Ventomaxx Heat recovery in ventilation systems: sustainable solutions for modern construction projects

Heat recovery in ventilation systems: sustainable solutions for modern construction projects

Heat recovery in ventilation systems is a crucial component for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. By using this innovative technology, modern construction projects can not only be designed in a more environmentally friendly way, but also significantly reduce energy costs. But what is the term ‘heat recovery’ and how does it work in practice? In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into the world of ventilation technology innovation to highlight the advantages of this solution for contemporary construction projects. Find out how heat recovery helps to optimise air quality, save energy and promote sustainable construction. Immerse yourself in the world of efficient ventilation systems and discover why integrating heat recovery is a forward-looking decision for every architect and building services engineer.

Definition and significance of heat recovery in ventilation

Heat recovery in ventilation systems is crucial to improving the energy efficiency of buildings and minimising heat loss. It plays an important role in modern construction, as it reduces energy consumption and ensures a healthy indoor climate. Heat recovery uses the heat from the exhaust air to preheat the fresh air, which reduces heating costs, prevents mould formation and increases comfort. This process is achieved by heat exchangers that transfer the heat energy from the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air without the airflows mixing. The warm exhaust air flows through a duct system and transfers its heat to a heat carrier. At the same time, the fresh outside air is heated by the heat carrier before it enters the interior rooms. Fans ensure the necessary air flow and a continuous exchange of air, whereby energy consumption can be further optimised by variable speeds.

Filters clean the air and remove pollutants and particles, which improves the air quality in closed rooms and contributes to the health and well-being of the residents. Sensors continuously monitor the air quality and adjust the ventilation accordingly by recording parameters such as humidity, CO2 content or temperature. Thanks to the intelligent control unit and integration of these components, modern ventilation systems work efficiently and save energy, offer a sustainable solution for ventilating buildings and create healthy and comfortable interiors.

The importance of heat recovery lies not only in the energy savings, but also in the creation of a comfortable and healthy indoor climate. The controlled supply of fresh air and the simultaneous recycling of heat help to ensure that residents feel comfortable and act sustainably. Architects, planners and tradespeople are increasingly turning to ventilation systems with heat recovery to combine ecological and economic benefits and realise future-proof buildings. Heat recovery in ventilation systems is an effective way to save energy and increase the sustainability of buildings.

These advantages are confirmed by the results of a recent study conducted by the Institute for Technical Building Equipment in Dresden. According to this study, domestic ventilation systems with heat recovery make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption and promoting climate protection and sustainability (source). By using such systems, architects and building owners can not only fulfil legal requirements for energy efficiency, but also significantly improve the quality of life of residents.

The benefits of heat recovery in modern construction projects

The integration of heat recovery systems in modern construction projects offers numerous advantages. One of the most obvious is the reduction in energy costs. Since the heat from the exhaust air is used to preheat the fresh supply air, the need for conventional heating is significantly reduced. This results in lower heating costs and at the same time contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions, which reduces the ecological footprint of the building. Another major benefit is the increased comfort of the occupants. The continuous supply of fresh, pre-heated air ensures a pleasant and constant indoor climate, which prevents mould formation and improves air quality. This is particularly important for the health of the occupants, as high air quality increases well-being and reduces the risk of respiratory diseases. In addition, heat recovery in ventilation systems enables demand-based control of airflows, thus ensuring individually adapted ventilation in the various rooms of a building. This not only contributes to comfort, but also enables more efficient use of energy resources. In addition, heat recovery systems help to meet legal requirements for the energy efficiency of buildings and facilitate certification according to sustainability standards such as DGNB or LEED. This makes them an attractive option for architects and building owners who are looking for future-proof and sustainable solutions.

Relevance for architects and building services engineers

The integration of heat recovery into ventilation systems is of crucial importance for architects and building services engineers in modern construction projects. By effectively utilising the heat from the extracted air to preheat the incoming fresh air, these systems make a significant contribution to the energy efficiency of buildings. This is particularly relevant in times of rising energy costs and increased environmental awareness. Architects appreciate heat recovery in ventilation systems not only for its ecological benefits, but also for its aesthetic and functional aspects. The ability to integrate invisible or unobtrusive ventilation components allows architects to design their buildings freely without compromising on air quality.

This is particularly important as modern architectural design increasingly demands sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. Planners of technical building services, on the other hand, benefit from the technical functionality and efficiency of heat recovery systems. The planning and integration of such systems requires a detailed understanding of the technical aspects as well as the normative requirements. The optimal selection, placement and dimensioning of the components are crucial to ensure the best possible performance and energy savings. Overall, the relevance of heat recovery in ventilation systems for architects and HVAC engineers is undisputed. The combination of energy efficiency, aesthetic integration and technical reliability makes these systems an indispensable part of modern construction projects. Important aspects to consider when planning and installing ventilation systems with heat recovery

The planning and installation of ventilation systems with heat recovery requires careful consideration of many important aspects. A key point is the correct dimensioning of the system to ensure efficient heat recovery. Factors such as the air volume flow, the room size and the building insulation play a decisive role in this. Another important aspect is the selection of the appropriate heat recovery technology. There are various heat recovery systems, including cross-flow and counter-flow heat exchangers. The choice of the right system depends on the specific requirements of the construction project.

The integration of ventilation systems into the overall concept of the building is also crucial. Careful planning of the airflow routing and the positioning of the ventilation components ensures effective air circulation and minimises potential thermal bridges. When installing ventilation systems, precise and professional assembly is crucial. Compliance with all standards and guidelines is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety of the system. Regular maintenance and servicing are also important aspects to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the system.

The advice of experienced specialists and close cooperation between architects, building services planners and tradespeople are crucial to the success of the planning and installation of ventilation systems with heat recovery. A sustainable and efficient ventilation solution for modern construction projects can be created by taking a holistic approach and considering all relevant aspects. We are happy to support you from the initial planning phase to ensure that the ideal individual ventilation solution can be implemented. Provide us with your planning documents and we will accompany you from the beginning of your project to the handover and deliver the required solutions in the form of your customised Ventomaxx fan.

An excellent example of the use of modern ventilation technology with heat recovery is the recently completed residential complex in Luitpoldstraße, Landshut. This new building project consists of a residential complex with an integrated commercial unit and an underground car park, which runs along a busy main road. The solid construction and the well-thought-out design not only offer modern living comfort, but also a high level of energy efficiency. The upper floors contain a total of 14 residential units, complemented by communal rooms that offer the residents additional comfort. Given the location on a busy street, a solution was needed that would ensure excellent air quality while also significantly reducing the noise level.

To meet the requirements of modern living, the Z-WRG RONDO PLUS heat recovery system from ventomaxx was installed. This system offers heat recovery of up to 90%, which not only significantly reduces the heating energy requirement, but also ensures a pleasant indoor climate. Another decisive advantage is the high sound insulation with a sound insulation value of 47 dB Dn,e,w, which effectively keeps out the noise from the busy main road and thus ensures peace and quiet in the living rooms. The heat recovery system is operated via a central control unit (ZS-PLUS), which enables simple handling and adjustment of the ventilation. The central control unit ensures optimal air quality and enables energy-efficient use of the system.

The integrated control unit allows the ventilation system to be precisely adapted to the needs of the residents, which results in additional energy savings and improved living comfort. The project in Luitpoldstraße, Landshut, impressively demonstrates how ventomaxx's modern ventilation systems meet the requirements of contemporary living. The combination of high energy efficiency, effective sound insulation and a centralised control unit makes the Z-WRG RONDO PLUS an ideal solution for residential buildings that focus on both comfort and sustainability. By using such systems, architects and building owners can not only meet legal requirements for energy efficiency, but also significantly improve the quality of life for residents.

