ESSMANN case study 
"Aeration, ventilation and improved utilisation of natural daylight"

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The extreme temperatures experienced in 2003 prompted Caritas Sozialwerk, a social services organisation, to install an aeration and ventilation system on its factory premises in Leipzig, Germany, and to improve the utilisation of natural daylight in the building at the same time. The existing arcade rooflight caused both unwanted dazzling effects at work stations and a considerable increase in temperature inside the factory in summer, which in turn resulted in the accumulation of heat. By contrast, during the winter months when heating was required, the cold air allowed into the building through the roof opening led to high thermal losses and draughts. The factory complex has an average height of 5.5 m and a floor area of 800 m². An arcade rooflight measuring 2.5 m in width was installed in the ridge in 1994. Since the employees primarily work at seated stations in the premises in question and little machinery is used, the resulting internal thermal load is low.<//a><//span>

Project definition

• Reduction of external heat input during the summer months - Better ventilation
• Reduction in ventilation and heating costs
• Good natural lighting at work stations, with no dazzling effects
• Smoke and heat extraction in accordance with DIN EN 12101 Part 2 ESSMANN

SolutionESSMANN decided to install an ESSMANN arched arcade rooflight with HDS protection. HDS protection is a special feature of arcade rooflights: A perforated aluminium sheet is mounted onto the arcade rooflight to provide fall-through protection, hard roofing and protection against the sun, hail, vandalism and break-ins. ESSMANN all-weather finned ventilators facilitate both ventilation and smoke and heat extraction; they also comply with all DIN EN 12101 Part 2 requirements.

Customer benefits

• Reduced heating costs: Installing the new ESSMANN arcade rooflight improved the U value from 3.2 W/m² K to 1.8 W/m² K, generating massive energy savings and a considerable reduction in heating costs.
• Less ventilation required: ESSMANN HDS protection for the arcade rooflight reduces energy input during the summer months by more than 70%. Less ventilation is therefore needed.
• Aeration and ventilation, regardless of the weather: ESSMANN all-weather finned ventilators can be used regardless of the weather. The hall can still be ventilated even during heavy summer showers, since water cannot enter the building through the side flaps.