Ventilation systems are key in maintaining healthy and comfortable indoor air quality (IAQ) in almost all commercial buildings. At the heart of the system, you have an air handling unit and a heat exchanger for heat or energy recovery.
Adequate indoor air quality (IAQ) involves many factors depending on the local situation and climate. Health issues like breathing problems can arise from air containing dust, pollen, or other contaminants. A poor indoor environment can also damage buildings.
Commercial (non-residential) air handling units tend to be larger units designed for buildings like offices, hotels, and airports. The challenge is to achieve a comfortable IAQ with as little energy input as possible. This means that pressure drop should be low (less fan power is needed) and thermal/humidity efficiency high (less energy consumed for heating/ cooling/ humidity control).
Depending on the geographical region, the primary purpose of the heat exchanger shifts between heating or cooling (and maybe also dehumidifying) the outdoor air before it enters the building.
The air handling unit (AHU) is at the center of a ventilation system. At a minimum, an AHU includes one or several fans in each air channel to move the air through the unit. Filters on either side remove dust, pollen, etc., and protect the fans. Finally, a heat exchanger transfers the required heat or humidity from the exhaust air to the supply air.
Implementing an air-to-air heat exchanger is an excellent way to utilize what is usually considered waste heat. An air-to-air heat exchanger will use the temperature difference between the supply and exhaust air to increase the system’s efficiency. There are two types of air-to-air heat exchangers: rotary and plate heat exchangers.
The type and exact configuration depends on the application. Both types are made of aluminum, which has excellent properties such as efficient heat transfer capabilities and an extraordinarily long life span. Heatex offers numerous design variables and options for each product, enabling perfect fit and performance in every AHU.
Using our product selection software, Heatex Select enables accurate calculations of our products’ performance under different conditions.
Plate heat exchangers enable heat transfer and humidity control by condensation and have less leakage than rotary heat exchangers.
Typical options in commercial ventilation applications include:
Depending on ambient factors, maybe also:
Rotary heat exchangers enable humidity transfer and generally provide higher efficiency than a plate heat exchanger.
Typical options in commercial ventilation applications include:
Heatex holds several certifications covering product and operation quality worldwide. Our products are field-tested and designed to comply with all the common building codes and regulations within commercial ventilation.
Our skilled and experienced application engineers support you during the entire development process.
Ask an ExpertAirports & Exhibition Centres
Very big buildings need large airflows to reduce internal heat loads.
Museums & Art Galleries
Buildings containing exhibits need constant temperature and humidity control to maintain a stable room climate to protect things against premature aging.
Swimming pools
Indoor swimming pools require ventilation to reduce humidity for comfort and protection of the building.
Marine & Cruise ships
Due to the limited space and risk of corrosion, air handling units on seagoing ships must be equipped with compact, high-quality heat exchangers to provide fresh air without interruptions for long periods. In tests made according to ISO 9227, Heatex heat exchangers have proven to resist corrosion in salt spray tests for extensive periods of time.
Hospitals & Medical
Clean room environments need a low particle concentration atmosphere as well as constant temperature and humidity levels. Heatex heat exchangers are certified according to a wide range of European hygiene standards.
The primary challenge was to ensure that as much heat as possible was
transferred from the exhaust air to the supply air, meaning heat recovery
efficiencies around 90%.
The customer needed a large rotary heat exchanger for a sizeable air handling unit destined for an 80,000-square-foot facility. The whole AHU needed to be delivered in sections for on-site assembly.
Certified performance for maximizing energy and heat recovery with a fast return on investment.
We have extensive technical knowledge and customized solutions for your unique needs.
With production facilities in Europe, the US and China we are always close and accessible.