Perhaps only the lazy would not know about the need for ventilation – without fresh air it is impossible to feel well and to have high productivity. Opening windows is a thing of the past (along with heat loss, insects, dust, noise, and fumes), and ventilation in a modern house is provided by air handling units with heat recovery and a passive humidification system.
There are many manufacturers on the modern European market, but today we will compare the German Maico WS and the Czech Jablotron Futura.
We promise minimum of unnecessary information or subjective reasoning and maximum of facts and figures!
Jablotron and Maico air handling units with heat recovery are equipments of a high level of quality and efficiency. However, they have several differences that should be considered in detail.
We divided the article into blocks, in which we compare and analyze all aspects of working with these units.
Plate recuperators, which are used in European ventilation units, are similar in their performance and are actually produced in two European factories - Recair and Paul. Manufacturers of ventilation equipment prefer one or another recuperator, depending on the location of factories and historical relationships. Technologically, recuperators have the same efficiency and principle of operation. But there are other factors that affect the energy efficiency of the ventilation unit itself:
The use of the same recuperators and similar control systems causes a slight difference in the efficiency of most European ventilation units – as a rule, the nominal capacity will be from 89% to 93%.
Therefore, all recuperators are practically the same. The best efficiency depends on the features of the units, rather than on the recuperators as such.
When implementing the ventilation system, we strive to increase energy efficiency, in this regard, the manufacturer Jablotron tried as much as possible to eliminate the factors that reduce the efficiency of the recuperator.
The Jablotron Futura air-handling unit has a significant advantage over the Maico WS unit, as it uses a different principle of recuperator operation – with 4 moving dampers that change the direction of airflow. You can visually see the operation of the system in our office!
This solves several fundamental problems at once:
An important point to be considered in the operation of the Maico WS 470. Preheating reaches its power limit at -8 °C and at a capacity of 470 m3/h. What happens next? When the temperature drops below -8 °C, the capacity continues to decrease and, for example, at -11 °C, it is 320 m3/h. At a temperature of -18 °C, the capacity drops to 240 m3/h. This problem is especially acute for customers with a big unit size.
Jablotron Futura L does not have this problem, as it uses the aforementioned moving damper principle and avoids freezing without reducing the capacity of the unit. In addition, as an additional option, you can use the module – air-to-air heat pump Jablotron CoolBreeze – for temperature control (cooling and heating air during the off-season). You can also control and manage the operation of the heat pump in the MyJABLOTRON application interface.
It is thanks to the dampers installed on the recuperator that the Jablotron unit has an advantage over the Maico unit as for enthalpy and the need for preheating to protect the recuperator from freezing.
The main thing to focus on when comparing the units is the effectiveness and the result of their work. We propose to measure the effectiveness of Maico WS 470 and Jablotron Futura L.
Date of measurement: 12 February. Unit capacity: Jablotron - 443 m3/h, Maico - 470 m3/h.
Take a look at the screenshots from the air@home app:
Based on the data:
Now it's time to analyze the data from the MyJABLOTRON app:
Based on the data:
Pay attention to the relative humidity of the air: the ventilation unit not only retained the relative humidity that was in the office (20%), but also increased it to 21% due to the removal of condensate from the recuperator.
Maico WS 470 has lower real recuperator efficiency (68% versus 74%) and significantly higher actual energy consumption – 1950 W versus 280 W compared to Jablotron Futura L. Another important factor is Maico WS at -8 °C starts to decrease its capacity.
The design and calculation of a ventilation system based on both Maico and Jablotron can be carried out in two ways:
Each system has its advantages and disadvantages.
In other words, by the number of permanent residents. The capacity of the ventilation unit is calculated based on the maximum comfortable supply rate – 36 m3/h of fresh air per 1 person in each room – in accordance with the Construction Norms & Regulations.
For example, for a house with a bedroom, two children's rooms and a large kitchen-diner, it is necessary that the ventilation unit work constantly at a capacity of 310 m3 / h (70 m3 for the bedroom, 50 m3 for the children's rooms and 140 m3 for the living room).
In this type of system, calculations are often carried out based on the volume of the room – the multiplicity factor should be at least 0.6 for “clean areas” (bedrooms, living rooms, children’s rooms) and 1.5 for “dirty areas” (bathrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms). The advantage of this system is the lower initial costs for the implementation of ventilation. At the same time, the unit have to work all the time in a range close to the maximum to provide the necessary amount of fresh air, which is supplied to all the rooms, regardless of the presence of people. Which is definitely a disadvantage, since the unit works to no avail in the absence of residents.
