Automated
windows automatic window
WindowMaster's intelligent motors to protect against entrapment at new school
A new £3.8 million primary school in
Monmouthshire will have automated windows from WindowMaster
installed to help it achieve a 'very good' BREEAM rating. It
will also incorporate the company's anti-entrapment system to
prevent pupils from being injured as windows close
Increasing numbers of schools and other buildings are having
automated window systems installed to benefit from natural
ventilation and attain BREEAM environmental performance ratings.
This has led to concern about the possibility of fingers and
hands accidentally becoming trapped as windows close.
Recognising this Monmouthshire County Council worked with
building contractor, Willmott Dixon Group and architect White
Design Ltd, to ensure the safety of pupils and staff at the new
Wyesham Primary School. However, they were also committed to
achieving a BREEAM rating of 'very good' and installing
automated windows was an important part of this.
The conclusion was that they specified WindowMaster, Europe's
largest provider of natural ventilation solutions, to supply a
window automation system for the school. This was because of its
ability to offer a unique system that limits the possibility of
people being trapped in automated windows.
WindowMaster's NV AdvanceT window automation system uniquely
incorporates 'intelligence' within each motor used to open and
close windows. Microprocessors installed within these devices
monitor in real-time the amount of electrical current being
drawn and the precise position of the window to an accuracy of
less than a millimetre.
If an object, or hands or fingers, becomes trapped in a window
and prevents it from closing the amount of current drawn by the
motor instantly increases. This is detected by the
microprocessor which immediately reverses the motor to release
the window, therefore preventing the possibility of serious
injury.
Sarah Williams, client liaison officer at Willmott Dixon, said:
"Achieving our target BREEAM rating was essential to us and
automated windows formed an important part of this - but we also
needed to ensure the safety of pupils and staff at the school.
"WindowMaster's NV AdvanceT system enables us to achieve both
these. Finding a solution to this was essential as this first
framework build will provide a rolling standard for future
projects."
WindowMaster's NV AdvanceT window automation system is the only
system in Europe that intelligently monitors windows to prevent
entrapment as an integrated function of the motor and control
system. It can provide almost failsafe security against the
possibility of injury while windows are closing.
The system can be retrofitted on many existing windows as well
as being installed on new buildings. It can operate on a broad
range of window types, including top and bottom opening, sliding
and parallel opening. The system can also be used on windows for
heat and smoke ventilation.
Email:
geoffj@smye-holland.com