Recovery units

Characteristics of heat recovery units

• Types of heat recovery units: There are different types of heat recovery units, including plate heat exchangers, rotary heat exchangers, crossflow heat exchangers, and enthalpy heat exchangers. Each type has specific characteristics that make it suitable for different applications.
• Heat recovery efficiency: The heat recovery efficiency measures how effectively the unit transfers thermal energy from exhaust air to incoming fresh air. This efficiency can range from 50% to 90%, depending on the design and technology used.
• Construction materials: Heat recovery units are made from corrosion-resistant and durable materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, and advanced polymers, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Airflow capacity: Airflow capacity, measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h), indicates the volume of air the unit can handle. It is important to select a heat recovery unit with a capacity suited to the specific application.
• Size and design: Heat recovery units come in various sizes and designs to fit different HVAC system configurations and available space constraints.

Benefits of heat recovery units

• Energy savings: By recovering heat from exhaust air, these units reduce the need to heat or cool incoming air, significantly lowering energy costs.
• Improved air quality: Heat recovery units enable the introduction of fresh, filtered air into indoor spaces, enhancing air quality and reducing pollutant concentrations.
• Thermal comfort: Maintaining a stable indoor temperature is essential for occupant comfort. Heat recovery units help regulate temperature fluctuations, preventing sudden thermal changes.
• Environmental sustainability: By reducing energy consumption, heat recovery units contribute to lowering a building’s environmental impact, promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Humidity control: Some heat recovery units, such as enthalpy exchangers, can also transfer moisture from exhaust air to incoming air, helping to maintain comfortable humidity levels within buildings.

How heat recovery units work

• Plate heat exchangers: These units use a system of parallel plates to transfer heat between incoming and outgoing airflows. The exhaust air heats the plates, which in turn warm the fresh incoming air without mixing the two airflows.
• Rotary heat exchangers: These consist of a rotating cylindrical rotor that slowly moves between the incoming and outgoing airflows. The rotor absorbs heat from the exhaust air and transfers it to the fresh air as it rotates.
• Crossflow heat exchangers: Incoming and outgoing airflows pass through separate channels arranged in a crossflow pattern. This design enables effective heat exchange without mixing the two air streams.
• Enthalpy heat exchangers: These devices transfer both heat and humidity between airflows using special materials that allow moisture transfer while preventing air mixing.

Innovations in heat recovery units

• Advanced materials: The use of advanced materials and nanomaterials is enhancing the efficiency and durability of heat recovery units.
• Smart control technologies: Heat recovery units equipped with smart controls and sensors can automatically optimise performance based on environmental conditions and ventilation requirements.
• Compact designs: New compact designs allow heat recovery units to be installed in limited spaces, expanding their application possibilities.
• Integration with home automation systems: The integration of heat recovery units with home automation systems enables centralised control and optimised management of energy efficiency and air quality.