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 fairly random, however, since humans do not have sensors to detect poor air quality.
In contrast, a machine ventilation system is a piece of technical equipment that automatically provides external air to interior rooms or removes stale air. We can differentiate between centralised and decentralised systems. Depending on the application, installations feature controlled fresh air supply (fresh air system), controlled exhaust air (exhaust air system) or combined fresh and exhaust air installations
- Centralised ventilation systems work with heat recovery, and consist of a ventilation device with fans and heat exchangers, as well as the associated air distribution system that suctions or diverts the air in a controlled manner.
- Decentralised ventilation systems do not generally have an air guidance system, but instead consist of multiple small devices installed directly in the exterior wall.
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 filters need to be cleaned and exchanged regularly. Otherwise, over time mites may get into the system and be distributed throughout all rooms with the fresh air, having a significant negative impact on air hygiene and, in the worst case scenario, triggering health problems. This applies 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 to a ventilation system
Automatic ventilation via a motor-operated window, i.e. a window ventilation system, is an attractive alternative to machine ventilation systems. This type of ventilation for indoor and residential venting ensures good air quality, without requiring a large amount of energy. Sensors measure the carbon dioxide content in the room, for example, and regulate the opening and closing of the window automatically. 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. By doing so, this type of ventilation ensures good air quality without power-operated fans.
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
- Improved indoor air hygiene and reduced transmission points for bacteria, germs, and viruses
Prerequisite: windows with electric drives
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. This ventilation control monitors the indoor air quality and the controller ensures windows are in the necessary statuses. Users can take control during automatic operation at any point, however, and comfortably and simply operate the drive using vent switches. This results in a high level of acceptance among building users. Automatic window ventilation depends on particular settings:
Sensor-controlled window opening factors
- Faktoren sensorgesteuerter Fensteröffnung
- The wind strength and direction and precipitation
- The periods of use, e.g. times of day, weekdays and weekends
- The indoor air quality: air humidity, CO2 or VOC values and interior temperature
Building automation thanks to integrated control technology
Modern control technology permits flexible and variable 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 the drives of the GEZE IQ windowdrive series 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 buildings and enabling modern smart building concepts.
Sven Kuntschmann, GEZE window technology segment managerAutomatic window control for ventilation can be networked with a comprehensive indoor climate and building control system, which can also control blinds, awnings and shutters as well as heating systems, air-conditioning, and light and alarm equipment.
Smart networking with central control for ventilation is particularly beneficial in large buildings, since the windows do not need to be closed manually. They are activated via field bus protocols. The drives can create intelligent building technology via radio, KNX or BACnet installations, and thereby permit smart façades.
Improved indoor air hygiene and reduced areas to transmit viruses and other pathogens.
The Federal Ministry of Health recommends a sufficient fresh air supply to improve indoor air hygiene. Researchers also believe there is a higher risk of infection by aerosols in closed rooms. Automated window drives with non-contact operation allow for a regular flow of fresh air, while also improving comfort and safety for users: If windows do not need to be opened manually, no bacteria, germs, or viruses can be transmitted through touch.
Download leaflet with hygiene tips on natural ventilation (PDF | 0.97 MB)
Because of this, automatic ventilation solutions using windows are particularly well-suited for hospitals, care facilities or other buildings focused on the recovery and well-being of users based on a “healing architecture” approach.
Learn more about healing architecture
PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS FROM GEZE FOR A HEALTHY INDOOR CLIMATE (PDF | 0.97 MB)
FAQ: Automatic window ventilation
Bei einer automatischen Lüftung über Fenster wird die Frischluftzufuhr in Gebäuden über Winddruck und spezielle Sensoren gesteuert. So werden elektrisch angetrieben Fenster automatisch und intelligent geöffnet oder geschlossen.
Automatische Fensterlüftung sorgt in allen Gebäudearten für mehr Raumlufthygiene und sichert eine ausreichende Zufuhr von Frischluft. Im Prinzip für alle Betreiber von öffentlichen oder privaten Gebäuden. Vor allem aber für Bereiche, in denen mehrere Menschen zusammen arbeiten, viel Zeit in geschlossenen Räumen verbringen und Hygiene eine besondere Rolle spielt, z. B.: in Hotels, Büroräumen, Krankenhäusern oder Schulen.
Elektrische Fensterantriebe und Schnittstellenmodule können in Gebäuden aller Art nachgerüstet werden. Bei GEZE beraten wir Sie gerne und bieten Komplettlösungen und Einzelprodukte für ein gesundes Raumklima.
Hier geht es direkt zu den GEZE Fenstersystemen
Um Ihnen den Überblick über unsere Fenstersysteme einfacher zu machen, finden Sie hier eine Hilfestellung zur Auswahl des richtigen Fensterantriebs.
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.
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.
Architect hotline
Our project consultants are available via the GEZE architect hotline (Mo-Thu: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) to provide you with detailed information and advice on our products and their use. Give us a call on +49 (0)7152/203-112.
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.
GEZE window technology for all your needs
--> F 1200+ - Ventilation drive for particularly large and heavy windows
ECchain - simple automation options for ventilation mode
GEZE spindle drive – a drive with a compact construction
GEZE E 212 linear drive - for use in conjunction with fanlight openers
Downloads
You can find GEZE brochures on the topic of automatic ventilation available for download as a PDF here.
