Heat Exchanger Pressure Drop and Fan Energy

Table des matières

UN heat exchanger only saves energy if the recovered heat exceeds the extra electricity needed to push air through it. That trade-off is governed by pressure drop.

  • Face velocity (higher speed = steeper rise)
  • Core depth and plate count
  • Surface corrugation and coating thickness
  • Dust or fiber loading on fins

Manufacturers publish pressure drop vs airflow. A good design operates on the flatter part of the curve — typically 2–3 m/s face velocity for plates. Beyond that, fan power rises faster than recovered heat.

Net savings = recovered thermal energy − extra fan energy. As a rule of thumb, keep added pressure drop under 100–150 Pa for ventilation applications unless efficiency gains are large.

  • Use EC plug fans to capture part-load efficiency.
  • Add pre-filters to keep the core clean.
  • Provide access for periodic cleaning.
  • Model the full year, not just design day.

Is a bigger core always better?
Not always. A deeper core raises efficiency but also pressure drop; optimize the combination.

How often should I clean?
Inspect quarterly in dusty duty; clean when pressure drop rises 15–20 % above baseline.

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