Building ventilation systems and building services management

6.0
Chapter 6.0

LabSystem
Building ventilation systems and
building services management

Table of contents
Section Title Page
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.1 Building services management (BSM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.1.1 PAD-3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1.2 Graphic interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Duct pressure optimiser with FI fan actuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Duct pressure controller with fan FI actuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Constant duct pressure controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3.1 Energy savings taking into account the diversity factor . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1.1 Diversity factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 Remote maintenance and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4.1 Fire and smoke detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.1 System networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5.1.1 LON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.1.2 BACnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.1.3 ETHERNET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.1.4 INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6.1 Ventilation system with central supply and exhaust air . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6.1.1 Pressure control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1.2 Duct dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1.3 Negative pressure in the laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1.4 Temperature control, heating and cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.1.5 Volume flow control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

6.2 Ventilation system with central supply and exhaust air via individual fans . 8

7.0 Building ventilation systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

7.1 Constant volume flow control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.1.1 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 1 

Building ventilation systems and building services management

Chapter 6.0

Table of contents
Section Title Page
8.1 Variable volume flow control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
8.1.1 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

9.1 Ventilation system with speed controlled supply and exhaust air . . . . . . 13
9.2 Ventilation system with speed controlled supply and exhaust air
with bypass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9.2.2 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

10.1 Variable volume flow control of 4 laboratories in the LON network . . . . 15

10.2 Connection to the building services management . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.2.1 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

11.1 Additional savings potential with a DPO duct pressure optimiser in the
LON network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.1.1 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

12.1 Product overview Duct pressure controllers, Duct pressure optimisers . . 18

2 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

1.1 Introduction

A perfectly functioning full system requires well planned

building ventilation control of the central supply air and the
exhaust air and the selection of products that are well mat-
ched. The advantage for the user is that the entire system
functions without compatibility problems.

The following SCHNEIDER LabSystem products are used

for building ventilation and fan control:

 Building services management

software PAD3000
 Duct pressure optimiser, LON
networked, with fan FI actuation DPO-L
 Central duct pressure controller
with fan FI actuation DPC
 Decentral constant duct pressure
controller CDP Figure 6.1: Large-scale project ETH-Zurich with 2150
SCHNEIDER fume hood controllers

The individual area of application determines which pro-
duct is used, taking into account what gives the best value
for money. 2.1.2 Graphic interface

In addition to the correct dimensioning of the air ducts, this
also includes the correct selection of the supply air and
exhaust air fans.
2.1 Building services management (BSM)
Building services management forms a considerable part
of building and facility management. Companies such as
ABB, Siemens/Landis Staefa, Honeywell, Johnson Con-
trols, Sauter, etc. have a leading market position in this
area.
With the PAD-3000 management software, SCHNEIDER
offers a product that has been specially developed for con-
trol, regulation and remote maintenance of fume hoods
and fume hood controllers.
The software runs on WINDOWS® and every SCHNEI-
DER product is displayed graphically on the monitor. The
actual values, such as the sash position, exhaust air volu-
me flow, face velocity, operating status, etc., are display-
ed.
Remote maintenance via the BSM enables cost-efficient,
regular maintenance and test functions, which conside-
rably increases the safety of the entire system.
In addition, recording of consumption and energy as well
as simple accounting (e.g. in relation to the individual labo-
ratories) is possible via the BSM.

2.1.1 PAD-3000

PAD-3000 is written in the C++ programming language

and can easily be integrated as an independent task in the
existing building management system.

This software enables the building services management

to access all SCHNEIDER products via the network that is
installed in the building. Every variable of the fume hood
controller, such as the sash position, exhaust air volume
flow, face velocity, operating status, etc., is available and
can be controlled remotely via the BSM (see Technical da-
tasheet FC500, variables list).
Figure 6.2: PAD-3000 interface
The data and parameters of the LCO500 laboratory cont-
roller, the GC10 group controller and the LON connected
VAV-L volume flow controller (see Technical data sheet
VAV-L, variables list) are also available via the BSM.

