Automatic window ventilation - natural and energy efficient
Automatic ventilation concepts which are based on natural window ventilation provide improved indoor air hygiene in all types of buildings. Compared to conventional air-conditioning systems, they are a better, energy-saving option for supplying fresh air. Air is exchanged without fans, through the windows, through the temperature difference and wind pressure.
Window ventilation system: fresh air for a healthy indoor climate
Headaches, tiredness or allergic reactions - poor quality and stale air in buildings have uncomfortable consequences for many people. Improved insulation in modern or renovated building means that hardly any fresh air gets into buildings, making the indoor climate much worse and resulting in increased pollution and mould formation. The solution in most cases is simple: natural ventilation via windows.
Automatic window electric strikes ensure a comfortable indoor climate. © Sigrid Rauchdobler / GEZE GmbH
Manual ventilation or a machine ventilation system?
Manual ventilation means: short and intensive ventilation - or intermittent ventilation - is better than keeping a window tilted open over a longer period. However, one disadvantage of manual ventilation is that it requires conscious effort. When and for how long the window is open are random: as humans, we do not have any sensors in terms of poor quality air.
In contrast, a ventilation system is a piece of technical equipment that automatically provided external air to interior rooms or removes stale air. Depending on the specific circumstances, installations feature controlled fresh air supply (fresh air system), controlled exhaust air (exhaust air system) or combined fresh and exhaust air installations. A ventilation system determines the airflow as needed. However, this type of controlled domestic ventilation system is associated with high costs because of the high energy consumption and space requirements. These systems also require a lot of maintenance, for example the filter needs to be cleaned and exchanged regularly. This applies to equally to ventilation systems in residential buildings as well as in public buildings, hospitals, hotels and schools, etc.
Automatic window ventilation is an attractive alternative
Automatic ventilation via a motor-operated window, i.e. a window opening system, is an attractive alternative to this. Sensors measure the carbon dioxide content in the room and regulate the opening and closing of the window, for example. Air is exchanged via the natural temperature differences between the interior and exterior, and the wind pressure. In summer, this window ventilation assures building climate control in the cool night-time period. This form of ventilation therefore guarantees consistently good air quality without power-operated fans and also supports night-time back cooling.
Automatic window drives are a reliable alternative to manual window ventilation. In contrast to ventilation system, you can also intervene to make any adjustments.
The advantages of automatic window ventilation systems
- Lower investment and maintenance costs in comparison to machine ventilation
- Sustainability: automatic window electric strikes are more efficient than air-conditioning systems since they use natural resources.
- Convenience: automation enables individual and flexible control.
- Interior air quality: for example, potential humidity-related damage is prevented
Requirement: a window with an electric drive
Good quality air in buildings at all times - with the right window technology © Exorbitart / GEZE GmbH
Windows with electric drives allow for automated opening and closing via a timer. Automated ventilation is most effective when it is controlled by sensors, however. These monitor the air quality in the room and independently manage the window positions required. Users can take control during automatic operation at any point, however, and comfortably and simply operate the drive using vent switches.
Automatic ventilation depends on particular settings:
Sensor-controlled window opening factors
- the internal and external temperature and the difference between these values
- the wind strength and direction and precipitation
- periods of use, e.g. times of day, weekdays and weekends
- Interior air quality: air humidity, CO2 or VOC values and interior temperature
Building automation thanks to integrated control technology
Modern control technology permits flexible and continuous adjustment of the ventilation stroke, the opening speed and the ventilation time per window. The drives can be adapted to various window sizes and opening widths and therefore enable building-specific solutions. If necessary, the integrated synchronised mode of GEZE IQ window drives enables the real synchronisation of up to four window and two locking drives.
Our smart window ventilation systems are paving the way to increased sustainability in public and private building and enabling modern smart building concepts.
Sven Kuntschmann, GEZE window technology segment managerAutomatic window control for ventilation can be integrated into a comprehensive indoor climate and building control system, which can also control blinds, awnings, shutters, heating systems, air-conditioning, and light and alarm equipment.
Smart networking with central controls for ventilation is particularly beneficial in large buildings, since the windows do not need to be closed manually. A fieldbus protocol controls activation. The drives can create intelligent building technology via radio, KNX or BACnet installations, and thereby permit intelligent façades.
GEZE window technology for all your needs
Individual and building-related planning
GEZE supports planning for automatic ventilation systems with suitable ventilation concepts. Architects are now opting for unobtrusive, minimal design. The new drives have a discreet and universal look which can be colour-matched. They can be discretely integrated into any façade.
We also offer tender texts for architects, CAD drawings and concepts to increase the building efficiency classes.
Multifaceted competence from a single source
GEZE supports installation companies with cable planning or authorisations to ensure quick and simple project implementation. One particular highlight is our Win Calc 2.0. configuration software. The GEZE configuration tool for window technology takes care of the complex calculations when designing a window system: it is time-saving, easy-to-use and convenient. It enables calculations for manual and electrically operated ventilation and smoke dissipation windows, as well as for SHEVs. The program performs all the calculations and displays all the applicable drive solutions.
Comprehensive service from the outset
GEZE offers comprehensive services for installation and maintenance of systems. We of course also keep the corresponding installation manuals available.
Downloads
You can find GEZE brochures on the topic of automatic ventilation available for download as a PDF here.