Energy Recovery
Ventilation systems are key in maintaining healthy and comfortable indoor air quality (IAQ) in almost all commercial buildings. At the heart of the system, you have an air handling unit and a heat exchanger for heat or energy recovery.
Commercial Ventilation and Energy Recovery
Adequate indoor air quality (IAQ) involves many factors depending on the local situation and climate. Health issues, such as breathing problems, can arise from air containing dust, pollen, or other contaminants. A poor indoor climate can also result in damages to the buildings. Commercial (non-residential) air handling units tend to be larger units, designed for buildings like offices, hotels and airports.
The challenge is to reach a comfortable IAQ with as little energy input as possible. This means, pressure drop should be low (less fan power is needed) and thermal/humidity efficiency high (less energy consumed for heating/ cooling/ humidity control).
At the center of a ventilation system is the air handling unit (AHU). 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, etc., and protect the fans. Finally, a heat exchanger transfers the required heat or humidity from the exhaust air to the supply air.
Depending on the geographical region, the primary purpose of the heat exchanger shift between heating or cooling (and maybe also dehumidifying) the outdoor air before it enters the building.
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers
Implementing an air-to-air heat exchanger is an excellent way to utilize what is usually considered waste heat. An air-to-air heat exchanger will utilize the temperature difference between the supply and exhaust air to increase the system’s overall efficiency. There are two types of air-to-air heat exchangers, rotary and plate heat exchangers.
Type and exact configuration depends on the application. Both types are made of aluminum, with excellent properties such as efficient heat transfer capabilities and an extraordinarily long life span. Heatex offers numerous design variables and options for each product, enabling perfect fit and performance in every AHU.
Recommended Products & Options
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
- Closed plate cutting edges for higher corrosion resistance (relevant for epoxy material)
Heatex Model E or Model EQ
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
Case Studies
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 needed to be delivered in sections for on-site assembly.
Commercial Ventilation Applications
Airports & Exhibition Centres
Very big buildings need large airflows to reduce internal heat loads.
Museums & Art Galleries
Buildings containing exhibits need constant temperature and humidity control to maintain a stable room climate to protect things against premature aging.
Swimming pools
Indoor swimming pools require ventilation to reduce humidity for comfort and protection of the building.
Marine & Cruise ships
Due to the limited space and risk of corrosion, air handling units on seagoing ships must be equipped with compact, high-quality heat exchangers to provide fresh air without interruptions for long periods. In tests made according to ISO 9227, Heatex heat exchangers have proven to resist corrosion in salt spray tests for extensive periods of time.
Hospitals & Medical
Clean room environments need a low particle concentration atmosphere as well as constant temperature and humidity levels. Heatex heat exchangers are certified according to a wide range of European hygiene standards.
Ask an Expert
Heatex holds several certifications covering product and operation quality worldwide. Our products are field-tested and designed to comply with all relevant building codes and regulations.
Our skilled and experienced application engineers support you during the entire development process.
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High Efficiency Products
Certified performance for maximizing energy and heat recovery with a fast return on investment.
Technical Expertise
We have extensive technical knowledge and customized solutions for your unique 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 knowledge and customized solutions for your unique needs.
Extensive Capabilities
With production facilities in Europe, the US and China we are always close and accessible.