Värmeåtervinningsaggregat

Värmeåtervinningsaggregat, often translated as heat recovery unit or air handling unit with heat recovery, is a system designed to improve energy efficiency in buildings. Its primary function is to transfer heat from outgoing stale air to incoming fresh air, thereby preheating or precooling the ventilation air. This process significantly reduces the energy required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, especially during colder or warmer months.

The core component of a värmeåtervinningsaggregat is a heat exchanger. Common types include plate heat exchangers, rotary heat exchangers (also known as heat wheels), and heat pipe systems. In a plate heat exchanger, the incoming and outgoing air streams pass through separate channels within a compact unit, facilitating heat transfer without mixing the air. Rotary heat exchangers use a rotating thermal wheel that absorbs heat from the exhaust air and then releases it to the supply air as it rotates. Heat pipes utilize a sealed tube with a working fluid that evaporates in the warm exhaust air and condenses in the cooler supply air, transferring heat.

These units are typically integrated into mechanical ventilation systems, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh air while minimizing energy loss. They play a crucial role in modern building design, contributing to lower energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved indoor air quality. The efficiency of a värmeåtervinningsaggregat is measured by its thermal efficiency, indicating the percentage of heat recovered from the exhaust air.