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 3 

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0
2.2 Duct pressure optimiser with fan
FI actuation
The DPO-L duct pressure optimiser is used primarily in lar-
ge LON networked projects and takes over the optimised
actuation of the fan frequency inverter. Via the LON net-
work the damper positions of all controllers (fume hood,
room exhaust air, etc.) are automatically checked at regu-
lar intervals and the frequency inverter (FI) for the exhaust
air fan is regulated downwards until the "weakest" damper
is still at 80° (90° = damper fully open, 0° = damper fully
shut) and thus is still in the control range.
This measure ensures that the entire system is optimised
in such a way that as little energy as possible is wasted
and controllers are still within the control range.
The same approach is also valid for the supply air and for
actuation of the supply air fan frequency inverter.
The fans are always operated at the ideal (minimum) ope-
rating point, which achieves considerable savings with re-
gard to electrical energy.
In addition to the energy savings, sound levels are also re-
duced, because the control dampers are always open as
far as possible and thus do not "waste" much pressure.
Figure 6.3: DPO duct pressure optimiser with display
of the duct pressure (optional)
2.3 Duct pressure controller with
fan FI actuation
The DPC duct pressure controller automatically regulates
the duct pressure to a constant value in relation to a pre-
defined measuring point (e.g. at the weakest point or close
to the fan).
The disadvantage of weakest point measurement is the
higher installation effort required, because in this case a
measurement cable must be laid from the consumer load
that is least well ventilated to the DPC, which is usually
mounted directly on the ventilator FI.
The advantage of weakest point measurement is that
measurement can take place directly on the consumer
4 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories
load that is least well ventilated.
With weakest point measurement, the duct pressure at
the measuring point is constantly regulated to approx. 130
Pa (all values stated are only sample values), while at the
measuring point close to the fan the duct pressure is regu-
lated to approx. 450 Pa.
In buildings that mainly have laboratories and rooms in a
state of negative pressure, the exhaust air pressure value
that is to be regulated is always approx. 10 % higher than
the supply air pressure value that is to be regulated.
Figure 6.4: DPC duct pressure controller with display
of the duct pressure (optional)
The optimal duct pressure that is to be regulated for all
operating states is calculated by measurements taken du-
ring set-up and is then programmed as a fixed value. If
the operating states change and the air requirement of the
connected consumer loads (e.g. fume hood controllers)
changes, the fan is regulated upwards or downwards via
the frequency inverter (FI) until the constant duct pressure
is reached.
With this solution as well, the electrical energy of the re-
quired air (exhaust air and supply air) is adjusted and thus
savings are made, even if the savings potential of the DPO
duct pressure optimiser is considerably higher.
2.4 Constant duct pressure controller
The CDP constant duct pressure controller regulates a
branch duct to a constant, programmable duct pressure
(e.g. 130 Pa). This means that all consumer loads con-
nected to this branch duct have the same pressure con-
ditions.
In large buildings or in inappropriately constructed ventila-
tion networks, it is very important to install constant duct
pressure controllers in appropriate places. For example,
the exhaust air and supply air for each floor should be se-
parated from the main ventilation network with constant
duct pressure controllers.
 Building ventilation systems and building services management
This results in considerable advantages with regard to lo-
wer sound levels.
Figure 6.5: Constant duct pressure controller
3.1 Energy savings taking into account
the diversity factor
Taking into account the diversity factor, the entire system
can be planned at minimum cost.
3.1.1 Diversity factor
A diversity factor of 50 % can be calculated when an
FC500 sash-dependent variable fume hood controller and
an SC500 automatic sash controller are used. The buil-
ding ventilation system thus only has to be dimensioned to
50 % of the value that would be necessary if the connec-
ted fume hoods were regulated constantly and the full flow
rate (100 %) would always be required. This approach ge-
nerates a considerable reduction in building system costs
without compromising the safety of the user.
The SC500 automatic sash controller automatically closes
the sash when the fume hood is not in use, whereby the
controller reduces the sash-dependent exhaust air volume
flow by approx. 70 % in relation to the maximum value
(VMAX = sash shut). This means that when the two pro-
ducts mentioned above are used at the same time, there
is enough leeway in the dimensioning of the building if a
diversity factor of 50% is assumed.
In this chapter various examples for building ventilation
controllers (supply air and exhaust air) are presented.
LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories
Chapter 6.0
3.2 Remote maintenance and safety
A special feature is the remote maintenance of fume hoods
in networked systems. With the PAD-3000 management
software, the safety functions of every fume hood can be
checked at regular intervals and remote maintenance with
the appropriate documentation (maintenance plan) can be
efficiently and cost-effectively carried out.
Thus, for example, the damper of the fume hood control-
ler can be forced shut via the building services manage-
ment. This cuts off the exhaust air volume flow locally.
The FC500 controller now tries to maintain the required
exhaust air volume flow, which, however, is unsuccessful
and after an alarm delay time an alarm is activated accor-
dingly. This alarm again appears as feedback on the BSM,
together with the measured exhaust air volume flow actual
value (0 m³/h).
The damper running time (over a 90° delay angle) of the
FC500 fume hood controller can also be read by the BSM,
whereby the damper motor and the function of the damper
is checked. At the same time, the damper position can be
read.
In addition, the ventilation system can be checked by fully
forcing open the damper(s) of one or more FC500 fume
hood controller(s) via the building services management.
The fume hood controllers return the measured exhaust
air volume flows (the maximum possible value when the
damper is fully open) to the BSM.
In addition to switching from daytime operation to night-
time operation (or work-free time) numerous other func-
tions are conceivable. The variables required to carry out
further functions are already implemented and are availab-
le to the user via the BSM as standard variables (SNVT).
4.1 Fire and smoke detection
The danger of a fire breaking out or smoke forming is par-
ticularly high in laboratories and in fume hoods.
SCHNEIDER has recognised this potential danger and
therefore provides two additional inputs on the FC500
fume hood controller. An analogue input, suitable for con-
nection of a PT 1000 thermal element and a digital input
for connection of a smoke detector. These signals are also
provided as variables on the LON network. Thus local and
at the same time global use of the data is possible.
This means that when the temperature in the fume hood
is increased (within specific limits), the exhaust air volume
flow can also be increased in order to disperse the thermal
loads.
5 
 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

