Energy-Efficient Heat Recovery
Our heat recovery products help AHU manufacturers deliver energy-efficient commercial ventilation systems by minimizing energy consumption and reducing operating costs, unlike less-efficient alternatives that can lead to higher pressure drops.
Office Buildings
Spaces for business operations, including corporate offices and administrative centers.
Retail and Hospitality
Stores, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.
Industrial and Institutional
Factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and government facilities.
Office Buildings
Spaces for business operations, including corporate offices and administrative centers.
Retail and Hospitality
Stores, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.
Industrial and Institutional
Factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and government facilities.
Benefits of Heat Exchanger Ventilation in Commercial Settings
Commercial ventilation systems (non-residential) use air handling units (AHUs) that are typically larger and designed for buildings such as offices, hotels, and airports.
The challenge is to achieve comfortable indoor air quality (IAQ) with minimal energy input. This means the pressure drop should be low (requiring less fan power) and the thermal and humidity efficiency should be high (reducing energy consumption for heating, cooling, and humidity control).
Depending on the geographical region, the primary purpose of the heat exchanger ventilation varies between heating, cooling (and possibly also dehumidifying) the outdoor air before it enters the building.
The air handling unit (AHU) is at the center of a commercial ventilation system. At a minimum, an AHU includes one or several fans in each air channel to move the air through the unit. Filters on either side remove dust, pollen, and other particles, protecting the fans. Finally, a heat exchanger in the ventilation system transfers the required heat or humidity from the exhaust air to the supply air.
Implementing an air-to-air heat exchanger is an excellent way to utilize what is usually considered waste heat. A commercial ventilation system equipped with an air-to-air heat exchanger leverages the temperature difference between the supply and exhaust air to improve efficiency.
There are two types of air-to-air heat exchangers for ventilation systems: rotary and plate heat exchangers. The type and exact configuration depend on the application. Both types are made of aluminum, which has excellent properties such as efficient heat transfer capabilities and an exceptionally long lifespan.
Heatex offers numerous design variables and options for each product, enabling a perfect fit and performance in every AHU. Using our product selection software, Heatex Select enables accurate performance calculations for our products under varying conditions.
If you want to know more about indoor air quality, we recommend visiting the Indoor Air Hygiene Institute. It’s the only organization dedicated solely to indoor air quality and its certification. The Institute aims to improve human health and productivity in indoor spaces through excellence in indoor air ventilation, filtration, and purification.
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Commercial Ventilation
Heatex Model H2 or Model H
Plate heat exchangers enable heat transfer and humidity control by condensation and have less leakage than rotary heat exchangers.
Typical options in commercial ventilation applications include:
- Damper
- Bypass
- Different profiles for customized installation
- Air leakage test and test report
- 2-step configuration for superior efficiency
Depending on ambient factors, maybe also:
- Silicone sealings for higher temperature applications
- Epoxy-coated plates for higher corrosion resistance
- Corrosion-protected framework for higher corrosion resistance
- Laquered plate edges for higher corrosion resistance (only relevant for epoxy material)
Heatex Model E or Model ES
Rotary heat exchangers enable humidity transfer and generally provide higher efficiency than a plate heat exchanger.
Typical options in commercial ventilation applications include:
- Various materials for humidity transfer (molecular sieve and hybrid (Enthalpy))
- Horizontal installation
- Special sealing for minimal air leakage
- Power belt for high reliability, easy maintenance, and adjustment
- Various motor options. E.g., a constant motor for simplicity or a step drive motor with frequency control and Modbus for flexibility
- Purge sector to reduce cross-contamination
- Epoxy-coated wheel and corrosion-protected framework for higher corrosion resistance
Ask an Expert
With the support of our experienced application engineers, we guide you through every step of the development process to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency in any commercial ventilation application.
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Case Studies in Commercial Ventilation
Crossflow Heat Exchangers
The primary challenge was to ensure that as much heat as possible was
transferred from the exhaust air to the supply air, meaning heat recovery
efficiencies around 90%.
Rotary Heat Exchangers
The customer needed a large rotary heat exchanger for a sizeable air handling unit destined for an 80,000-square-foot facility. The whole AHU is required to be delivered in sections for on-site assembly.
High Efficiency Products
Certified performance for maximizing energy and heat recovery with a fast return on investment.
Technical Expertise
We have extensive technical expertise and customized solutions for your commercial heat-recovery needs.
Extensive Capabilities
With production facilities in Europe, the US, and China, we are always close and accessible.
High Efficiency Products
Certified performance for maximizing energy and heat recovery with a fast return on investment.
Technical Expertise
We have extensive technical expertise and customized solutions for your commercial heat-recovery needs.
Extensive Capabilities
With production facilities in Europe, the US, and China, we are always close and accessible.