Lämmöntalteenottolaitteiden

Lämmöntalteenottolaitteet, often abbreviated as LTO, are devices designed to recover waste heat from exhaust air or other thermal streams and transfer it to incoming fresh air or other colder streams. The primary purpose of these devices is to improve energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes by reducing the need for primary heating energy. They are a key component of modern ventilation systems, especially in applications where significant amounts of heat are exhausted.

There are several types of lämmöntalteenottolaitteet. Common designs include plate heat exchangers, rotary heat exchangers (also known as thermal wheels), and heat pipes. Plate heat exchangers consist of a series of parallel plates that separate the incoming and outgoing air streams, allowing heat to transfer across the plate surfaces without direct mixing of the air. Rotary heat exchangers use a rotating matrix that absorbs heat from the exhaust air and then releases it to the incoming fresh air as it rotates. Heat pipes are sealed tubes containing a working fluid that evaporates at the hot end, travels to the cold end, condenses, and returns to the hot end, thus transferring heat.

The effectiveness of a lämmöntalteenottolaite is measured by its thermal efficiency, which indicates the percentage of heat that can be recovered. These devices can achieve high efficiencies, often exceeding 70-80%. By preheating incoming fresh air, LTOs significantly reduce the load on primary heating systems, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. They are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, contributing to sustainable building design and operation. Installation and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.