Pressure ratio management in buildings is an essential contributor to living comfort and building permanence. Especially in windy locations or in tall buildings, pressure ratio management is necessary, and the easy solution to this is a ventilation unit with a constant flow feature.
How are pressure differences created?
The taller the building or windier the location, the higher the wind-induced pressure difference between different apartments, for example. At a wind speed of 5 m/s, the windward wall has a high pressure of approximately 10 Pa and the leeward wall has a nearly equal negative pressure. As the wind speed rises, the pressure difference increases. When the wind blows at 10 m/s, the pressure difference between the windward wall and the leeward wall can rise to 70 Pa. Windward walls can have a negative pressure higher than leeward walls.
Impact of pressure differences
Apartments with a negative pressure can be penetrated by outdoor odours and opening the front door can become challenging. On the other hand, a high-pressure apartment can experience frosted windows or moisture in building structures, which can lead to health problems or property damage in the long run.
Benefits of the constant flow feature
The air flows of a ventilation unit equipped with a constant flow feature remain constant regardless of differences in pressure caused by wind, dirty filters or valves, condensation or freezing of the HR cell, or defrosting cycles. In other words, ventilation is efficient and regular under all conditions, which enhances living comfort and protects the building.
However, the constant flow feature does not eliminate the need for regular filter replacement and unit cleaning. In all other respects, MyVallox ventilation units have been designed for maximum convenience. In addition to the constant flow feature, the ventilation units have integrated humidity and carbon dioxide sensors that monitor the indoor air quality and boost ventilation, as necessary. The units can also be connected to a free cloud service that allows the user to control the unit and monitor the indoor air quality over longer periods of time.
Read more about our ventilation units equipped with constant flow fans