London landmark gets facelift

Tower Bridge gets upgraded green ventilation solution in the exhibition space and venue area. The new natural ventilation solution will ensure fresh air for visitors and consumes a minimum level of energy.

London Tower Bridge was built over 120 years ago to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the busy Pool of London docks. Built with giant moveable roadways that are raised for passing ships and with room for an exhibition and large venues, it is to this day considered an engineering marvel. It is one of London's favorite icons and arguably one of the most famous and instantly recognizable structures in the entire world. Notwithstanding, 120 years of rain, wind and usage has undoubtedly put its mark on the old building. A fact that also applies to the interior of the building.

Earlier in 2017, it was therefore decided that the manual winding gear currently used for opening the windows, are to be replaced by a new and better solution, which should be easier to use and maintain. A good ventilation system is paramount for a comfortable indoor climate and for keeping CO2 levels down in the room. Accordingly, the Tower Bridge management team decided to heighten standards for the venue and exhibition areas with a brand new automated natural ventilation system.

The task to install a sustainable ventilation system that also creates an optimum indoor environment will be carried out by the Danish clean-tech company, WindowMaster International A/S. After the initial site survey, analyses and the subsequent submission of a tender through the Westminster Council, it was this month decided that the Tower Bridge will soon be upgraded with new spindle actuators, motor controllers, key switches and finally a rain sensor. Combined, these state-of-the-art unites will heighten functionality of the exhibit area during the day and private function space during the evening.

Less CO2 and more comfort
The strong actuators are suitable for comfort ventilation. With the advanced MotorLink® control system, the windows are accurately controlled and require no external synchronization module. The reduced maintenance cost and minimum energy usage, together with the actuator's integrated reverse function that ensures a prolonged life span of the window gaskets, makes it an overall valuable investment, which will release far less greenhouse gasses than its mechanical ventilation counterpart.

The motor controller uses complex signals from connected components such as room sensors, BUS commands and a weather sensor to accurately control the window position and let in just the right amount of air. By factoring in indoor and outdoor conditions, the CO2 level in the rooms can be reduced significantly, which in turn will improve the indoor climate and comfortability.