In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, the way we ventilate our buildings becomes a crucial factor for the success and environmental footprint of businesses. In this context, decentralized ventilation with heat recovery is gaining more attention, especially for office buildings, commercial facilities, and production halls.
What is a decentralized ventilation system?
Unlike traditional centralized ventilation systems, which often come with high energy losses and inefficient operation, decentralized ventilation systems offer an innovative solution. They consist of multiple individual units that work independently and are installed directly in the rooms to be ventilated. These ventilation systems utilize advanced heat recovery technologies to regulate temperature and air quality in the rooms without wasting valuable energy.
Decentralized ventilation: Practical benefits
For office buildings and commercial facilities, decentralized ventilation systems offer several advantages. Firstly, they allow precise control of air circulation in individual rooms, leading to a more comfortable working environment and higher productivity. Secondly, they are extremely energy-efficient, as they recover heat from the exhaust air and use it to preheat the fresh air. This not only reduces operating costs but also decreases the CO2 footprint.
Decentralized vs. Central: Which system is better?
In production halls and industrial facilities, the question often arises: decentralized or centralized ventilation? While centralized systems are often suitable for large areas, decentralized solutions offer more flexibility and efficiency for specific work areas. They allow targeted ventilation where needed without treating the entire hall. This can lead to significant savings in installation and operating costs.
What distinguishes decentralized residential ventilation?
Decentralized ventilation with heat recovery offers much more than just the required minimum air exchange. Through innovative heat recovery technology, the heat contained in the exhaust air is transferred to the incoming cold outside air. This significantly reduces the need for heating energy, and a heat recovery efficiency of up to 90 percent can be achieved. This results in a noticeable reduction in heating costs and relief for the environment through highly efficient energy use.
The technology of decentralized ventilation is also characterized by its simple installation. The ventilation units can be specifically placed in individual rooms without the need for an extensive air distribution system. Only a wall penetration or core drilling through the exterior wall of the respective room and an electrical connection are required for installation.
For residential units, multiple devices can be used independently of each other, and there is even the possibility of combining central and decentralized ventilation systems. The choice of the optimal ventilation system for a particular property is determined by a detailed comparison of the various ventilation options.
The operation of the decentralized ventilation system
To explain the operation of decentralized ventilation, it is important to distinguish between two main types: those with continuous operation and those with reverse function. Both types can be controlled manually or based on demand via CO2 or humidity sensors and are installed in the exterior wall.
Decentralized ventilation system with continuous operation
Decentralized ventilation systems with continuous operation, also known as permanent ventilators, are complete supply and exhaust air devices with a built-in cross-counterflow heat exchanger. They have two fans that simultaneously supply air. One fan ensures the supply of fresh air into the room, while the other removes the exhaust air to the outside. The cross-counterflow heat exchanger between both air streams allows the recovery of heat from the room air, keeping most of the heat in the room.
These devices are equipped with filters to prevent dirt particles and external noise from entering the rooms and can supply fresh air and exhaust air in individual rooms.
Reverse operation
In contrast, decentralized ventilation systems with a reverse function, also known as push-pull devices or pendulum fans, use a single fan, while two corresponding devices are responsible for the air exchange in the room. One device removes the exhaust air, while the other supplies fresh air. A heat storage unit is used for heat recovery, storing the heat from the exhaust air and transferring it to the supply air.
Both types of devices are connected via a controller, which reverses the direction of the fans' rotation after a certain time to change the airflow. These devices also have filters to protect against dirt and noise from outside. With a pair of pendulum fans, two supply rooms can be ventilated simultaneously if they are connected. Exhaust rooms are generally not equipped with these devices.
Costs and Maintenance
An important factor in choosing a ventilation system is, of course, the financial aspect. Decentralized ventilation systems may initially appear more expensive than centralized systems, but in the long run, they often offer a better cost-benefit ratio. Additionally, they are usually easier to maintain and require less extensive servicing, which in turn leads to lower operating costs.
Why should you invest in the cost of decentralized ventilation?
Investing in a decentralized residential ventilation system may initially seem like an additional financial burden, but upon closer inspection, there are numerous reasons to justify the cost of this innovative system. Here are some key aspects why investing in a decentralized ventilation system is worthwhile:
Energy efficiency and cost savings
Decentralized ventilation systems are typically highly energy-efficient, especially when equipped with heat recovery technology. By using the heat energy from the exhaust air to preheat the fresh air, energy consumption for room heating is reduced. This leads to lower heating costs and long-term savings on energy expenses.
