Give it a fanfare

29-04-2015

With a growing demand in the private and social housing sector for Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) fans, Airflow Developments has launched the high performance iCONstant.

The Airflow iCONstant is a continuously running axial fan using an electronic flow sensor to ensure that installed performance is maintained and that user adjustable air flow rates remain constant.

Ultra quiet in operation iCONstant achieves market leading noise levels from just 10 dB(A).

It is also extremely economical to run, providing annual running costs of a little over £1 per year when used on its lowest speed, which is far less than that of a low energy light bulb.

An intelligent Humidity sensor is incorporated which activates to provide preventative ventilation in advance of moisture forming on cold surfaces. This helps to eliminate the problems of condensation and mould growth by extracting the damp, moist air – the source of the problem.

Furthermore, iCONstant is fully compliant with all the differing commissioning requirements of Approved Document F, System 3 of the Building Regulations, by having an everyday running rate which can be adjusted up from the minimum high trickle ventilation flow rates to the maximum speed of the fan, dependent upon the total calculated dwelling flow rate.

With a selectable trickle flow rate of 6, 8 or 13 L/sec and a boost flow rate up to 20 L/sec, the iCONstant has also been developed to consume minimal energy by using a highly efficient 24v DC motor, drawing just 1.07watts at 6 L/sec with an exceptionally low Specific Fan Power rating, which meets SAP Appendix Q eligibility requirements.

A stylish circular design it is particularly suited to applications where there has been an increased level of insulation, making a room more airtight. The iCONstant is also the only IPX5 rated fan on the market which can be both wall and ceiling mounted in a bathroom, kitchen or wet room, whether it is a new build or retrofit. Having achieved an IPX5 ingress protection rating, the iCONstant can be fitted within zones 1 and 2 of a bathroom.

There are two iCONstant models available. On the Timer version, the boost speed is set to run on for between 15, 30 or 45 minutes. With the Humidity Timer version, the intelligent humidity sensor will activate the boost speed when a set point is reached - and this can be adjusted between 60% and 90%. When the set point is reached after the boost speed kicks in, the fan will revert to the trickle speed once again.

Finally, unique to iCONstant is a ‘Self Proving’ diagnostic sequence, which automatically checks the functioning of the fan. In the unlikely event of a fan failure an LED warning light illuminates behind the cover.

Steve Bergh, Product Manager at Airflow commented “Quite simply, iCONstant is the most outstanding dMEV fan available today and represents the quietest, most highly specified, low running cost fan for continuous ventilation. It is an ideal solution for RSLs to prevent the degradation of their housing stock.

Not only does it provide effective and fully adjustable ventilation rates in line with the detail in the regulations but with a self-diagnostics feature, a constant volume sensor, two minute delay start on boost, the only IPX5 rated fan for both wall and ceiling and an intelligent humidity sensor but it is stylish too”.

A range of accessories including flexible and rigid ducting kits, controls and grilles are also available.