Recognition of the temperature increase via the air flow
sensor is not recommended, as this requires very precise
temperature balancing.
Without this necessary temperature compensation the
airflow sensor would not be suitable for measuring repro-
ducible face velocity values at different laboratory tempe-
ratures (e.g. 19° C to 25° C). In order to technically ensu-
re safe and reproducible fire recognition, we recommend
using a PT 1000 thermoelement.
SCHNEIDER supports the BACnet ® technology and has
extensive know-how in this area. BACnet® technology is
becoming increasingly established in building automation
as a manufacturer-independent and licence-free technolo-
gy. However, the costs for connecting BACnet® at field
bus level are currently still relatively high.
Management level

If a specific temperature value is exceeded, the damper

can be closed both locally or globally via the BSM in order
Automation level
to prevent a possible outbreak of fire. LON ► BACnet

A similar scenario can also be implemented with the con- Field level
nectable smoke detector.

5.1 System networking Figure 6.7: BACnet network

The features described are only possible with an integra-

ted system network or a building services management
system. Which building services management system is Chapter 10.0 describes the BACnet technology in detail.
used is irrelevant.

Different networks can be interconnected with routers and 5.1.3 ETHERNET®

gateways, which facilitates communication, be it at the
field bus or building services management level. ETHERNET is used primarily in computer networking and
ensures very fast data transfer via coaxial cables.

5.1.1 LON®
SCHNEIDER supports the LON® technology and has
extensive know-how in this area. The LON technology is
increasingly becoming well established in building auto-
mation.
LON is a decentral network and thus has a very high level
of safety.
5.1.4 INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET®
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET builds on ETHERNET and is
increasingly becoming established at field bus level. Ho-
wever, the costs for the field bus subscribers (nodes) are
currently still very high.
Every network or protocol has been developed for a spe-
cific area of application and thus has its own specific ad-
vantages for that area of application. Unfortunately, even
in the near future there will not be only one standardised
network for all areas of application and thus all networks
will continue to have one thing in common: they must un-
derstand one another.

Figure 6.6: LON network in free topology, FTT-10A

Chapter 10.0 describes the LON technology in detail.

5.1.2 BACnet®

BACnet is a standardised protocoll of ASHRAE (American

association of HRA manufacturers) and uses any type of
network topology as a transport medium. Thus LON is also
suitable as a transport medium for BACnet.

6 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

6.1 Ventilation system with central

supply and exhaust air 6.1.2 Duct dimensions

Figure 6.8 shows a ventilation system with central supp-
ly and exhaust air. This version includes components for
heat recovery (integrated circulation system), filters, air
heaters, air coolers and fans that are speed-controlled by
a frequency inverter.
In order to keep flow noise and sound emission to a mi-
nimum, the dimensions of the ventilation ducts must be
selected so that a face velocity of 7 m/sec is not exceeded.
Otherwise the required sound levels of max. 52dB(A) in
laboratories can only be achieved with very considerable
effort (e.g. sound absorbers).

