A range of actuators, environment sensors and controls from SE Controls Africa are helping create a safe and comfortable environment as part of a combined smoke control and environmental ventilation system in The Link building at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town.
Opened in 2016 at its new location on Cape Town’s Foreshore, this 16-storey hospital offers a full range of health services while The Link is the latest addition to the complex and provides sub-acute, renal and pathology labs, as well as operating theatres and physiotherapy on its seven floors.
As part of the hospital’s new design, a combined smoke control and environmental ventilation system was installed in The Link’s main atrium and second floor walkway. The system’s primary role is to provide protection in the event of a fire by keeping corridors and escape routes clear of smoke, but during normal day-to-day operation, it can also be used to introduce fresh air to the building and maintain a comfortable environment for patients, visitors and staff.
When operating in comfort ventilation mode the system monitors temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels within the building, which also link to the company’s external temperature and wind direction sensors, enabling window vents to be automatically opened.
The windows are controlled by 41 SE Controls SECO 24 40 chain actuators to maintain the temperature within a specified range, which is monitored at ground level and at the walkway’s second floor. In addition, a manual control is incorporated to allow the automatic operation to be temporarily over-ridden if required. The SECO 24 40 actuators are also tested to comply with the relevant EN12101 standards for use with automated vents in smoke control systems.
If a fire should occur, the system automatically switches to smoke control mode and its operation is integrated into the building’s fire system to allow occupants to escape safely by keeping routes clear of smoke.
Once the system receives a fire signal, the six SE Controls SHEVTEC controllers take over the operation of the automatic ventilation system and windows on the ground and second floors open fully to enable maximum volume of smoke to be vented from the building. The windows remain open until the system is reset after the incident.
