Ventomaxx Enthalpy heat exchangers: What planners need to know

Enthalpy heat exchangers have become real heroes in the world of building technology. But what is behind this complex term? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of enthalpy heat exchangers and discover their wide range of applications. From how they work to the benefits and areas of application – nothing remains undisclosed. Let’s explore together what HVAC planners need to know about enthalpy heat exchangers in order to create pioneering solutions in building services engineering. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of enthalpy heat exchangers and discover their potential.

What is an enthalpy heat exchanger?

An enthalpy heat exchanger is an essential component in ventilation systems that is designed to exchange heat and moisture energy between two air flows. Unlike a conventional heat exchanger, the enthalpy heat exchanger transfers not only the heat but also the humidity between the air flows. This process makes it possible to transfer the thermal energy and humidity from the exhaust air to the supply air, which installs an efficient energy exchange.

The enthalpy heat exchanger consists of a partition wall that separates the two air flows but still allows heat and humidity to be exchanged. Special materials are integrated into the partition wall that are able to absorb and release humidity as required by the system. This water storage process is the key feature of an enthalpy heat exchanger.

An enthalpy heat exchanger is particularly useful in climates where humidity levels vary greatly, as it helps to keep the humidity in a room at a constant level. This not only creates a pleasant indoor climate, but also reduces the risk of mould growth.

The use of an enthalpy heat exchanger in ventilation systems helps to optimise energy consumption and reduce operating costs. The efficient exchange of heat and moisture improves the heating and cooling performance of the systems, installing more sustainable and comfortable indoor air.

At Ventomaxx, we offer innovative ventilation solutions equipped with enthalpy heat exchangers. Our products utilise this technology to ensure an efficient exchange of heat and humidity, installing optimal air quality in living and working spaces.

Discover the innovative Ventomaxx SEPHYR Heat Recovery System, a revolutionary generation of integrated ventilation solutions for common rooms, offices, nurseries and commercial units equipped with enthalpy membranes for passive heat and moisture recovery.

How enthalpy heat exchangers work

Enthalpy heat exchangers are innovative components in ventilation systems that are used to optimise the transfer of heat and moisture between the intake and exhaust air. The enthalpy heat exchanger consists of a special material that is able to absorb and release both heat and humidity. This enables efficient heat recovery and control of the humidity level in the premises.

When an enthalpy heat exchanger functions, the warm and humid exhaust air flows through one duct, while at the same time cold and dry fresh air flows in the opposite direction through another duct. This results in an interaction between the two air flows through the heat exchanger’s enthalpy-retaining material. The heat and humidity of the exhaust air is transferred to the fresh air, preheating and humidifying the fresh air. At the same time, the exhaust air is cooled and dried.

This process enables efficient utilisation of the available energy in the exhaust air, which installs a noticeable reduction in heating requirements and improves the indoor climate. The use of enthalpy heat exchangers not only saves energy, but also ensures a constant and pleasant indoor humidity level, which is particularly important during the transitional seasons.

The operation of enthalpy heat exchangers therefore offers an efficient solution for improving comfort in buildings and reducing energy consumption, making them an important component in modern ventilation systems.

Advantages of using enthalpy heat exchangers

The use of enthalpy heat exchangers in ventilation systems offers a number of advantages. Due to the special way these heat exchangers work, not only heat but also humidity is exchanged between the air flows. This installs an efficient regulation of the room climate.

A key advantage is the ability to utilise the humidity in the exhaust air to humidify the dry air in the supply air. This creates a pleasant and healthy indoor climate without having to rely on additional humidifiers.

In addition, enthalpy heat exchangers help to save energy as the heat and humidity is transferred between the air flows. This means that less heating energy is required to bring the fresh air to the desired temperature, which installs a reduction in heating costs.

Another advantage is the reduction of mould growth in buildings. The efficient exchange of moisture keeps the humidity in the room at an optimum level, minimising the risk of mould growth.

In addition, enthalpy heat exchangers offer improved air quality as they help to filter particles and allergens from the air. This is particularly beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers as the air in the rooms is purified and fresh air is supplied.

The versatility and efficiency of enthalpy heat exchangers make them an ideal solution for controlled domestic ventilation, office ventilation and other areas where a good indoor climate is important.

Areas of application for enthalpy heat exchangers in building services engineering

Enthalpy heat exchangers are used in a wide range of applications in building services engineering and offer an efficient solution for regulating the indoor climate. Their use not only improves air quality, but also increases energy efficiency. One important area of application for enthalpy heat exchangers is controlled domestic ventilation in residential buildings. Here they ensure continuous air exchange and help to prevent mould growth. Enthalpy heat exchangers are also used in office buildings to ensure a pleasant indoor climate and increase employee productivity.

In schools and nurseries, enthalpy heat exchangers play an important role in creating a healthy and comfortable environment for pupils and children. Thanks to efficient heat recovery, they help to reduce heating costs and at the same time support the ventilation of rooms. Enthalpy heat exchangers are also used in hotels to provide guests with a pleasant indoor climate and optimise energy consumption.

Furthermore, enthalpy heat exchangers are used in commercial buildings to improve air quality and regulate the indoor climate. Thanks to the possibility of moisture recovery, they help to prevent moisture damage and create a healthy working environment. Last but not least, enthalpy heat exchangers are also used in hospitals and care facilities to control the air quality in sensitive areas and optimise hygienic conditions.

Selection criteria and dimensioning of enthalpy heat exchangers

Various factors must be taken into account when selecting and dimensioning enthalpy heat exchangers in building technology. Firstly, the size of the room to be ventilated should be taken into account. Depending on the room size and air flow rate, the correct capacity of the enthalpy heat exchanger must be selected to ensure efficient heat recovery.

The outdoor air quality also plays a role in the selection of the enthalpy heat exchanger. Depending on the location of the building and the local ambient conditions, the heat exchanger must be dimensioned accordingly to ensure optimum air quality in the room.

Another important aspect in the selection process is the efficiency of the enthalpy heat exchanger. A high degree of efficiency and efficient heat recovery not only contribute to energy savings, but also to improving the indoor climate.

The structural conditions should also be taken into account when dimensioning. The integration of the enthalpy heat exchanger into the ventilation system must be carefully planned to ensure smooth operation and maintenance.

Consideration of these selection criteria and careful dimensioning are crucial for the effective utilisation of enthalpy heat exchangers in building technology.

Maintenance and care of enthalpy heat exchangers

Regular maintenance and care of enthalpy heat exchangers is crucial for their optimum performance and longevity. Here are some important steps that should be followed when maintaining these devices:

Filter change: Regularly changing the filters in enthalpy heat exchangers is essential to ensure optimum air quality. Dirty filters can affect the performance of the system and increase energy consumption.
Cleaning the surfaces: Cleaning the surfaces of the heat exchanger of dust, dirt and debris is important to ensure efficient heat transfer. This can help to improve the energy efficiency of the system.
Checking the gaskets: It is important to regularly check the gaskets of the enthalpy heat exchanger to ensure there are no leaks. Leaking gaskets can install energy losses.
Checking the fans: The fans in the system should be checked to ensure that they are working properly. Blockages or soiling of the fans can impair air circulation.
Heat recovery monitoring: The function of the heat recovery unit should be checked regularly to ensure that it is working efficiently and saving energy.
Professional inspection: A regular inspection by a professional can help to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage to ensure continuous and reliable performance of the enthalpy heat exchanger.

Enthalpy heat exchangers: What planners need to know