Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Motorwerk has primarily staged streaming events (e.g. with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil) – but because of the current conditions the number of participants has always been very small. The first event was held in August 2020 with more than 200 guests. Normally, the Motorwerk can stage meetings or events for more than 1000 people. “The focus now is on social distancing, hygiene rules and, in particular, air quality,” explains Dr. Gordon. "In the latest event, 250 people spent several hours in the Motorwerk. Although the fans were operating in the immediate vicinity of the guests they could not be heard,” said Dr. Gordon, in praise of the system.
“The latest generation of biomimetic fans is now operating in the Motorwerk,” says Peter Fenkl, CEO of the motor and fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg. Fenkl went on to explain that it had been a special challenge and, at the same time, an honour to be involved in the ventilation system in the halls, which the company sees as being very steeped in its own history. The system now uses fans whose noise levels can be kept extremely low – "using designs inspired by nature, such as the owl in flight, we have enhanced the fans to achieve the optimum level in terms of acoustics,” explains Fenkl.
Control via an app on smart phone or tablet
CO2 sensors monitored the air quality and regulated the fans during the event. The ceiling fans provide the air circulation. For the entire duration of the event, the CO2 level in the indoor air was maintained at approximately. 530 ppm. “That equates to almost the same as fresh air,” says Dr. Gordon, referring to a study by the TU Berlin, which considers low CO2 values to be harmless (Risk assessment by the TU Berlin: https://depositonce.tu-berlin.de/handle/11303/11477). The entire system is programmed to be self-regulating but can also be operated manually. Control and monitoring are carried out via an app on smart phone, tablet or PC.
“Design and structural implementation were not easy,” recalls Dr Gordon. This is because the building is a listed historical site. Collaboration between the Monument Protection Authority, the Weißensee Engineering Consortium and Ziehl-Abegg allowed for the development of a building technology concept that does not change the interior or exterior view of the building whilst at the same time being very dynamic.
The air in the building replaced completely twice an hour
The ventilation system consists of the following components: eight axial fans from Ziehl-Abegg (ZN063-ZIL. DG. V7P2), four HVLS ceiling fans (high volume low speed), eight CO2 sensors and a standardised IP-based home control system from LOxone with control software from Smartflix.
The volume of air in the hall is approx. 16,500 cubic metres. Each of Ziehl-Abegg's built-in axial fans moves up to 6,000 cubic metres of air per hour. Three fans are used for suction and five for the inlet air. This allows the entire air content of the large building to be completely replaced up to twice an hour.
All photos available for download on: https://www.amazon.de/clouddrive/share/vDEHAGpisZZbozRq297yhaKFyQXJMYfNP2nejRxH61f
Info on the Motorwerk
The Motorwerk Berlin is an unconventional event location in Berlin's Pankow district. Where electric motors were once produced 100 years ago, today state-of-the-art events take place - live streaming of product presentations, fashion shows, e-sports challenges, conferences and meetings. Being approx. 90 metres in length and with a total utilizable area of around 3,500 m2, makes the Motorwerk ideal for a modular layout, with rooms being partitioned to suit any requirement, for events with 100 to 1,500 people. Spacious outdoor areas are available on both sides of the hall for open-air receptions.
Further information available at www.motorwerk.de
About Ziehl-Abegg
Ziehl-Abegg (Kuenzelsau, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) is one of the leading global companies in the field of ventilation, control and drive technology. In the 1950s, Ziehl-Abegg established the basis for modern fan drives: external rotor motors which even today are still seen as state-of-the-art worldwide. Another area of business is electric motors which provide the power, for example, for elevators, medical applications (computer tomography equipment) or deep-sea underwater vehicles. The theme of electro-mobility for motor vehicles was established as part of the Ziehl-Abegg Automotive Team in 2012.
The high-tech company has an impressive innovative capability. Ziehl-Abegg employs 2,400 personnel in its production plants in Southern Germany. The company has a global workforce of 4,300 spread between 16 production plants, 29 companies and 113 sales locations. The products, approx. 30,000 in all, are sold in more than 100 countries. Turnover totals 633 million euros, with exports accounting for three quarters of the figure, (all numbers refer to the year 2019).
Emil Ziehl founded the company in Berlin in 1910 as a manufacturer of electric motors. After World War II the company’s headquarters were relocated to Southern Germany. Ziehl-Abegg SE is not a listed company but instead is family-owned.
For more information go to www.ziehl-abegg.com
