Commercial Ventilation

Installing a suitable commercial MVHR unit (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) is the best solution in most instances. Such systems extract the heat energy from any air that is expelled from the premises, whilst also filtering any incoming air. This can be especially important in industrial zones or anywhere the external air quality is poor (e.g. due to excessive diesel emissions).

Where are These Commercial Units Used?

MVHR installations can be found in all kinds of commercial premises, including offices, shops, hairdressers, hotels as well as schools and hospitals. In all cases, the purpose is to ensure that the workplace, where we spend a great part of our lives, is comfortable and that the air we breathe is clean and is at the right temperature and humidity. At the same time, these systems reduce energy consumption and thus the amount of Co2 being produced.

What are the Benefits of Using a Commercial Heat Recovery System

• Indoor air quality is improved
• Internal Co2 levels are lowered, thus reducing staff fatigue and tiredness
• Levels of mould and condensation are reduced
• Energy usage decreases as the majority of heat energy is recovered
• The air introduced into the premises is filtered to remove particulates and pollen
• A positive airflow is created in the premises, air being expelled at a controlled rate, thus reducing airborne bacteria and germs

How Does MVHR Work?

These heat recovery systems supply fresh filtered air, whilst extracting stale stagnant air from the interior of the premises. Every unit has a heat recovery element (most often either a thermal wheel or counter-flow plate heat exchanger) which ensures that the majority of heat energy in the expelled air is recovered and transferred to the incoming air.

There are three main types of these units, Plate heat exchangers being slightly more efficient than the Thermal wheel models. Plate units offer as much as 95% efficiency, whilst their low profile makes them ideal for use in ceiling voids or where space is at a premium. Thermal wheels provide a 70-90% efficiency range and are often used in larger buildings like swimming pools and factories where the level of heat loss would otherwise be excessive.

Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems

The other type have “run-around coil exchangers” and are used when there is a need to extract the heat from an exhaust airstream which may be dirty or contaminated. These are often found in commercial kitchens where the run-around coil uses water in the exhaust airstream coil to absorb exhaust heat energy. This is then transferred to a coil positioned in the supply airstream, thus allowing the heat to be transferred to the incoming airflow. Kitchen systems and others can be adapted to incorporate cooling, heating, and additional filtration as required. Sophisticated control systems can also be provided.

MVHR Design & Specification

We can design and specify a heat recovery system for any size of project, and can work with other professionals (e.g. your consultant/technical designer) to make sure that the most suitable system, one that fits your budget and timescales, is selected.

The Return on Investment for Commercial Heat Recovery Units

Today many new commercial builds incorporate a heat recovery system. However, older buildings have an even greater need for such energy recovery systems, as the levels of insulation are often inadequate.

A Bespoke Solution For Your Premises

A bespoke solution is often needed for older buildings, as in many cases the available space for the retrofit is low. There are, however, several issues that need consideration when planning to fit a heat recovery system.

• Is there sufficient space available for a commercial heat recovery system? 
• Is the new system replacing an old installation, or does a whole new set of ducting need to be installed?
• Cost – When retrofitting an MVHR system to an old building, the costs will be higher than when a building is being built or renovated.

Businesses today are becoming increasingly aware that they must take action to reduce their carbon footprint. When properly installed and combined with other green strategies, a commercial heat recovery system will greatly decrease carbon emissions and save on energy costs.

Full Controllability

Commercial Heat recovery units can be fitted with a large range of control systems

• Demand Controlled- these use Co2 sensors that increase speed and performance according to how many people are in the room.
• Humidity sensor – increases speed when humidity rises above a set level – often used in swimming pools or shower areas.
• BMS – A building management interface that allows the unit to be controlled remotely
  Whether you need to install an MVHR System in a school, retail outlet, industrial unit or an office, Sparta Mech can provide you with all the support you need, and will ensure that your system fully matches your requirements.