Heat recovery is often described as “sensible” or “enthalpy.” The difference decides comfort, energy savings, and which technology to specify.
Sensible Recovery
Transfers temperature only. Plate exchangers, heat pipes, and run-around coils are sensible devices. They pre-heat or pre-cool the supply air without adding or removing moisture.
Enthalpy Recovery
Transfers both temperature and moisture. Enthalpy rotary wheels and some membranes move water vapor, which can cut cooling and dehumidification loads in humid climates.
Which Should You Choose?
| Condicion | Mejor eleccion |
|---|---|
| Cold, dry climate | Sensible (avoid adding moisture indoors) |
| Hot, humid climate | Enthalpy (reduce cooling + dehumidification) |
| Drying / exhaust with moisture | Sensible (don’t return humidity) |
| Swimming pool / ice rink | rueda de entalpía |
Energy Impact
Enthalpy recovery can reduce total HVAC energy by an additional 10–30 % versus sensible-only in humid regions, because it offsets both latent and sensible loads.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does enthalpy recovery spread bacteria?
Modern enthalpy wheels use antimicrobial coatings and purge sectors; risk is low when maintained per manufacturer guidance.
Can a plate exchanger do enthalpy?
Only special enthalpy plates or membranes; standard aluminum plates are sensible-only.
Practical Notes
- In cold, dry winters, sensible recovery avoids over-humidifying indoor air.
- In cooling-dominated, humid climates, enthalpy recovery is usually worth the extra complexity.
- For drying or process exhaust that must not return moisture, stay sensible.
Sizing note
When comparing sensible and enthalpy recovery, size from the actual ventilation airflow and the design temperature difference, not nameplate. A 10 C supply-air temperature rise recovered at 80% effectiveness removes most of the heating load before the coil – the choice between sensible and enthalpy then decides how much latent load the cooling coil must also handle.
Preguntas frecuentes
Does enthalpy recovery spread bacteria?
Modern enthalpy wheels use antimicrobial coatings and purge sectors; risk is low when maintained per manufacturer guidance.
Can a plate exchanger do enthalpy?
Only special enthalpy plates or membranes; standard aluminum plates are sensible-only.
Especifique el intercambiador adecuado
Nuestros ingenieros dimensionan el núcleo según su caudal, temperatura y presupuesto de caída de presión, y seleccionan recuperación por placa, rotativa o caloduc según la aplicación. Lea la guía del intercambiador , o contáctenos para una especificación.
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