6.1.1 Pressure control

The air flows of the supply and exhaust air fans are ad-
justed so that the control variable pressure is centrally
maintained at a constant level. In the case of this system,
constant pressure is maintained both on the pressure side
and on the suction side. The pressure control takes into
account the pressure drop in the system components and
in the pipes of the branch ducts. A practical value here is
between 400 and 500 Pascal negative or positive pressu-
re (supply air and exhaust air fan).
6.1.3 Negative pressure in the laboratory
In the usual operating mode, the supply air volume flow is
reduced by approx. 10% in relation to the exhaust air volu-
me flow. This ensures that negative pressure is maintained
in the laboratory while at the same time preventing conta-
minated air from flowing into adjacent rooms.

Depending on the unit model and operation types, the unit

components can be dimensioned to 70% (controlled fume
hoods) or 100% (uncontrolled fume hoods) of the maxi-
mum volume flow. Figure 6.8: Ventilation system with central supply and
exhaust air

Heat Filter
exchanger Exhaust fan

FI

Exhaust air

FI
Lab 1
CAV CAV

Supply air
Air volume Air volume
Silencer
control control

Filter Heat
Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer
exchanger
Lab 2
CAV CAV

Air volume Air volume

Silencer
control control

Lab 3
CAV CAV

Air volume Air volume

Silencer
control control

Lab 4
CAV CAV

Air volume Air volume

Silencer
control control

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 7 

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

6.1.4 Temperature control, heating
and cooling
The supply air temperature is regulated to a constant va-
lue of 19° C and thus is 3K below the setpoint temperature
of the laboratories (tRA = 22° C). The heating surfaces then
regulate the room temperature to the setpoint. Internal and
external thermal loads can thus be taken into account.
As the outdoor temperature increases (transitional periods
and summer time), first heating of the air by the heater and
then heat recovery is reduced and switched off. The coo-
ling circuit is then activated so that the room temperature
can be regulated to the setpoint for as long as possible.
6.1.5 Volume flow control
Supply air volume flow is fed into the laboratories, de-
pending on the laboratory exhaust air either variably or
constantly with a volume flow controller. It is advisable to
activate a sound absorber after the supply air volume flow
controllers in order to adhere to the sound emission levels
required in laboratories of max. 52 dB(A).
Fume hoods that are regulated variably and in accordance
with the demand require variable volume flow control of
the laboratory supply air and, if necessary, variably regu-
lated additional laboratory exhaust air in order to maintain
the required room air exchange levels.
For unregulated or constantly regulated fume hoods, con-
stant volume flow control of the laboratory supply air and
the laboratory exhaust air is sufficient.
6.2 Ventilation system with central supply air
and exhaust air via individual fans
Figure 6.9 shows a ventilation system with central supply
and exhaust air via individual fans. This version includes
filters, air heaters and coolers and the corresponding fans.
With this version, heat recovery cannot be implemented or
can only be implemented with a good deal of effort. The
fans work at a one-level or two-level constant speed.
Figure 6.9: Ventilation system with central supply and
exhaust air via individual fans

Exhaust air
Exhaust fans

Lab 1
CAV

Supply air
Air volume
Silencer
control

Filter Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer

Lab 2
CAV

Air volume
Silencer
control

Lab 3
CAV

Air volume
Silencer
control

Lab 4
CAV

Air volume
Silencer
control

8 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

7.0 Building ventilation systems 7.1 Constant volume flow control

In the following examples various building ventilation con- Figure 6.10 shows constant volume flow control of the la-
cepts are presented. The individual requirements of the boratory supply air and the laboratory exhaust air. Energy
laboratory are taken into account. The supply air is treated savings are not achieved using this control type. The fume
centrally and fed into the laboratories, while the exhaust hoods are not controlled and only have a fume hood mo-
air, depending on the structural conditions, is extracted via nitor (FM100), as stipulated by DIN EN 14175, which mo-
a central exhaust air fan or via individual fans. nitors whether the ventilation functions of the fume hoods
are working correctly.

Figure 6.10: Constant volume flow control

Exhaust air
Total exhaust
air = 6000m3/h

Exhaust fan

Supply air = 3240m3/h

Silencer CAV

VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h CAV

FM100 FM100 FM100 FM100 FM100 FM100

Exhaust air
= 3600m3/h

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3 Fume hood 4 Fume hood 5 Fume hood 6

Lab 1

Lab 2

Supply air = 2160m3/h

Silencer CAV

VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h VConst. = 600m3/h CAV

FM100 FM100 FM100 FM100

Exhaust air
= 2400m3/h

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3 Fume hood 4

Legend:
Total supply air
= 5400m3/h
Manual damper
Supply air
FM100 Fume hood monitor
Air conditioning and fan

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 9 

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

The exhaust air volume flow of the fume hoods is measu-
red via the manual dampers and set in accordance with
the type of fume hood. In the example shown, all fume
hoods are restricted to 600m³/h. The constant volume flow
controller for the laboratory supply air and the laboratory
exhaust air guarantees the defined room air exchange and
the required negative pressure in the laboratory.
Table 6.1 shows a summary of the entire building supply
air and exhaust air with the room balances.
7.1.1 Conclusion
The simplicity of the system design must be weighed up
against the fact that air requirements may not be ideally
accommodated.
The total investment costs for the entire system are only
slightly less than for a fully variably controlled system, but
the energy costs (for heating and cooling of the supply and
exhaust air) are very high.

