NATURAL CLIMATE SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS

Ceiling systems for building air-conditioning are becoming increasingly popular in schools and daycare centers. Important here is that, aside from the optimum temperature regulation, the rooms exhibit a healthy room climate. This includes the purity of the air as well as air humidity.

Ceiling systems transfer their thermal energy almost exclusively by means of radiant heat, which is distributed evenly throughout the room. As heating is performed from the top of the room, no convection, i.e. rising warm air, can occur. Radiators and floor heating systems have a very high portion of convective heat emission of 50 % and more. The air serves as an energy transmitter here, rising to the top and accumulating dust and fine particles, which impairs the room air and can cause allergies in the worst case. In addition to this, higher energy losses during air change occur.

With regard to temperature regulation in schools and daycare centers, aside from heating in winter, more emphasis has been put on the protection against overheating during summer. A good building shell is not sufficient here, as the temperatures in summer continue to rise. Additionally, high internal heat loads are generated, as one person emits approx. 100 W of thermal energy per hour. Ultimately, active cooling is required. In view of the energy efficiency and quality of the room, ceiling cooling is by far the best option.

However, there is a significant issue with this: Area systems cannot regulate the room air humidity. As the high humidity content of the outside air in schools and daycare centers in summer is exacerbated by a considerably higher internal humidity load due to the occupant load, cooling via conventional ceiling systems cannot be implemented without countermeasures.

Here, the air change inside the building has to be increased significantly, which implies the utilization of central ventilation systems. By this, a certain proportion of the room humidity can be dissipated via the high air flow and the cooling function is ensured without restrictions on approximately 60 % of all cooling days. The fresh air supply must be dehumidified in order to ensure 100 % cooling without restrictions. This consumes a lot of energy; compared to the actual energy costs for cooling that corresponds to an addition of approx. 60 %. Furthermore, the dehumidification of the fresh air supply affects the quality of the room.

With the natural air-conditioning systems of ArgillaTherm, the HUMID modules take on the humidity management. Central ventilation systems are therefore no longer required!   

Central ventilation systems are not required to discharge CO₂ and contaminants to a sufficient extent. The necessary air volumes can be easily moved by decentralized ventilation systems or additional window ventilation.