Feuchterückgewinnungselemente

Feuchterückgewinnungselemente, often translated as moisture recovery elements or desiccant wheels, are components used in air handling systems to dehumidify and rehumidify air. Their primary function is to transfer moisture between two airstreams. This is achieved through a rotating wheel coated with a desiccant material, such as silica gel. As one section of the wheel passes through a moist airstream (typically exhaust air), the desiccant adsorbs moisture. This wheel then rotates into a dry airstream (supply air), where the adsorbed moisture is released.

The process can be operated in different modes. In a standard dehumidification mode, the exhaust air is heated before passing over the desiccant wheel to facilitate moisture release. This "reactivated" air is then expelled, while the dried supply air is directed into the building. Conversely, in a rehumidification mode, the wheel can adsorb moisture from a humid supply air stream and transfer it to a drier exhaust air stream.

Feuchterückgewinnungselemente are commonly employed in applications where precise control of humidity is desired, such as in swimming pool halls, industrial processes, or laboratories. They contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for separate dehumidification or humidification equipment, as they pre-condition the supply air by recovering moisture from the exhaust air. The effectiveness of these elements depends on factors like the desiccant material, wheel speed, and the temperature and humidity difference between the two airstreams. Maintenance typically involves periodic cleaning of the desiccant material and inspection of the rotating mechanism.