School ventilation

School buildings consist of rooms of different sizes and functional purposes: classrooms, gym, dining room, training laboratories, computer classes, etc. Each room has its own requirements for air exchange and ventilation.

Ventilation requirements for schools

Thus, in classrooms, the norm is 16 m3/ h per student. Laboratory classrooms and computer classes require 20 m3/h of fresh air per person. In gyms and canteens not less than 50 m3/hour. Optimal microclimatic parameters: air temperature 16-22˚C, relative humidity 30-60%, CO2 content up to 1l / m3.

However, if the air exchange is insufficient, staying in such premises endangers the health of children. Decreased concentration and attention, deteriorating health, possible exacerbation of allergic manifestations, and in the epidemiological period, students are more likely to get sick. Open windows do not solve the problem, as they form drafts, and in the winter precious heat is lost.

Features of ventilation in schools

The best option is to organize forced inflow and extraction of air in educational institutions. Because with the installation of airtight windows, natural ventilation is not enough. To obtain a positive balance, the extract rate should be less than the inflow rate.

Mechanical exhaust ventilation is arranged separately in sanitary facilities and in rooms with local hoods: a chemical laboratory with a fume cupboard, workshops with machines, etc.

Independent ventilation systems are installed in the kitchen, dishwasher and toilets. Ventilation of the dining room and cafeteria is designed in accordance with the rules of catering establishments.

Which ventilation system to choose for the school?

For schools and other educational institutions, it is necessary to install supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery. These are ventilation systems in which there are two fans on either side that rotate in opposite directions. Accordingly, the supply and exhaust air move simultaneously through different channels to meet each other. Thanks to the heat exchanger, the exhaust air gives off heat to the supply, this process is called recuperation. Thus, the air from the street enters the room fresh and warmed to room temperature. Experts recommend buying a recuperator, having previously agreed on the necessary device and the number of installations required for each training room.

Recuperator is an innovative ventilation solution

When choosing a ventilation system, keep in mind that in winter the room will be significantly cooled. And so the ventilation will have to spend extra heat. If you install a supply and exhaust system with heat recovery, on the contrary, all internal heat is preserved, while fresh air continues to flow.

It is also important that the removal of exhaust air from the room removes excess moisture, which is the greatest enemy of any structure. Excessive humidity causes mold and mildew on the walls, sweating windows. Only proper ventilation can effectively deal with these problems.

If it is difficult to buy a recuperator by the educational institution itself, you can use numerous options of financing programs from NEFCO, EBRD, UNDP.