Integral and CO2-controlled ventilation system: maximum comfort and low energy consumption

Integral climate systems are becoming increasingly common in stacked construction. The further development of control technologies plays an important role in this; coordination of system components is challenging. With the CERA system, Barcol-Air, part of HC Group, developed an integral and CO2-controlled climate system - individually controllable with maximum comfort, energy efficient with maximum results. In Het Dok, the system was applied. "The combination of comfort and energy use is the big advantage," says technical consultant Daan Bakker of manufacturer Barcol-Air.

Modern homes are so well insulated that the share of heating in energy costs decreases. A large part of the building-related energy consumption of stacked buildings, more than 25%, is caused by ventilation. The CERA system saves energy costs precisely here. CERA was developed by Barcol-Air in cooperation with installation engineering consultancy Hiensch and was first applied in Rhapsody in West at Amsterdam's Bos en Lommerplein. In Het Dok, the system is applied in 389 apartments, in combination with central heat recovery. CERA stands for Central Energy Recovery Airflow. Quiet, compact units (placed in the technical areas of the apartments) regulate the required amount of fresh air 24/7, based on local CO2 measurements. Bakker: "In Het Dok, two variants are applied: CERA 1, which regulates climate control per apartment, and CERA 2, which distinguishes between the living and sleeping areas."

'Service is included'

The CERA system was launched on the market in 2018 and has since been widely used in stacked housing construction. Since it is still a relatively new system, Barcol-Air attaches great importance to an integral project approach and ditto guidance. "Good, project-based guidance is important. We therefore provide, together with the installer, a kick-off for each project in which we go through the entire system with the fitters and project leader and provide tips & tricks for installation and adjustment. At the beginning of the installation process, we always visit the site to connect the dots," said Bakker. "A new system also requires good service and explanation. For example, each CERA unit is provided with a QR code, which allows the user to request an online explanation of the system. For mechanics, a specially developed tool is available with which the units can be easily adjusted. This tool takes into account all levels of technical knowledge. In our eyes, forms of service that ensure satisfied clients, installers and users."