How schools can air safely in Corona times 

The Corona virus has had a profound impact on all of our daily lives. Schools, in particular, have had to adapt to new situations time and again in order to provide the best possible protection for students and teachers. For example, health authorities in the respective federal states prescribe ventilation concepts to prevent infection with pathogens. This is also the case at the Max-Schmeling-Stadtteilschule in Hamburg. In the following, we will take a closer look at the school's implemented ventilation concept and present the advantages of controlled natural ventilation.

 

The problem with predefined ventilation concepts

The prescribed ventilation concept of the city of Hamburg basically prescribes that an air exchange must take place every 20 minutes. On the one hand, such a ventilation specification can become problematic if the concentration is intensively on the lessons. Thus, the opening of windows by hand is simply forgotten. In addition, the lessons can be negatively influenced by the manual opening of windows, since the concentration of the students is diverted from the actual events.

Mechanical ventilation systems, which are used to remove aerosols, are also very expensive in most cases. Not only the high initial cost should be considered here, because ventilation systems have a very high energy consumption and the costs in case of regular maintenance are immense. However, what we should remember above all: Ventilation systems do not replace fresh air.

 

The solution: Controlled natural ventilation in classrooms

D+H Mechatronic AG was able to develop a ventilation solution that meets the most important recommendations of the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). The principle is both clever and simple: a digital user interface allows a room to be ventilated either automatically or manually using window drives.

There are two variants for automated ventilation:
Either you ventilate according to time - for example every 20 minutes - and thus comply with the specifications of the health authorities, or you ventilate according to CO2 value. The latter is indicated by a traffic light system on the display and measured by a so-called CO2 sensor. As soon as the CO2 concentration is in the critical range, the chain drives extend automatically - quietly and without disturbing the lessons.

 

Optionally, the ventilation solution offers a password-protected user interface. In addition, a presence detector can be installed to stop the motor drive as soon as someone is in the closing area.

Controlled natural ventilation has numerous other advantages besides the reduced risk of infection from aerosols.

Philipp Scholz, principal of the Max-Schmeling-Stadtteilschule, tells us in an interview: "Even independent of the Corona pandemic, it is an advantage to have such a ventilation system. Because it has been proven that the pupils' ability to concentrate increases when there is regular ventilation. And also there that you do not have to remind the teacher that the students can also be safe, this is a great help and ensures that the concentration can also remain on the lesson. Not on whether windows need to be opened or closed."

Fresh air makes us more alert, healthier and more efficient. In many states, the cost of ventilation solution is covered proportionally and sometimes even completely.

Are you still looking for the right ventilation solution? Our experts will be happy to advise you!
Send us a non-binding inquiry to technik@bsc-technology.de or call us at 09282 48731-15. You can find more information about the ventilation solution here.

 

The video about the project: