Abluftwärme

Abluftwärme refers to the heat contained within exhaust air from buildings or industrial processes. This exhaust air, often generated by ventilation systems, heating, or various industrial activities, carries a significant amount of thermal energy that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere. Capturing and utilizing this waste heat is a key principle of energy efficiency.

The concept of Abluftwärme recovery involves using heat exchangers to transfer the thermal energy from the outgoing exhaust air to a colder medium, such as incoming fresh air, domestic hot water, or a heating circuit. This preheating reduces the energy demand required to bring the fresh air or water up to the desired temperature, thereby lowering overall energy consumption and associated costs.

Common applications for Abluftwärme utilization include residential buildings with mechanical ventilation systems, swimming pools where humid exhaust air is prevalent, and various industrial settings like bakeries or manufacturing plants. The technology is a well-established method for improving the energy balance of a building or process, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and operational expenses. The effectiveness of Abluftwärme recovery depends on factors like the temperature difference between the exhaust air and the target medium, and the efficiency of the heat exchanger used.