Ilmanlämmönvaihdin

Ilmanlämmönvaihdin, also known as an air-to-air heat exchanger, is a device used in ventilation systems to transfer heat between incoming fresh air and outgoing stale air. Its primary function is to pre-heat or pre-cool the fresh air supplied to a building, thereby reducing the energy load on the heating and cooling systems. This process is also referred to as heat recovery.

There are several types of ilmanlämmönvaihdin, including rotary heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, and heat pipe heat exchangers. Rotary heat exchangers consist of a rotating wheel that absorbs heat from the exhaust air and transfers it to the incoming fresh air. Plate heat exchangers use a series of parallel plates to separate the two air streams, allowing heat to conduct from one to the other. Heat pipe heat exchangers utilize sealed tubes containing a working fluid that evaporates in the warmer air stream and condenses in the colder air stream, thus transferring heat.

The use of ilmanlämmönvaihdin significantly improves the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing the need to heat or cool ventilation air from ambient temperatures. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. They are commonly integrated into mechanical ventilation systems, particularly in residential and commercial buildings, to enhance indoor air quality while minimizing energy waste. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.