Comparing centralized vs. decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery:

Criterion	Centralized Ventilation Systems	Decentralized Ventilation Systems
Functionality	Centrally controlled system with an extensive duct network throughout the building.	Individual, autonomously operating units in different rooms. Ideal for targeted ventilation.
Installation Effort	High installation effort and significant costs, especially for retrofitting.	Low installation effort, ideal for retrofitting and flexible adjustments.
Space Requirement	Requires extensive space for ducts and a large central unit.	Minimal space requirements, as no central ducts are necessary. Perfect for compact spaces.
Heat Recovery Efficiency	High efficiency, but often associated with higher energy consumption.	High efficiency with low energy consumption thanks to decentralized control.
Noise Level	Quiet, but dependent on the location of the central unit. Noise can be transmitted through the ducts.	Very quiet, as modern decentralized units are soundproof and do not require long ducts.
Comfort and Control	Unified control but less flexible and adaptable to individual room requirements.	Highest flexibility, as each room can be individually controlled. Perfect adaptation to usage needs.
Maintenance	Regular, extensive maintenance of the entire system and ducts required.	Simple maintenance, as only individual units need to be cleaned and maintained. Lower overall costs.
Design and Aesthetics	Ducts are often hidden, but the central unit requires a lot of space.	Discreet integration into room design, no large ducts necessary, unobtrusive and modern.
Suitability For	Large new buildings with high budgets, where centralized control is advantageous.	Both new buildings and retrofits, ideal for individual room solutions and flexible use.

Summary: Heat recovery in ventilation systems

The integration of heat recovery in ventilation systems offers architects and building services engineers a sustainable and efficient solution for modern construction projects. The utilisation of waste heat not only saves energy, but also contributes to environmental protection. Technological advances have significantly improved the efficiency of heat recovery systems, making them one of the standard solutions in the construction industry today.

Advantages for architects: Planning energy-efficient buildings Improved indoor climate and living comfort The option of integrating sustainable solutions into the design

Advantages for TGA planners: Optimisation of energy consumption through heat recovery Compliance with legal requirements and standards Sustainable technology for demanding construction projects When planning and installing ventilation systems with heat recovery, it is important to take into account the individual requirements of the project. Careful selection of components, compliance with applicable guidelines and professional integration are crucial to the success of the project. Architects and building services engineers should work closely together when implementing ventilation systems with heat recovery to achieve optimal results. The continuous development in this area offers a wide range of possibilities for creative and efficient solutions in modern construction projects.

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Ventilation systems play a crucial role in removing stale air, supplying fresh air and regulating humidity in buildings. Various types of ventilation systems are available to fulfil these important functions. When choosing a suitable ventilation system, heat recovery is an important aspect for improving energy efficiency.

The utilisation of waste heat in ventilation is also an important key to the energy transition. The Energy Action Circle emphasises that the utilisation of waste heat is not a secondary option for reducing energy demand and promoting renewable energies. A closer look at the air tightness of buildings shows the importance of this factor for a healthy indoor climate and energy efficiency.

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The transition from the EnEV to the GEG also opens up possibilities for a greener future in thae field of building classification, as this article shows: The transition from the EnEV to the GEG.

The integration of heat recovery in ventilation systems is a decisive step towards sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in modern construction projects. By using this innovative technology, we can not only improve energy efficiency and save heating costs, but also actively contribute to environmental protection. Architects and building services engineers are faced with the challenge of finding innovative and forward-looking solutions to meet the requirements of modern buildings. Controlled room air supply in combination with heat recovery not only offers optimal living comfort, but also protection against mould formation and healthy room air. It is important to keep up to date with technological developments in the field of ventilation and to incorporate them into the planning and realisation of construction projects. In an age in which sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, heat recovery in ventilation systems is a key aspect for the construction industry. Let us work together to shape the future of construction in a sustainable way.

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CUSTOM-MADE VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FOR NEW BUILDS AND RENOVATION PROJECTS

We provide architects and technical planners tailored solutions to address every ventilation challenge with precision. Whether it is sound insulation, energy efficiency, or optimising facade aesthetics, our expert technical teams are equipped to provide you with the ideal solutions.

With Ventomaxx, you gain access to comprehensive hybrid ventilation concepts that seamlessly combine passive and active systems from a single, trusted source. Our mission is to improve indoor air quality in the most efficient way.

CUSTOM-MADE VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FOR NEW BUILDS AND RENOVATION PROJECTS

We provide architects and technical planners tailored solutions to address every ventilation challenge with precision. Whether it is sound insulation,

energy efficiency, or optimising facade aesthetics, our expert technical teams are equipped to provide you with the ideal solutions.

With Ventomaxx, you gain access to comprehensive hybrid ventilation concepts that seamlessly combine passive and active systems from a single, trusted source. Our mission is to improve indoor air quality in the most efficient way.