation. Sunlight must be controlled at task areas during all occupied hours in terms of its affect on heating/cooling. Then there must be balanced luminance on interior surfaces. And finally, there must be sufficient ambient daylight illumination for visual tasks. An automated window treatment system maximizes the effects of all three.

Reference: https://facilityexecutive.com/2019/04/here-comes-sun-motorized-window-treatments/