EcoSlim 900 - Commercial Ceiling Mounted MVHR Heat Recovery Ventilation Unit

A ceiling-mounted MVHR system offers several advantages for commercial office ventilation, especially in modern buildings where space is limited. By integrating into a suspended ceiling grid, it frees up valuable floor and wall space and maintains a clean architectural finish. It provides continuous, balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, helping to maintain indoor air quality, reduce CO₂ levels and stabilise humidity across open-plan offices and meeting rooms. Slimline ceiling-mounted MVHR units are ideal for refurbishments and fit-outs, delivering high heat recovery efficiency, low noise and improved energy performance without altering the internal layout of the building.

A high-efficiency counter-flow heat exchanger improves energy recovery by increasing the thermal contact time and surface area between supply and extract air streams. This design achieves higher heat recovery performance than crossflow exchangers, reducing the demand on heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings. Counter-flow cores also prevent moisture and odour transfer between airstreams, improving indoor air quality and preventing cross-contamination in offices, classrooms and multi-use commercial environments. This contributes to lower operational costs, better energy-efficiency ratings and compliance with modern commercial HVAC standards.

Airflow rates for open-plan offices are typically calculated based on occupancy levels and floor area, following guidance such as CIBSE and Approved Document F. Typical ventilation requirements range from 8–12 l/s per person or values derived from floor space and activity level. The chosen MVHR system must deliver these airflow rates at realistic external static pressures—often between 300–500 Pa—to ensure consistent air distribution across long duct runs and complex ceiling voids. Proper airflow sizing supports good indoor air quality, maintains acceptable CO2 levels and ensures thermal comfort in busy office environments.

EC (Electronically Commutated) fans reduce power consumption by using advanced DC motor technology with high efficiency across a wide operating range. They provide precise speed control, reduced electrical losses and significantly lower Specific Fan Power (SFP) compared with traditional AC fans. Lower SFP values help commercial buildings comply with Part L energy-efficiency requirements and reduce operational costs. EC fans also operate with lower noise and vibration levels, making them ideal for office HVAC systems where quiet, energy-efficient ventilation is essential.

Key considerations for specifiers include ceiling void depth, unit dimensions, airflow capacity, and the external static pressure required to overcome duct resistance. Acoustic performance, heat recovery efficiency, filter class (G4, F7), and the durability of the heat exchanger (polymer versus paper) are also important. Additional factors include access for maintenance through ceiling tiles and connectivity options such as Modbus or BACnet for BMS integration. In commercial office projects, the ideal suspended ceiling MVHR system must balance compact form with high efficiency, low SFP, low noise and long-term reliability.

Specific Fan Power (SFP) is a key measure of how efficiently a commercial MVHR system delivers airflow. A lower SFP indicates that the system uses less electrical power per litre of air moved, directly reducing running costs and supporting compliance with Part L and sustainability benchmarks such as BREEAM and NABERS. High-performance commercial MVHR systems can achieve SFP values as low as 0.8 W/l/s, improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions and enhancing the overall performance of the building’s ventilation strategy.

Acoustic performance is crucial in modern office buildings because ventilation noise can impact comfort, concentration and perceived workspace quality. Most commercial office environments require noise levels of around 30–35 dB(A) at the point of use. This means the MVHR system must incorporate low-noise EC motors, optimised airflow paths, internal acoustic insulation and vibration isolation. Quiet operation ensures the system runs unobtrusively in open-plan offices, meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces, supporting productivity and compliance with commercial acoustic standards.

Yes. A ceiling-mounted MVHR system can maintain high indoor air quality in commercial buildings with high occupancy by providing continuous supply of filtered fresh air while extracting stale, CO₂-rich air. This helps regulate humidity, reduce odours and limit the build-up of airborne pollutants. In addition, polymer counter-flow exchangers maintain complete separation between air streams, preventing moisture or odour transfer—an essential requirement in high-density environments such as offices, teaching spaces and shared commercial areas.

Modbus or BMS integration allows commercial ventilation systems to connect to a building’s central management platform, providing real-time visibility of airflow levels, fan speeds, temperature, pressure, filter status and system alarms. This enables facilities teams to optimise ventilation schedules, reduce energy consumption, perform predictive maintenance and respond quickly to performance issues. BMS-connected MVHR systems form a core part of smart building management strategies, helping maintain indoor air quality and improving overall operational efficiency.

Polymer heat exchangers are better suited to commercial MVHR systems because they are more durable, moisture-resistant and maintain stable efficiency over time. Unlike paper-based cores, polymer exchangers do not absorb moisture, warp or break down in high-duty applications. They can also be washed and reused, reducing maintenance costs and extending service life. Polymer counter-flow cores offer superior thermal performance, better airstream separation and increased reliability, making them ideal for long-term commercial ventilation systems with heat recovery.