The ventilation unit changes its performance depending on the CO2 level. To increase efficiency, it is recommended to use ventilation with variable airflow valves (VAV valves). A variable airflow system is slightly more expensive as to initial costs, but has its advantages. Thus, the ventilation unit operates 100% of its time, in automatic mode, independently adjusting to the level of CO2 in each individual area. This allows to supply more fresh air to the necessary rooms, while not increasing the capacity of the ventilation unit itself and not wasting extra energy.
In the case of the Jablotron Futura L + CoolBreeze, the valves allow you to control the operation of the unit not only in terms of air quality, but also in terms of temperature (depending on the priority selected in the application).
An important point - the Czech manufacturer Jablotron allows you to implement such a system much cheaper than with Maico WS equipment
As practice shows, in houses and apartments with an area of 120-180 m2, when implementing a ventilation system according to the "classic" scheme, it is necessary that the ventilation unit operate at a capacity of 280-350 m3/h, while it will supply no more than 35 m3/h for each person.
When implementing a ventilation system based on CO2 control, the air handling unit operates with a capacity of 140-170 m3/h, while supplying 50-70 m3 of fresh air per person per hour, which is 2 times more than even according to the norms and standards. This provides numerous significant benefits:
Both Maico and Jablotron can work in the above-mentioned two scenarios, however, the special feature of Jablotron Futura is precisely the ability to work with CO2 level control without the involvement of third-party equipment and, more importantly, much cheaper.
Both units can be implemented both in projects with calculations by the number of inhabitants and by air quality. The latter, however, has a number of advantages, one of which is energy savings.
How the Jablotron VAV system works:
In order to clearly demonstrate the operation of the VAV system, Alter Air specialists conducted an experiment and recorded the operation of variable airflow valves on the graphs.
Initial data:
Experiment progress:
Maico WS is a ventilation unit that has the following standard configuration:
The control can be carried out using the control panel, the air@home mobile app and the air-home.de website. By default, the unit supports the ModBus control protocol and as an option – KNX (requires an additional Maico K-SM board for 660 euros)
Through the app and website, the user can control the air handling unit, set the operation schedule and see the main humidity and temperature indicators.
If you want to control ventilation through CO2 control, you must additionally purchase:
See below for more detailed calculations for each type of system.
Jablotron Futura standard configuration:
Additionally, Jablotron can be supplemented with options that simplify and expand control options:
The system can be controlled using the control panel, the MyJablotron application, and the maintenance can be done remotely using the Jablotron Connect system. Both engineers and customers have access to extensive infographics on the operation of the unit and indoor air quality – in real time. Any changes can be traced to the smallest detail thanks to the graphs, and the operation of the air handling unit can be corrected.
Automation is one of the main advantages of Jablotron, as the company has its software department, which creates and modifies the software specifically for the needs of the equipment. Service, diagnostics and “repair” of the unit can be carried out remotely in 85% of cases, which is also an advantage – less worry for the owners.
It is easy to compare the basic configuration of the units: in Jablotron Futura and Maico WS they are almost the same. The differences become noticeable in additional options – Maico is limited in additional devices (no option for a cooling module, integration with a kitchen hood, the possibility of enhanced air removal or VAV valves of their production).
Concerning control and automation, Maico WS also loses to Jablotron Futura – there is an application, but there is no such amount of information and control capabilities. The German company Maico developed the application, rather, starting from the needs for it as such, but it is inappropriate to talk about ease of use (given the number of complaints from customers about system control). Jablotron immediately implemented such control and management as a basic function, focusing on the speed of control, attractive and user-friendly interface.
To show the comparative costs of ventilation systems based on different equipment as clearly as possible, Alter Air engineers have compiled the following comparative table:
Systems/price | Equipment based on air handling unit Jablotron + VAV VarioBreeze | Equipment based on air handling unit Maico + VAV TROX | Equipment based on air handling unit SystemAir Save VTC + SystemAir VAV | Equipment based on air handling unit SystemAir + VAV Belimo |
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Supply and exhaust equipment price, configuration, euro | Jablotron Futura L nominal 350 m3/h - 5 079,67 Jablotron Futura M nominal 250 m3/h - 4 584,76 | Maico WS KBET 470 - 6 234 Maico WS KBET 320 - 5 086 | SAVE VTC 500 R/L - 5 050 SAVE VTC 300 R/L - 3 970 | SAVE VTC 500 R/L - 5 050 SAVE VTC 300 R/L - 3 970 |
Control panel (supplied with the air handling unit) | * Wall-mounted, wired PC CO2 JABLOTRON ALFA (display with electronic ink, has a temperature, moisture, ppm sensor) | *Wall-mounted, wired controller MAICO RLS 1 WR | * Wall-mounted, wired PC with LCD display | * Wall-mounted, wired PC with LCD display |
Option to use another control panel | - | * Wall-mounted, touch control panel (TFT-display) MAICO RLS T1 WS (with temperature sensor) (831 euros) | * Wall-mounted touch control panel SAVE Touch White SPR (255 euros) | * Wall-mounted touch control panel SAVE Touch White SPR (255 euros) |
Siphon for drainage | Included | HL-138 – 38 euros | HL-138 – 38 euros | HL-138 – 38 euros |
Pre-heater and post-heater | Built-in post-heater for models: | Built-in 1.8 kW pre-heate | There are no built-in heaters. It is necessary to install a heater SV 160-2.7 230V / 1 - 300 euros.