The decision in favour of fully variable systems is obvious,

Table 6.1: because such systems are amortised within 1 to 2 ye-
ars due to the savings potential of the lower energy and
VMIN in m³/h VMAX in m³/h construction costs (see Chapter 13.0, Economic efficiency
calculation).
Fume hood 1 600 600
Fume hood 2 600 600 Lower energy requirements reduce the operating costs
Fume hood 3 600 600 and preserve the environment.

Fume hood 4 600 600

Fume hood 5 600 600
Fume hood 6 600 600
Exhaust air 3600 3600
laboratory 1
Supply air 3240 3240
laboratory 2

Fume hood 1 600 600

Fume hood 2 600 600
Fume hood 3 600 600
Fume hood 4 600 600
Exhaust air 2400 2400
laboratory 2
Supply air 2160 2160
laboratory 2

Total exhaust air 6000 6000

Total supply air 5400 5400

The supply air volume flow is reduced by 10% in relation

to the exhaust air volume flow. This ensures that negative
pressure is maintained in the laboratory while at the same
time preventing contaminated air from flowing into adja-
cent rooms.

10 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

8.1 Variable volume flow control

The exhaust air volume flow of the fume hoods is cont-
Figure 6.11 shows variable volume flow control of the la- rolled variably according to the demand and the position
boratory supply air. of the sash. In the example shown, all the fume hoods are
connected via the LON network and programmed with the
Optimum energy savings are achieved with this control following exhaust air volume flows: sash shut = 200 m³/h,
type. The fume hoods are controlled variably. The moni- sash open = 600 m³/h. At all other sash positions exhaust
toring unit stipulated by DIN EN 14175 to ensure proper air volume flows between > 200 m³/h and < 600 m³/h are
functioning of the ventilation functions of the fume hoods regulated.
is integrated in the FC500 and iCM controllers.
Variable exhaust air requires variable supply air, which
must be fed in at a correspondingly fast rate. The exhaust
Figure 6.11: Variable volume flow control air is regulated in < 3 sec and the supply air should be
regulated in < 5 sec in order to ensure a defined negative
pressure in the room at all times.

Exhaust air
Total exhaust air
VMAX = 6000m3/h
VMIN = 2000m3/h

Exhaust fan

Variabler Air Volume

VAV, LON
Room supply air
VMAX = 3240m3/h Silencer VAV-L-315-S
VMIN = 1080m3/h

VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h
VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h

M M M M M M
FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500-
p p p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L

Variabler Air Volume

VAV, LON
VAV-L-200-P

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3 Fume hood 4 Fume hood 5 Fume hood 6

LON-network, FTT-10A
Room exhaust air
Lab 1 VMAX = 3600m3/h
VMIN = 1200m3/h

Lab 2
Variabler Air Volume
VAV, LON
Room supply air
VMAX = 2160m3/h Silencer VAV-L-315-S
VMIN = 720m3/h

VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h VMAX = 600m3/h

VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h VMIN = 200m3/h
Room exhaust air
M M M VMAX = 2400m3/h M
FC500- FC500- FC500- VMIN = 800m3/h FC500-
p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L
Variabler Air Volume
VAV, LON
VAV-L-200-P

