Abstract

Apparatus is provided for use in the method of conserving energy by operating a ventilating and air conditioning system in a high rise building in a manner to permit operation of a heating and cooling unit at a reduced percentage of full capacity while adequately heating or cooling the atmosphere within the building. The method is accomplished by cycling area air supply and return dampers between fully-open and intermediate-open positions to selected floors or parts of floors within the building. The dampers are cyclically operated by electro-pneumatic actuators which are operatively connected to a central control apparatus for cycling according to a pre-determined pattern. Smoke detection sensors, located to sample air returned from selected areas of the building to be controlled, supply signals upon actuation by the presence of smoke to the central control apparatus which provides appropriate signals to operate dampers controlling air circulation to the areas of the building where smoke is detected, to create a positive pressure from non-smoke areas of the building toward the smoke area. The smoke is directly evacuated from the building without being recirculated through the air circulating system and the air circulating systems is thereby transformed into a smoke safety, life-support system.