Table des matières
- 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.
- Transfers both temperature and moisture. Enthalpy rotary wheels and some membranes move water vapor, which can cut cooling and dehumidification loads in humid climates.
- Condition Best choice 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 Enthalpy wheel
- 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.
- 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.
Heat recovery is often described as “sensible” or “enthalpy.” The difference decides comfort, energy savings, and which technology to specify.
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.
Transfers both temperature and moisture. Enthalpy rotary wheels and some membranes move water vapor, which can cut cooling and dehumidification loads in humid climates.
| Condition | Best choice |
|---|---|
| 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 | Enthalpy wheel |
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.
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.