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3 Fume hood 4

LON-network, FTT-10A

Legend: Total supply air

VMAX = 5400m3/h

FC500-V-L
Variable fume hood VMIN = 1800m3/h

controller, LON-network Supply air

Air conditioning and supply fan

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 11 

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

The exhaust air actual values are available as SNVTs 8.1.1 Conclusion
(Standard Network Variable Type) on the LON network
and are summated in the VAV-L-315-S supply air control- Due to the very high savings potential with regard to the
ler and automatically regulated by this controller. energy costs, this system concept is amortised within a
very short period of time (see Chapter 13.0, economic ef-
The supply air volume flow is reduced by 10% in relation ficiency calculation).
to the exhaust air volume flow. This ensures that negative
pressure is maintained in the laboratory while at the same Compared with example 7.1 only 30% of the required ex-
time preventing contaminated air from flowing into adja- haust air volume flow is necessary when the sashes are
cent rooms. shut. This value is of course theoretical, as it cannot be
assumed that all sashes are always shut.
Table 6.2 shows a summary of the entire building supply
and exhaust air with the room balances. A diversity factor of 50 to 70% can be assumed as a practi-
cal value, whereby the entire central ventilation system for
supply air and exhaust air can also be on a smaller sca-
Table 6.2: le. This advantage considerably reduces the investment
costs for construction.
VMIN in m³/h VMAX in m³/h
Fume hood 1 200 600
Fume hood 2 200 600
Fume hood 3 200 600
Fume hood 4 200 600
Fume hood 5 200 600
Fume hood 6 200 600
Exhaust air 1200 3600
laboratory 1
Supply air 1080 3240
laboratory 1

Fume hood 1 200 600

Fume hood 2 200 600
Fume hood 3 200 600
Fume hood 4 200 600
Exhaust air 800 2400
laboratory 2
Supply air 720 2160
laboratory 2

Total exhaust air 2000 6000

Total supply air 1800 5400

The VAV-L-200-P LON exhaust air volume flow controller

serves to ensure that the minimum room air exchange rate
is maintained and automatically calculates the required dif-
ference value by subtracting the exhaust air actual values
from the required room air exchange rate and regulating
the difference automatically. The room air exchange rate is
not taken into account in table 6.2.

In the example shown, the LON network is limited to the

individual laboratory. If a connection should be made to a
building services management (BSM), the LON network
must be physically disconnected by means of a router. A
router should be installed every 25 to 30 nodes (network
subscribers) so that there is not too much data traffic on
the LON network. It is essential to connect a router every
64 nodes, because the specification of the FTT-10A trans-
ceiver requires this physical limitation.

12 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

9.1 Ventilation system with speed 9.2 Ventilation system with speed controlled
controlled central supply air and central supply air and exhaust air
exhaust air with bypass

Figure 6.12 shows a ventilation system with speed cont- The ventilation system shown in Figure 6.13 is very similar
rolled supply and exhaust air. The flow rates of the supply to the design described in Figure 6.12. As in the example
and exhaust air fan are regulated so that the control va- already described, the supply air is regulated by the DPC
riable pressure (∆p) is centrally maintained at a constant duct pressure controller at a constant pressure level via
level. the frequency inverter, while the exhaust air fan is not re-
gulated and runs at a fixed speed. This guarantees that the
The SCHNEIDER DPC duct pressure controller is equip- exit speed of the discharged air, which may be well be over
ped with a PI controller and static differential pressure the required 7m/s for all operating states, remains con-
sensor (∆p) and directly actuates the frequency inverter stant. This safely prevents the contaminated discharge air
of the supply air fan with 0(2)...10V DC. The integrated from being partially drawn in again (e.g. if the inlet vents of
PI controller regulates the constant positive pressure (e.g. the outdoor air are inappropriately located or in inversion
400 Pa) via the supply air fan, the speed of which cont- weather conditions).
rolled by means of the frequency inverter.
Maintenance of constant pressure on the
suction side is achieved by the DPC duct
Figure 6.12: Ventilation system with speed controlled pressure controller actuating a damper with
central supply air and exhaust air a fast running servo motor, which works like
Heat a bypass.
exchanger DPC Filter
FI
p
If only a low exhaust air volume flow is re-
Exhaust air
quired by the connected fume hoods, be-
Exhaust fan cause the sashes are mostly closed, the
bypass is opened accordingly. The exhaust
air fan conveys a constant exhaust air volu-
FI
DPC me and maintains the differential value via
p
the bypass damper as outdoor air.
Supply air
If the maximum exhaust air is required by
Filter Heat
Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer
the fume hoods, the bypass is shut comple-
exchanger
tely and thus ceases to have an effect. The
exhaust air fan now only conveys the con-
taminated exhaust air of the fume hoods.

Heat recovery must be installed in a different place and is

not taken into account in this example.

