Recuperators

What are recuperators and how do they work?

The heat exchanger selected according to the premises and their operation does not use additional energy sources to heat the incoming air from the outside, because modern heat exchangers are able to return 90-95% of heat. Quiet operation, convenient cooking, various sizes and configurations with different heat recovery technologies provide extremely convenient indoor microclimate automation solutions according to everyone's needs.

Recuperators are divided into three types based on heat exchangers – plate, rotary and counterflow (separate) flowsThe recuperator should be chosen taking into account the size of the premises, i.e. the volume of the ventilated house or apartment (since recuperators are usually evaluated according to the air flow efficiency), as well as the air filtration system, energy efficiency, automation (control, connection features with other air extraction systems), and, if important, the return of humidity to the premises. 

Rotary heat exchanger

In these recuperators, heat exchange is carried out through a rotating rotor, into which warm and cold air alternately enter, their heat exchanger is made of conductive aluminum foil, and can store 75-85% of heat. These recuperators have a significant moisture return coefficient, do not dry out the premises, and they are also slightly more efficient in the cold period, because an additional electric heater is not used to warm up the cold air taken from the outside, so although their efficiency is somewhat lower than that of those with counter-flow heat exchangers, they are more reliable in our climate conditions.

Since the outdoor and indoor air are mixed in the exhaust air recuperator, they are not suitable for cafes or medical facilities, as odors in the room and some pathogens, such as viruses, can return to the room.

Rotary recuperators have two main heat exchangers: a condensation heat exchanger, which effectively recovers heat but does not regenerate moisture well, and a sorption heat exchanger, which not only recovers heat, but also returns most of the moisture (~70%) back to the room.

Plate heat exchanger

Plate heat exchangers do not mix air flows, have an excellent heat recovery coefficient and are simple, convenient to maintain. Since the incoming air and the outside and indoor air do not mix at all, this ventilation system is particularly useful in catering establishments, as well as in dental offices, beauty salons, etc., where more polluted or odorous air is removed.

The plate heat exchanger uses a heater (heater) that heats the air coming from outside, so the heat exchanger does not freeze, and at extremely low temperatures, it automatically closes the outdoor supply and defrosts the heat exchanger, so the system is effective in case of large temperature differences.

Additionally, condensate drainage may be required. Plate heat exchangers come in cross-flow and counter-flow types, with counter-flow being the most popular because the heater consumes less electricity during the cold season than a cross-flow heat exchanger.

The most efficient heat exchangers

Some of the most effective recuperators in all respects are plate heat exchangers with enthalpy heat exchanger, which is made of polymer membrane plates and very efficiently recovers heat (up to 95%) and moisture (up to 80%). 

Typically, a modern enthalpy recuperator consumes less electricity, because, for example, rotary recuperators have an additional motor to ensure rotor speed, and also have an electric heater to raise the temperature of the air coming from outside.

And although the plate heat exchanger uses an electric heater to protect the heat exchanger from freezing, it should only be turned on when the temperature is below -10C.

outdoor temperature. Thanks to smarter control, the automation calculates the need for electricity consumption with maximum accuracy. And thanks to the simpler design and fewer elements that wear out, the device will last longer.

Heat recovery unit for a house or apartment: what is important to consider?

The heat recovery unit for an apartment will always be different from the ventilation system designed for the house. Of course, when choosing a heat recovery unit for an apartment, compactness is important - a ceiling heat recovery unit will not take up space and will ensure excellent ventilation.

However, the cubic capacity of the house is usually larger, so although a compact heat exchanger will take up less space, there is a risk that higher electricity costs for heating may increase. Because a smaller heat exchanger box will usually have a smaller heat exchanger, the smaller the heat exchanger, the faster the air moves and has less time for heat transfer. And the worse the heat transfer coefficient, the more an electric heater or heating system is used.

Also, a smaller box will have narrower air supply channels, which also leads to more noise due to faster air movement. Therefore each case should be assessed individually, especially in order to save money and get the most effective solution.

If you are looking for a recuperator for a small room, or where there is no possibility to connect the equipment to a centralized system, it is worth considering mini recuperatorThis type of recuperator is popular in older apartments that have problematic ventilation or humidity issues and no centralized ventilation system.

This recuperator is a decentralized operating system that ventilates the apartment independently, there is no single common power supply unit. Most often, 2-4 recuperators are installed in 40-50m2 apartments, which communicate with each other via wifi and supply and extract air at the appropriate time, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted ventilation. These devices are also easy to control via a mobile application by setting different operating levels. Installation is also simple, it takes 2-4 hours, including drilling holes and connecting equipment.

Installation of recuperators

Effective ventilation depends not only on the choice of the recuperation system but also on its placement and installation in the room. The installation price includes the height of the opening, selected materials, details, wall thickness, number of units of equipment. During installation work, it is necessary to purposefully take measurements, install heat and duct insulation, select grilles, covers, check valves, control panel mountings, etc.

Installation of recuperators usually takes up to 4 hours, but the time may vary depending on the complexity of the heat exchanger and the goals of the individual solution. Preparing a heat exchanger project is important for the selection of work and equipment, because without a project, insufficient or excessive ventilation can be installed, and in both cases losses are incurred. 

Heat recovery unit price

The price of a recuperator varies depending on the area of the room being ventilated. The average price of a recuperator The price for a 100m2 house without additional details ranges from 1400 to 2200e, again, it depends a lot on the needs.

Enthalpy plate heat exchangers with smart control will usually cost a little more than simple rotary heat exchangers, but the existing functionalities usually pay for themselves over a longer period of operation.

We invite you to consult with our specialists. who will kindly advise which recuperator to choose and will ensure smooth implementation of the service from system acquisition to commissioning. We offer a wide range of recuperators, most of which are smart, fully optimized, and by constantly monitoring air quality parameters, they select the most efficient operating mode, ensuring a comfortable environment indoors.