Low Energy Natural Ventilation

Breathing Buildings has developed the e-stack natural ventilation system. It is an ideal, energy-efficient ventilation solution for use in new buildings and has proved especially effective in schools and universities. An award-winning system, e-stack natural ventilation consistently reduces CO2 levels, while helping to maintain a constant room temperature. With better air quality, the occupants can work more efficiently and their concentration levels are generally increased. Additionally, as the e-stack provides extremely energy-efficient ventilation, it will help save money on power bills and reduce the building's carbon footprint.

How does e-stack natural ventilation work?
e-stack energy-efficient ventilation utilises a combination of natural ventilation methods to keep buildings full of fresh, clean air throughout the year. This energy-efficient ventilation system uses upward displacement in the summer and natural mixing ventilation in the winter. For buildings with large thermal masses, e-stack natural ventilation can be used in conjunction with passive night-cooling to further increase the efficacy of the system. Additionally, low-energy fans can be used to enhance the flow of air, ensuring that this energy-efficient ventilation system functions reliably in all situations. The e-stack low-energy ventilation system is controlled by a programmable logic controller and it automatically switches on when pre-set levels in temperature or CO2 levels are reached.

What options are available with e-stack energy-efficient ventilation?
e-stack natural ventilation systems are available in four different designs. The right choice will depend on the structure of your building. The A-Series is designed to provide natural ventilation for buildings with atria. It is suitable for both single- and multi-storey buildings and it utilises high-level vents and windows to facilitate the energy-efficient ventilation. The F-Series is facade-based natural ventilation. This option is for use in rooms that are at least 3.5m in height and which have access to an external wall. Additionally, this energy-efficient ventilation option requires a sloped roof and high-level windows. For rooms that have access to the exterior via the roof, and with occupancy levels of ten to 30 people, the R-Series is the right choice for natural ventilation. This system uses a rectangular shaft that is subdivided to mix fresh air with internal air, providing energy-efficient ventilation to the room. The S-Series of energy-efficient ventilation works in a way similar to the R-Series, but provides natural ventilation for rooms with occupancy of more than 30 people.

Is e-stack natural ventilation right for your building project?
Breathing Buildings was established in 2006 after developing a proprietary low-energy natural ventilation unit at the University of Cambridge. Today, e-stack energy-efficient ventilation has been installed in over 20 schools and colleges around the UK. Systems have also been designed for other projects, including auditoria, shopping malls, multi-storey office buildings, theatres and apartment buildings. To find out more about e-stack natural ventilation, contact us today. We'll be happy to discuss your requirements and help you decide if e-stack is the solution to your energy-efficient ventilation needs. You can also use our  online design tool to find out how the e-stack natural ventilation system could be used in your next project to provide energy-efficient ventilation. Be sure to also check our news section to find out more about the latest developments in natural ventilation and energy-efficient ventilation. We'll also update the section with our most recent press releases. Breathing Buildings was formed as a spin out company from the University of Cambridge in 2006, following the discovery and development of the proprietary low energy e-stack mixing ventilation system as part of a major research programme at the BP Institute, through the Cambridge-MIT Institute, with funding from BP plc. The technology was filed for patent by the University of Cambridge, and Breathing Buildings has exclusive rights to the technology. Breathing Buildings was set up to develop and commercialise this low energy ventilation system. During 2006-07 prototypes of the system were developed and tested in the Breathing Buildings laboratories, with a team of highly qualified ventilation experts. The value and potential of the innovation has been recognised by several awards for innovation. Furthermore, since the e-stack system was commercially introduced in 2007, the success of the product and associated consultancy has been recognised by industry via an increasing number of awards. Already e-stack systems are operating in over 20 different schools in the UK, and there is a substantial pipeline of new school projects for which Breathing Buildings is actively engaged in supplying e-stack systems.

The Breathing Buildings team contributes significantly to research into natural ventilation. Our links with the University of Cambridge research team at the BP Institute are very strong. Click here for a reference list of background useful papers and articles