The exhaust air controller works in the same way as the This version of the exhaust air controller is preferred in
supply air controller. The only difference is in the mainte- Anglo-Saxon countries.
nance of constant pressure on the pressure side (supp-
ly air) and the suction side (exhaust air). The DPC duct
pressure controller regulates the constant negative pres- Figure 6.13: Ventilation system with speed controlled
sure (e.g. 450 pascal) via the exhaust air fan, the speed of central supply and exhaust air with bypass
which is controlled by means of the frequency inverter.
Damper with high
Outside air
The pressure control takes into account the pressure drop speed actuator
(Bypass)
in the system components and in the pipes of the branch
ducts.
DPC Filter
Exhaust fan
p
This control type is fully automatic and regulates
Exhaust air
changing load conditions (variable exhaust air vo-
lume flows) automatically. A building services ma-
nagement (BSM) is not required for central control
of the supply and exhaust air.
FU DPC
The fans are energy-optimised. However, particu- p

larly in the case of low exhaust air volume flows, it Supply air
must be ensured that the exit speed of the dischar-
ged air is not less than 7m/s (see DIN 1946, Part Filter Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer
7). Only in this case is a sufficient emission height
of the discharged air guaranteed, which effectively
prevents partial intake of discharged air.

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 13 

Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

9.2.2 Conclusion

Both system concepts are suitable for controlling the total

exhaust air. In smaller installations and ventilation sys-
tems, however, it must be ensured that with the control
type that uses a frequency inverter the entire unit builds
up the required duct negative pressure quickly enough, in
order to guarantee rapid exhaust air demand by the fume
hood (approx. 2-3 seconds). With the control type that
uses a bypass, a damper with a fast running servo motor
must be used.

Only then is a rapid exhaust air demand by the fume hood

guaranteed by an equally rapid increase of the duct nega-
tive pressure.

14 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

10.1 Variable volume flow control of

4 laboratories in the LON network

Figure 6.14 shows variable volume flow control of 4 labo-
ratories with a central exhaust air fan and a central supply
air fan. Both fans are actuated by the SCHNEIDER DPC
duct pressure controller and the frequency inverter in such
a way that constant negative pressure (exhaust air) and
constant positive pressure (supply air) is regulated.
Sections 9.1 and 9.2 describe in detail the functionality of
central, speed-controlled supply and exhaust air. These
control circuits are fully automatic and regulate the re-
quired total supply air and total exhaust air volume flows
automatically. Changing load conditions (variable exhaust
air volume flows) are automatically recognised and regu-
lated. A building services management (BSM) is not re-
quired for central supply and exhaust air control.

Bild 6.14: Variable volume flow control of 4 Each laboratory also functions automatically and the VAV-
laboratories in the LON network L-250-S and VAV-L-315-S supply air volume flow control-
lers with LON interface summate the required laboratory
supply air from the individual laboratory exhaust air values,

Heat
Exchanger DPC Filter
FI
p
- +
Exhaust air

Exhaust fan

DPC Building management system

FI
p
+ -
Supply air

Filter Heat
Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer
Exchanger

LON-network LON-network

LON-VAV LON-VAV
VAV-L-250-S VAV-L-315-S

M M M M M
FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500-
p p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L

Lab 1 Lab 2

Router Router
Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3

LON-network

Router Router
LON-network LON-network

LON-VAV LON-VAV
VAV-L-250-S VAV-L-315-S

M M M M M
FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500-
p p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L

Lab 3 Lab 4

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 15 

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

which are available as SNVTs (Standard Network Variable

Type) on the LON network. A VAV-L LON controller can
summate the exhaust air actual values of a maximum of
16 connected consumer loads (e.g. fume hoods). If more
than 16 fume hoods are present in a laboratory, the room
supply air is distributed over several VAV-L supply air vo-
lume flow controllers.

The supply air volume flow is programmable and is redu-

ced by e.g. 10% in relation to the exhaust air volume flow.
This ensures that negative pressure is maintained in the
laboratory while at the same time preventing contamina-
ted air from flowing into adjacent rooms.

To simplify matters, additional room exhaust air via a LON
controller has not been included in this example. The ver-
sion described in detail in section 8.1 can also easily be
integrated here.
Figure 6.15: Control room
Remote maintenance and diagnostics are also possible
over the intranet and Internet and thus guarantee a high
level of durability and operating safety.

10.2 Connection to the building services

management

Connection to the building services management (BSM)
is done via routers. A router should be installed every 20
to 30 nodes (network subscribers) so that there is not too
much data traffic on the LON network and all required data
are transferred to the corresponding controllers at a satis-
factory speed. It is essential to connect a router every 64
nodes, because the specification of the FTT-10A transcei-
ver requires this physical limitation.

In the following example each laboratory is separated by

its own router. This version is somewhat more complex,
but clearly structured. If long cables are used, a router
must be included every 300 m in order to prevent cable
reflexions and therefore faulty data transfer.