| There are no built-in heaters. It is necessary to install a heater SV 160-2.7 230V / 1 - 300 euros.
|
The price of a control board or controller that allows the air handling unit to operate at a constant pressure, euro | All automation is based on Jablotron equipment | ZP2 board - 523 | VAV/CAV kit SaveCair – 360 | VAV/CAV kit SaveCair – 360 |
Price of CO2 sensors in living rooms, euro |
Jablotron CO2 – 196 | Maico CO2 – 459 |
EC-Basic -CO2 and temperature – 454 |
AERASGARD-8110 KCO2-SD-U – 157,8 |
Price of VAV valves responding to CO2 sensors, 1 piece, euro | Jablotron VarioBreeze d90 – 121 | d100 TVE/100/Easy – 427 | d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 – 333 |
VAV-терминал, DN100 – 158,7 |
The price of equipment that allows you to briefly increase the exhaust from the dirty area, euro |
BoostButton – 29,5 | - |
- |
- |
Recommended airflow range for 1 VAV valve | VAV VAV d90 - from 10 to 90 m3/h | d100 TVE/100/Easy - from 14 to 354 m3/h | d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 – from 50 to 250 m3/h | VAV terminal, DN100 – from 40 to 200 m3/h |
Recommended air velocity range through 1 VAV valve | VAV d90 - from 0.5 to 4.4 m/s | d100 TVE/100/Easy - from 0.5 to 13 m/s | d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 - from 1.6 to 10 m/s | VAV terminal, DN100 - 1.4 to 7.1 m/s |
How the system works | The CO2 sensor transmits information about the ppm level to the VAV valve, the air handling unit analyzes the state of all dampers and starts redirecting the air to the room where it is necessary to reduce the CO2 level, if the capacity is not enough, the unit increases it. |
| The CO2 sensor transmits a 0.1V signal to the VAV valve, which in turn opens or closes.
| The CO2 sensor measures the ppm in the air duct (which makes zone control difficult) and sends a 0.1V signal to the VAV valve, which in turn opens or closes. The SAVECair kit sees the change in system resistance and reduces or increases capacity. At the same time, an exhaust valve must be matched with corresponding supply valve, which duplicates the opening and closing of the damper. For correct operation and calibration of the valves, a huge difference in pressure is required. Respectively, low air flow rates entail a large error in operation. * The installation of a wall-mounted CO2 sensor and its compatibility of operation must be checked with the manufacturer. |
Features of design and installation | · When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage |
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| · When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage
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Automation and system monitoring | All components are from one manufacturer, the system is designed to work with native software. | The TROX valve system is a separate component of the ventilation system.
| All components are from the same manufacturer, but the principle of operation differs from that of Jablotron. | The Belimo valve system is a separate component of the ventilation system.
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Integration with "Smart Home" | · The built-in MODBUS/TCP interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building. | · The built-in MODBUS interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building. | · The built-in MODBUS interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building. | The built-in MODBUS interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building. · The MODBUS/RTU protocol defines how a "master" device gets response from one or more "subordinate" devices to read and record real-time data using RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial data communication. |
Recommended object types for used system | Apartments, cottages, townhouses, houses up to 250 m2. | Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc. | Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc. | Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc. |
Jablotron Futura M nominal 250 m3/h - 4 584,76
Built-in post-heater for models:
• Futura L - 380W
• Futura M - 370W
All automation is based on Jablotron equipment
Jablotron CO2 – 196
Jablotron VarioBreeze d90 – 121
BoostButton – 29,5
VAV VAV d90 - from 10 to 90 m3/h
VAV d90 - from 0.5 to 4.4 m/s
The CO2 sensor transmits information about the ppm level to the VAV valve, the air handling unit analyzes the state of all dampers and starts redirecting the air to the room where it is necessary to reduce the CO2 level, if the capacity is not enough, the unit increases it.
In this case, the air extraction is proportionally divided between all the exhaust valves. When you turn on the BoostButton, the system redirects the air extraction from other valves to the air extraction of the working area, in accordance with the settings of the timer.
· When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage
· When designing VAV valves, it is necessary to provide access to them through inspection hatches
· After installation of all valves, sensors and Boost keys, the electrical connection is sequenced; the assignment of the valve operation zone is configured post factum.
