Ilmankeskilämmönvaihdin

Ilmankeskilämmönvaihdin, often translated as air-to-air heat exchanger, is a device used to transfer heat between two airstreams. Typically, one airstream is warmer and the other is cooler, and the heat exchanger facilitates the movement of thermal energy from the warmer to the cooler stream without the two fluids mixing. This process is commonly employed in various ventilation and energy recovery systems.

The fundamental principle behind an ilmankeskilämmönvaihdin is the conduction of heat through a material barrier that separates the two air streams. Common designs involve a series of channels or plates, often made of metal or plastic, through which the air passes. As the warmer air flows through its designated channels, it transfers heat to the material of the exchanger. This heat then conducts through the material to the cooler air flowing through adjacent channels.

A primary application of ilmankeskilämmönvaihdin is in energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems. In these systems, exhaust air from a building, which is typically warm and humid, is used to preheat or precool the incoming fresh air. This significantly reduces the energy required to condition the incoming air, leading to substantial energy savings and improved indoor air quality. They are also found in industrial processes where heat recovery is essential for efficiency and cost reduction, such as in drying operations or engine exhaust systems. The effectiveness of an ilmankeskilämmönvaihdin is measured by its thermal efficiency, which indicates the percentage of heat that can be transferred from one airstream to another.