FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find a list of  Frequently Asked Questions, and corresponding answers, with reference to the CERA ventilation system.

Is your specific question is not answered through the FAQ, please contact the Barcol-Air technical staff: call +31 (0)299 689300.

How does the CERA system work?

The system consists of a ventilation control unit called the CERA unit, which is installed in each apartment. By measuring the air quality (i.e. the CO2 levels in the home), the amount of fresh air supplied into each apartment/room is kept to a minimum. Under normal conditions the air volume is controlled between a minimum and maximum flow based on local regulations. By adding a switch in the Kitchen (during cooking periods) and a switch in the bed/bathroom (during showering) the supplied air volumes will be increased to a higher factory calibrated set-point. During night time the system can be put in night-mode and providing sufficient fresh air into the bedroom.

At what time-frame are the push-button switches controlled?

Please find a detailed description on the control and time-frames in the documentation.

Are the CERA units to be outfitted with sound attenuators?

Not necessarily; the CERA unit is already very quiet in operation.

However some noise is always present. We recommend to use insulated attenuating flexible ducts on both ends of the CERA unit. Also because little installation effort is required.

Is it mandatory to use the switchgear mentioned in the wiring diagram?

No, we used this switchgear only as an example. Depending on the specifications, you can source the equivalent of the mentioned items in our wiring diagram.

Is it possible to connect the kitchen hood directly to the CERA system?

No, the CERA system is not suitable for direct connection of a non-fan kitchen hood.

Is it possible to filter microscopic dust through the CERA system?

Yes, this is possible.

However, this needs to be arranged with the supplier of the central heat recovery unit and a specialised filter supplier. Filtering microscopic dust in a city centre region is highly recommended.

Are units larger than Ø125 available? What is the recommend air volume range for a size Ø125?

Models larger than Ø125 are currently being developed by our engineering team. Please contact the Barcol-Air technical staff for more information (call +31 (0)299 689300).

Are the air ducts in the shafts leading to the CERA units, to be insulated?

No, other than with decentralised heat recovery units, the air ducts in the shaft leading to the CERA units do not necessarily have to be insulated.

Is the CERA unit available as a right handed as well as a left handed model?

Yes, both options are available and selected model need to be confirmed when ordered.

What has to be taken into account when selecting the central heat recovery unit?

When selecting the central heat recovery unit it’s important to make sure the low EPC-value is achieved when running on full capacity. The central heat recovery unit needs to provide sufficient (duct)pressure, preferably in combination with a silent operation. Above all the central heat recovery unit needs to be equipped with a variable frequency drive (VFD).

How is the CERA unit to be maintained and how can it be reached?

First of all the CERA unit is very compact in size and take very little space. The units are equipped with a hinged cover and are therefore fully accessible. For questions regarding maintenance we refer to the local homeowner association or appointed maintenance party.

Can I build a CERA system out of a VAV system?

It is possible but not recommendable. Please contact the Barcol-Air technical staff for more information (call +31 (0)299 689300).

What has to be taken into account when preparing the quotation (cost estimation) for a CERA system?

The quote of Barcol-Air only includes the following: the CERA units, corresponding CO2 sensors and optional humidity sensors. This only includes delivery.

Installation and additional equipment need to be taken into account by the cost estimation team. Our wiring diagram does mention some switch gear which you can use in the cost estimation.

Is it possible to log-in to a CERA unit through the BMS?

This is not possible with a standard CERA application.

However it is offered optionally. Please contact the Barcol-Air technical staff for more information (call +31 (0)299 689300).

How to commission a CERA unit?

Please follow the link to read more about commissioning a CERA-terminal.

At what CO2 level (PPM) will the CERA unit act?

Please refer to the documentation on the sequence of controls for more information.

How does the sequence of control work?

By measuring the CO2 level in the living room (and/or bedroom with the 2 zone CERA system), the sequence of control, will switch to increase the air volume flowing to the desired space. At the same time the push-button switch located in the kitchen and/or bathroom, when activated, can switch the CERA to a (temporarily) boost mode during kitchen- or bathroom-use.

Can the CERA unit be connected through a network cable and what are the advantages?

The sequence of operation of the CERA terminal is running on a BACnet communication protocol, through which you can easily make a connection to the network. Failures as well as control sequence can be operated from a central point. Therefor remotely controlled maintenance is possible.