All components are from one manufacturer, the system is designed to work with native software.
Through the application you can get full access to analytics and statistics of equipment operation.
Russian translation is available.
· The built-in MODBUS/TCP interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building.
Maico WS KBET 320 - 5 086
The CO2 sensor transmits a 0.1V signal to the VAV valve, which in turn opens or closes.
The ZP2 board sees the change in system resistance and reduces or increases capacity.
At the same time, an exhaust valve must be matched with corresponding supply valve, which duplicates the opening and closing of the damper.
For correct operation and calibration of the valves, a huge difference in pressure is required. Respectively, low air flow rates entail a large error in operation.
· When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage
· When designing VAV valves, it is necessary to provide access to them through inspection hatches
· Each air supply valve must be matched with an air exhaust valve (duplicating the damper opening/closing).
The TROX valve system is a separate component of the ventilation system.
Maico air handling unit. Responds only to changes in pressure.
Russian translation is available.
· The built-in MODBUS interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building.
· The optional EnOcean E-SM plug-in module to connect the ventilation unit to the “EnOcean world”.
· The optional KNX K-SM plug-in module provides the possibility to connect to the building's engineering systems.
Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc.
SAVE VTC 300 R/L - 3 970
There are no built-in heaters. It is necessary to install a heater SV 160-2.7 230V / 1 - 300 euros.
When working with high humidity, it is necessary to install a Reheater VTC preheater - 150 euros.
VAV/CAV kit SaveCair – 360
EC-Basic -CO2 and temperature – 454
d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 – 333
-
d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 – from 50 to 250 m3/h
d80 TUNE-R-080-3-M3 - from 1.6 to 10 m/s
The CO2 sensor transmits a 0.1V signal to the VAV valve, which in turn opens or closes.
The SAVECair kit sees the change in system resistance and reduces or increases capacity.
At the same time, an exhaust valve must be matched with corresponding supply valve, which duplicates the opening and closing of the damper.
For correct operation and calibration of the valves, a huge difference in pressure is required. Respectively, low air flow rates entail a large error in operation.
· When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage
· When designing VAV valves, it is necessary to provide access to them through inspection hatches
· Each air supply valve must be matched with an air exhaust valve (duplicating the damper opening/closing).
All components are from the same manufacturer, but the principle of operation differs from that of Jablotron.
The system is designed to work with native software with high capacity.
Russian translation is available.
· The built-in MODBUS interface provides integration into engineering systems of the building.
· The MODBUS/RTU protocol defines how a "master" device gets response from one or more "subordinate" devices to read and record real-time data using RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial data communication.
Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc.
SAVE VTC 300 R/L - 3 970
There are no built-in heaters. It is necessary to install a heater SV 160-2.7 230V / 1 - 300 euros.
When working with high humidity, it is necessary to install a Reheater VTC preheater - 150 euros.
VAV/CAV kit SaveCair – 360
AERASGARD-8110 KCO2-SD-U – 157,8
VAV-терминал, DN100 – 158,7
-
VAV terminal, DN100 – from 40 to 200 m3/h
VAV terminal, DN100 - 1.4 to 7.1 m/s
· When installing an air handling unit, it is imperative to provide for drainage
· When designing VAV valves, it is necessary to provide access to them through inspection hatches
· Each air supply valve must be matched with an air exhaust valve (duplicating the damper opening/closing).
The Belimo valve system is a separate component of the ventilation system.
The SystemAir air handling unit only responds to pressure changes.
· The MODBUS/RTU protocol defines how a "master" device gets response from one or more "subordinate" devices to read and record real-time data using RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial data communication.
Objects with high capacity of air handling equipment, including hotels, schools, cinemas, etc.
Based on the table above, we can draw several conclusions that will make the choice of the system obvious:
Maico ventilation units are an outstanding representative of the European top-level ventilation equipment, which, however, differs minimally from its closest competitors – Systemair, Komfovent, Salda - although at a much higher price. Speaking about the efficiency of the recuperator, noise and basic functionality – when buying Maico, the user does not receive a drastically new ventilation solution.
At the same time, Jablotron offers a whole new level of ventilation solution – both in terms of efficiency, ease of operation and operating costs. The opinion of our experts is unequivocal – the Jablotron Futura ventilation unit clearly outperforms its competitors in all aspects.
If you need any clarification – feel free to contact our engineers, they will tell you in detail about each of the systems, experience of working with them and the results of their operation. If theoretical information is not enough, we are always waiting for you to visit our showroom, here we will show you the equipment and how it is controlled, so you can see, hear, feel and understand the principles of operation of air handling units with recuperation.
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Сергей МазурИнженер-проектировщик
Sergiiy Mazur