Retrofitting heat recovery into an existing building is different from designing new. Space, duct layout, and control integration usually drive the choice more than peak efficiency.
Step 1: Audit the Air Streams
- Confirm there is a dedicated exhaust and a matching supply.
- Measure airflow (m³/h or CFM) and temperature profiles.
- Note operating hours — recovery only pays where runtime is high.
Step 2: Pick a Form Factor
| Constraint | Mejor ajuste |
|---|---|
| Exhaust far from supply | Bucle de recirculación |
| No cross-contamination allowed | Plate or heat pipe |
| Humidity control needed | rueda de entalpía |
| Tight mechanical room | Heat pipe (compact) |
Step 3: Integrate Controls
- Add a bypass for mild-weather free cooling.
- Interlock with existing BMS via dry contacts or BACnet.
- Use variable-speed fans to follow load.
Step 4: Verify Savings
Before commissioning, baseline energy use. After 3–6 months, compare to confirm payback matches the model.
A retrofit succeeds on planning and verification as much as hardware. Phase the work to avoid shutting down occupied spaces, and confirm the existing duct static pressure before sizing any core so you do not inherit a high-pressure-drop system. Where the exhaust and supply are far apart, a run-around coil keeps the retrofit feasible without re-ducting. Use a measurement and verification plan based on a recognized protocol so the reported savings survive audit: baseline energy, then compare after a full season. Tie the recovery to the existing controls through dry contacts or a network link so it runs only when needed. Our psychrometric guide shows how recovery shifts the air state on the chart.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to replace the AHU?
Usually not. Add-on cores or remote run-around coils can be fitted around existing equipment.
What is the biggest retrofit risk?
Undersized ducts causing high pressure drop; verify static pressure before specifying.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to replace the AHU?
Usually not. Add-on cores or remote run-around coils can be fitted around existing equipment.
What is the biggest retrofit risk?
Undersized ducts causing high pressure drop; verify static pressure before specifying.
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.
Productos relacionados
Recuperación por placa, rotativa o caloduc para HVAC y ventilación.
Núcleos estacionarios de gran superficie para aire y líquido.
Recuperación de energía de alta eficacia para grandes caudales.
Corrientes pasivas y totalmente separadas para aplicaciones limpias.