Mechatronic fittings TipTronic not only for effective night ventilation and smoke and heat extraction in one

Finding an economically and environmentally efficient way to renovate and modernize old public buildings such as schools and kindergartens is often a significant challenge given the limited budgets of cities and municipalities. In the German town of Glauchau, near the Ore Mountains, this task was successfully tackled, resulting in the renovation of three school buildings. Although these are different properties, they shared the common goal of ensuring pleasant climatic conditions in classrooms using available financial resources, enabled by the mechatronic hardware Schüco TipTronic.

High-performance air conditioning systems usually come with high costs, both for purchase and maintenance, and can use gases that are not always environmentally friendly. Heike Joppe, Head of the Planning and Construction Department in Glauchau, remarks that not all feasible solutions are reasonable. It is essential to realize the maximum possible within the available budget. The most effective solution to guarantee optimal climate in school buildings proved to be the mechatronic hardware Schüco TipTronic. With it, window profiles of various opening types can be equipped and controlled. Combined with temperature sensors, the system significantly contributes to an energy-efficient solution. The climate in the rooms is optimized by introducing cool night air, without the expensive management of air conditioning systems. This is particularly relevant since the operation of schools is interrupted several times a year during holidays. This way, operators save on costs as well as time spent managing air conditioning systems.
   
Convincing "invisible" solution for intelligent buildings
The motors of the Schüco TipTronic hardware are installed discreetly in the sashes and are completely invisible when viewing the window from both outside and inside. The hardware meets the requirements for intelligent buildings, with the opening and closing of windows occurring automatically through integrated sensors. The system operates comfortably and responsively. The response is extremely fast, requiring less than one second for the locking or unlocking of hardware. Schüco TipTronic effectively meets the requirement for smoke and heat extraction. For effective use of night cooling, the system is equipped with exterior and interior sensors that compare temperature differences and assess the need to open or close the window. Mechatronic hardware is an ideal solution for hard-to-reach windows, such as those on staircases or in facades. Automated control can be used for conventionally opening, tilting, or parallel opening windows. The new design of the handle with two buttons combines tilting and rotating functions. Safety has, of course, also been considered, especially concerning windows located in areas where children are present. The manufacturer has equipped the hardware with an increased level of protection against finger trapping, in this case, class SK4. A mechanical emergency release function is included as part of the security features.

Free access for architects and technical consultancy from Schüco
The two architects (Klaus Zimmermann and Veit Schindler) behind the modernization of the individual schools were aided by professional technical consultancy from Schüco. In all projects, priority was given to the overall improvement of their energy balance. In addition to effective ventilation methods, it was necessary to choose window and facade profiles with corresponding thermal insulation properties. The compatibility of Schüco system solutions, complemented by the hidden installation of mechatronic hardware into window sashes, gives architects maximum freedom in their work. Architect Veit Schindler, besides the invisible integration of the motors, emphasizes the narrow sight lines of the aluminum profiles. He also points out that this interesting solution conveniently combines and environmentally replaces equipment for smoke and heat extraction as well as traditional air conditioning. Night air exchange is supplemented and purposefully enhanced during the day by Schüco CTB sun protection screens.

Coordinated planning
When electronic elements are incorporated into a project, the planning and manufacturing process is usually more demanding. At the same time, the requirements on the contractor increase, particularly concerning the knowledge of at least basic electrical engineering principles. For this reason, Schüco has optimized the entire installation process for TipTronic hardware so that the profiles do not require additional interventions. The hardware components are very easily assembled using locking stones, and the electrical connections are made through a continuous flat cable with easily connectable contacts into all components of the system. This allows work to proceed more quickly and with minimal risk of operational errors. To better familiarize contractors with the possibilities of window, door, and facade systems, Schüco offers all its partners training, which can be carried out at Schüco facilities or directly at the partners’ locations.

Close cooperation among all stakeholders
Mechatronic hardware TipTronic was part of the building automation from the initial designs in all three projects. Within a single communication interface for data transmission, up to 30 window units can be combined. In such projects, it is therefore necessary to inform and coordinate all steps and stakeholders from the very first steps of collaboration. Uwe Koschkar from ERS Systeme, Schüco's partner responsible for projects in Glauchau, points out that in the consultation, manufacturing, installation, cabling, and final training chain for the end user, no gaps can be left. Tasks and processes must be precisely defined and coordinated; only then can the desired maximum be achieved from the system solution with TipTronic hardware. The effect of heat and smoke extraction is functionally linked to ventilation through intelligently controlled night cooling. It is also important to mention that adapting the system to the ideal state during operation takes some time. Conditions on-site and the needs of building users must be aligned.

In Glauchau, one school building was first completed, and after positive experiences with the Schüco mechatronic hardware system, the client utilized the same technology in two other projects.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Am Rosarium”
Architect: Klaus Zimmermann
Schüco Systems: Thermally insulated aluminum facade system FW 50+.HI, thermally insulated aluminum window system AWS 75 BS.HI (block windows); a minimum of 2 TipTronic units per room connected to the ventilation and night cooling system, Schüco CTB sun protection screens
Processor: MF Fassadentechnik GmbH, Bautzen
Electrical work: ERS-Systeme, Weißwasser
Completion: 2013