Individual room control and comfort
Decentralized ventilation allows individual control of air quality and temperature in different rooms of a building. This means that occupants have the ability to adjust air circulation according to their personal preferences, resulting in higher comfort levels. Additionally, specific rooms such as bedrooms or offices can be ventilated independently without affecting the entire apartment or house.
Improvement of indoor air quality and health
Effective indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Decentralized ventilation solutions filter the air and remove pollutants, allergens, and moisture from the rooms, resulting in clean and fresh air. This helps reduce the risk of mold formation and moisture damage and improves the health of occupants.
Reduction of noise pollution
Compared to central ventilation systems, decentralized units can help minimize noise levels in residential buildings. Since the ventilation units are installed directly in individual rooms, the noise level is reduced to a minimum, contributing to a quieter and more pleasant living atmosphere.
Preservation and enhancement of property value
High-quality ventilation systems can increase the value of a property in the long run by enhancing living quality and appealing to potential buyers or renters. Modern and energy-efficient ventilation systems are becoming increasingly important selling points and can help increase the attractiveness and market value of a property.
What costs are involved in a decentralized ventilation system?
Various costs are associated with the installation and maintenance of a decentralized ventilation system, which need to be taken into account. Here are the typical cost items related to such a system:
1. Planning costs of a decentralized ventilation system:
The planning costs for ventilation depend on various factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the number of rooms to be ventilated, and the specific requirements of the ventilation system. The costs for ventilation concepts and planning can consist of architect fees, engineering services, and consulting fees and vary depending on the individual project.
The costs for the fans themselves vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and performance. Decentralized fans with heat recovery are usually slightly more expensive than conventional ventilation systems because they have additional technology to recover heat from the exhaust air. Prices can vary depending on the size and performance of the fans.
The costs for the installation and assembly of a decentralized ventilation system include installer labor costs for installing the fans, connection work to the electrical supply, and possibly adjustments to the existing building structures. These costs can vary depending on the scope of the work and local conditions.
The operating costs primarily include the energy costs for operating the fans, as well as, if necessary, costs for maintenance and repairs. Decentralized ventilation systems are generally more energy-efficient than central systems because they recover heat from the exhaust air and use it to preheat the fresh air. Nevertheless, ongoing operating costs should be considered in budget planning.
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of decentralized ventilation systems, regular cleaning and maintenance are required. The costs for these services can vary depending on the provider and scope of work. It is advisable to enter into a maintenance contract to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of the system and avoid unexpected downtime.
Decentralized ventilation systems in commercial buildings
Decentralized ventilation systems, both with and without heat recovery, offer several advantages in commercial buildings such as office buildings and production halls:
Decentralized ventilation with heat recovery for office buildings
In office buildings, decentralized ventilation systems allow individual control of air quality, humidity, and temperature in different offices or departments. Employees can adjust their work environment according to their personal preferences, enhancing comfort and productivity. Heat recovery technology contributes to reducing heating costs and ensures energy-efficient ventilation.
Decentralized ventilation system for production halls
In production halls, efficient ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality and ensuring the health and safety of employees. Decentralized ventilation systems can be specifically adapted to the requirements of production facilities and provide an effective solution for removing dust, fumes, and other pollutants from the air. Heat recovery technology can also be used in production halls to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Decentralized ventilation vs. centralized ventilation in factory halls
In factory halls, efficient ventilation is crucial to optimize working conditions for employees and support production processes. When deciding between decentralized and centralized ventilation, factory operators often face an important choice. Both options offer various advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered when making a decision.
Decentralized ventilation, which is gaining importance in factory halls, offers higher flexibility and control over airflow in different areas of the hall. This allows for individual ventilation solutions for specific production areas, which is particularly beneficial in large halls with different requirements for air quality.
Furthermore, decentralized ventilation units are often easier to install and do not require extensive ductwork, which can save time and costs. However, maintenance effort may be higher with a large number of units, as each unit needs to be serviced separately. Also, the acquisition costs per unit may be higher, especially when advanced technologies like heat recovery are involved.
Utilizing funding opportunities
To support businesses in investing in energy-efficient ventilation systems, many governments and organizations offer funding programs and financial incentives. It is therefore worthwhile to inform oneself about the available opportunities and to use them specifically to reduce the costs of implementing a decentralized ventilation system.
Conclusion
Decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery are undoubtedly the future of ventilation technology for commercial and industrial use. They offer an efficient, flexible, and sustainable solution for ventilating office buildings, commercial facilities, and production facilities. With their advanced technologies, they not only contribute to a more pleasant working environment but also to reducing environmental impacts and operating costs. With the right funding opportunities, businesses can benefit from the numerous advantages of these innovative systems and make an important contribution to climate protection.