Every fume hood and its specific data, such as exhaust

air actual values, operating status, malfunction notifica-
tion, parameters, etc. can be visualised via the building
services management.
With the PAD-3000 software developed by SCHNEIDER,
the ideal prerequisites for visualisation of fume hoods are
fulfilled. This program can also be included in existing busi-
ness services management systems (e.g. ABB, Siemens,
Honeywell, Sauter, Johnson Control, Kieback & Peter, etc.)
as a task. Similarly, every fume hood, entire laboratories or
the whole laboratory building can be switched to reduced
operation (night-time reduction or work-free time) via the
LON network. The consumer loads that have been swit-
ched to reduced operation reduce the exhaust air volume
flow to a programmable, minimum value, which achieves
a considerable energy savings potential.
If the corresponding connections have been made, the
fume hood lighting can also be switched off.
Figure 6.16: Ventilation control in the whole building
10.2.1 Conclusion
Due to the very high savings potential with regard to the
energy costs, this system concept is amortised within a
very short period of time (see Chapter 13.0, economic ef-
ficiency calculation). Consistent LON networking makes
it possible to make efficient use of the building services
management and thus ensures a high energy savings
potential while at the same time improving durability and
operating safety.
The building services management can also record user
behaviour at the fume hood. For example, the sash posi-
tion (closed or open) can be recorded. Measurement and
accounting of air consumption data are easily possible for
each fume hood.

In addition to building and facility management, remote
maintenance and diagnostics are also possible. Thus, for
example, the dampers of the exhaust air and supply air
volume flow controllers can be opened or shut in order to
test the entire system and the sensors.
Depending on user behaviour, the entire system can be
amortised very quickly (approx. 1 to 2 years) due to the
energy cost savings and if the diversity factor approach is
used, the construction investment costs can be drastically
reduced.

16 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories

 Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

11.1 Additional savings potential with the the exhaust air fan is regulated downwards until the "wea-
DPO duct pressure optimiser in the LON kest" damper is still at 80° (90° = damper fully open, 0° =
network damper fully shut) and thus is still in the control range.

Figure 6.17 shows variable volume flow control of 4 labo-

ratories in the LON network, which for the most part corre- 11.1.1 Conclusion
sponds to Figure 6.14.
Using two DPO duct pressure optimisers the entire buil-
Here the SCHNEIDER DPO duct pressure optimiser is ding ventilation system is optimised with the latest techno-
used instead of the DPC duct pressure controller, which logy and in such a way that as little energy as possible is
makes sense for LON-networked projects and which wasted and controllers are still within the control range.
achieves a further considerable savings potential with re-
gard to electrical energy. The supply air and exhaust air fans are always operated at
the ideal (minimum) operating point, which achieves con-
Via the LON network the damper positions of all controllers siderable savings with regard to electrical energy.
(fume hood, room exhaust air, etc.) are automatically che-
cked at regular intervals and the frequency inverter (FI) for

Figure 6.17: Variable volume flow control of 4

laboratories in the LON network
Building management system

LON-network
DPO-L
Heat
exchanger Filter
FI

Exhaust air

Exhaust fan

LON-network
DPO-L

FU

Supply air

Filter Heat
Air heating Air cooling Supply fan Silencer
exchanger

LON-network LON-network

LON-VAV LON-VAV
VAV-L-250-S VAV-L-315-S

M M M M M
FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500-
p p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L

Lab 1 Lab 2

Router Router
Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3

LON-network

Router Router
LON-network LON-network

LON-VAV LON-VAV
VAV-L-250-S VAV-L-315-S

M M M M M
FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500- FC500-
p p p p p
V-L V-L V-L V-L V-L

Lab 3 Lab 4

Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 1 Fume hood 2 Fume hood 3

LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories 17 

Building ventilation systems and building services management
Chapter 6.0

12.1 Product overview Duct pressure

controllers, Duct pressure optimisers

The diagram shows an overview of the products that are
available from SCHNEIDER in the product group Duct
pressure controllers and Duct pressure optimisers.
See Chapter 1, Section 6.1 for the full LabSystem product
overview.
Technical data sheets, further information and tender
specifications for the duct pressure controllers and duct
pressure optimisers CDP, DPC and DPO are available for
download on the Internet at www.schneider-elektronik.de.
www.schneider-elektronik.de.

Product group Product Short description Chapter

Duct pressure CDP Constant duct pressure controller with motor driven damper 6.0
controllers
DPC Duct pressure controller with actuation for frequency inverters of the 6.0
exhaust or supply air fan.

Duct pressure DPO Energy-optimised damper operating point through intelligent damper 6.0
optimiser management with actuation for frequency inverters of the exhaust or
supply air fan.

18 LabSystem Planning Manual ● Air technology for laboratories