Wirth Research’s AirDoor Triumphs at CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2023

Wirth Research has secured the prestigious "Product or Innovation of the Year for Thermal Comfort" at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2023 with their innovative AirDoor. This accolade underscores Wirth Research’s dedication to pioneering solutions that enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in building performance.

Revolutionising Thermal Comfort with AirDoor

The AirDoor by Wirth Research stands out as a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of thermal comfort. It is designed to address the common challenges faced in maintaining indoor climates in commercial buildings. The AirDoor effectively acts as an invisible barrier, managing temperature fluctuations and ensuring consistent thermal conditions within a space, which significantly improves occupant comfort and reduces energy consumption.

Judges' Praise and Recognition

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) judges were fulsome in their praise for Wirth Research's AirDoor. They remarked on how the company had reinvented the over-door air curtain, addressing challenges in a sector where innovation to reduce energy consumption and heat loss is ‘long overdue’. The judges highlighted the AirDoor’s cost-effectiveness, ease of installation and maintenance, and its remote monitoring and management features, which allow the manufacturer to respond quickly to operational issues.

Key Features and Benefits of AirDoor

Wirth Research’s AirDoor leverages advanced technology to provide superior thermal comfort. Here are some of its standout features:

1. Energy Efficiency: The AirDoor minimises energy loss by maintaining a stable indoor climate, which reduces the need for constant heating or cooling.
2. Enhanced Comfort: By effectively controlling indoor temperatures, the AirDoor ensures a comfortable environment for building occupants, which can lead to increased productivity and well-being.
3. Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption translates into significant cost savings for building operators, making the AirDoor a cost-effective solution for thermal management.
4. Sustainability: The AirDoor supports sustainability goals by lowering the carbon footprint of buildings through efficient energy use.

Innovative Mechatronic Design

The AirDoor is a device that significantly reduces wind infiltration through open (or frequently opened) doorways. It is a mechatronic archway that sits behind a building entranceway, containing an innovative array of sensors to detect airflow in both directions. An electronic control system operates a series of internal variable speed fans to produce the necessary air pressure to exactly counteract airflow through the doorway. The result is an invisible, active ‘barrier’, preventing unwanted outside air from flowing into the building and the seepage of warm air—or cold air, depending on the season—in the other direction. This reduces the load on the building’s HVAC system, which no longer has to work to overcome the air infiltration, while simultaneously improving comfort conditions indoors.

Proven Success and Market Acceptance

Since its launch in November 2019, and despite pandemic-related market disruption, Wirth Research has sold 40 AirDoors across multiple major European retailers. The device’s ability to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort has made it a popular choice for businesses seeking to enhance their building performance.

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

The recognition of the AirDoor by CIBSE not only highlights the product's immediate benefits but also sets a new benchmark for future innovations in thermal comfort solutions. As industries and regulatory bodies continue to prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable practices, products like the AirDoor are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of building design and performance.

Testimonials and Industry Feedback

Feedback from industry experts and users of the AirDoor has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have noted the significant improvements in indoor climate control and energy savings. Testimonials highlight how the AirDoor has transformed their building environments, providing a more comfortable space while also aligning with sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Wirth Research’s AirDoor winning the "Product or Innovation of the Year for Thermal Comfort" at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2023 is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the company’s unwavering dedication to advancing building performance through innovative solutions. As the building industry continues to evolve, the AirDoor represents a significant step forward in creating energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable indoor environments.

For more information about Wirth Research and their groundbreaking AirDoor, visit Wirth Research's product page for AirDoor.

About Wirth Research

Wirth Research is a leading technology and engineering company specialising in advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aerodynamics. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Wirth Research develops cutting-edge solutions for a variety of industries, including retail, transport, and building performance.

About CIBSE

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is an international professional engineering association based in London, UK. It is committed to the development of best practices and standards in building services engineering, promoting the efficient and sustainable design and operation of buildings.

By securing this prestigious award, Wirth Research’s AirDoor has not only proven its mettle in enhancing thermal comfort but has also set a new standard for future innovations in building performance solutions.