In co-operation with Italy-based Ultraflex Control Systems, LGF Sysmac India is offering a Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust System (NSHEV) for automatic opening of windows within the façade or on the roof, which enables a building to be free of smoke and heat in case of fire, informs Deepak Chugh, Managing Director, LGF Sysmac India

Deepak-Chugh


LGF Sysmac has been providing innovative solutions for Aluminium and UPVC Doors & Windows and Glass Facades since 2000, and has tested and installed the products in several buildings in India



Deepak Chugh

Fire and smoke pose a great hazard in high-rise buildings and are a big concern since reaching a building in case of fire and evacuating the residents take a lot of time and effort. A main cause of fatalities is smoke inhalation, rather than the fire itself.

In the fast-changing scenario of the fenestration industry, safety and security are of utmost concern to real estate developers, architects and façade consultants. The Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust System, which consists of a system of automatic opening windows within the façade or on the roof, enables the building to be free of smoke and heat at a rapid pace.

NSHEV not only helps in saving lives in case of fire in a glass façade or a residential building, but also helps in energy saving by natural ventilation and enhancing automation within windows itself.

Ventilation openings increase the thermal uplift generating a chimney effect. In the event of a fire, smoke rises up inside the building, which creates a layer of dangerous and life-threatening gases under the ceiling, filling-up the room in a very short time. The smoke hampers visibility of the emergency exits and impedes intervention of the firemen. Above 90% of all fire victims die due to smoke inhalation, and the increasing number of fatalities due to incidences of fire and smoke bear testimony to the danger posed in high-rise buildings.

The automated Window Actuators & Control Panels have been tested in fire conditions to operate windows, skylights and louvres, such that the smoke has an escape route within seconds of being detected. The actuators, based on BMSline technology, come with integrated programmable circuit board, providing a two-way communication with a computer system. They are totally programmable and provide 100% real-time feedback on their status.

Window Smoke Evacuation

Integrating window automation with the Building Management System (BMS) will enable interaction with other systems in the building (HVAC, Lighting, etc.). Windows can be controlled locally by a push button or remotely by tablet/smart phone (through our MyVent system), even with a centralized BMS, which could help a building breathe at night; have a sun-blade actuator under control to reduce sun radiation and regulate light; besides working quietly in daily scenarios at full speed for emergencies that could be related to smoke.

BMSline actuators help create an addressable system, ensuring grouped windows in different rooms, zones, fully compatible with all existing Building Management Systems. BMSline actuators can also be safely connected to Smoke Ventilation Control Panels, fitted with batteries. BMSline actuators work quietly for ventilation and at full speed to force smoke and heat extraction.

Total communication between the natural ventilation system and mechanical / air conditioning system helps to optimize energy saving and assures thermal comfort and wellbeing, which has a direct impact on the health and productivity of individuals. At the same time, the building’s safety is assured by smoke ventilation in emergencies.