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AET Launches improved personal control for the Hiross flexible space system

Advanced Ergonomic Technologies (AET) – the market leader in underfloor air-conditioning – has introduced a new Fan Tile Unit (FTU) controller as part of its highly successful Flexible Space Concept featuring Hiross underfloor air-conditioning, Nesite Raised Access Flooring and Movinord Fully Demountable Partitioning.

With an updated, aesthetically attractive finish, the new Fatronic E controller brings users improved local control of the temperature and fan speed operations of their nearest FTU, helping to create a more comfortable indoor environment for themselves and other building occupiers.

The Hiross Fatronic E is a simple to use solution where occupants demand better local control of their air-conditioning system. By push button action on the controller on each fan tile, the user may adjust their chosen temperature set point or fan speed. In a poll of office workers in London, 78% requested personal control of their environment and these Fatronic controllers permit this without having to request minor system changes via the facilities or system manager. As an option, for example, in varying load areas such as meeting rooms, the fan speed can also be set to automatic. This setting will vary the fan speed according to demand and also ensures that ventilation levels will automatically increase, for example, when more people occupy a meeting room and decrease as they leave. Also, interestingly, this setting minimizes the effect of high CO2 concentrations on the indoor environment by automatically increasing fresh air input when cooling demands are high.

AET’s Flexible Space Concept, incorporating Hiross underfloor air conditioning, uses the whole void under a raised access floor as a “duct” for air distribution. The building to be conditioned is divided into “zones” of typically between 100 – 300m 2 and each zone is isolated from the others to create airtight boxes. Walls or demountable partitions separate the zones above the raised access floor with either mineral fibre fire barriers or solid walls beneath. Each zone’s floor void, or plenum, is divided into two sections by a silicone covered barrier material; creating a supply air zone and a return air zone, very roughly splitting the plenum into two halves.

Depending on the users requirements, either cooled or warmed air is driven into the supply air zone by a Conditioned Air Module (CAM). This air is then drawn up into the occupied space by fan-assisted terminal units (FTU). The FTU are recessed into the floor, plugged into an underfloor power source and connected by Cat5 data cabling for intelligent control. After thorough mixing in the office space, the used air travels back down into the plenum through grilles over the return air zone and, along with an injection of fresh air, passed through to the CAM. Here, it is filtered, has the humidity and temperature adjusted according to settings made both at the CAM and FTUs and is once again recirculated into the supply air channel.

Since the FTUs are not restricted by duct or pipe connections, they are easily interchanged with nearby floor panels, allowing swift reconfiguration in the event of any discomfort or office changes. Alterations are therefore very straightforward, keeping costs and disruption for the users at a minimum.

With well over 1½ million sq m of commercial building space now air conditioned with its Flexible Space System, AET is the clear market leader in underfloor air conditioning. The company has over 15 years’ experience in underfloor air conditioning technology and works closely with clients, consultants and contractors to ensure all installations achieve the maximum potential of cost and time saving both in initial construction and during the life of the building.

Indicative figures from BAA show savings in cost and time in new-build projects in the region of 10% and this low energy concept is being adopted by consultants as it addresses carbon emission and other issues associated with the New Part L of the building regulations. A recent CABE study has identified a 90% decrease in churn cost in a building with under-floor HVAC, power, telephone and data systems over a building with ceiling-based HVAC and a cellular floor. In the fourth edition of the British Council of Offices Specification Guide, improvements in business performance have been highlighted as achievable through the installation of an under-floor HVAC system in commercial buildings.

Email: jeff@wildwoodpr.co.uk