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Janet Richardson

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Sep 15, 2023

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Types of Heat Recovery System

Heat recovery systems can come in a variety of forms, but all involve some form of heat exchanger. This sits in the building, usually in the loft or on the roof, and pipes feed down from it into each room, drawing out the stale air and replacing it with warmed, clean air. Most of the examples in this section refer to ventilation heat recovery systems but it can equally apply to a number of processes including heat pumps that convert ground and air heat, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

Thermal Wheel Heat Recovery

With the largest air recovery efficiency of all the ventilation systems, thermal wheel units also tend to be much bigger in size. They are made up of two large wheels with a honeycomb array, one half of which is drawing in stale/exhaust air, the other half fresh air from outside. The wheels rotate in opposite directions to each other and the energy from the stale/exhaust air is transferred to the incoming air, heating it up. Thermal Wheel Heat Recovery diagramThe heat exchanger wheels are normally made of aluminium but can actually be constructed from a wide range of materials including plastic and even paper. The benefit of the thermal wheel is that it is highly efficient (up to a maximum of 80%) compared to other systems and is likely to provide a quicker return on investment if set up properly. As a heat recovery system the speed of rotation of the wheels, and the amount of energy transferred, can be controlled to raise or lower the temperature of the air that is fed back into the building.

Plate Heat or Recuperator Technology

More common than thermal wheel heat recovery because it can be utilised on a smaller scale is plate heat or recuperator technology. It comprises a box with a series of parallel plates made from metal or plastic which allows the extracted air to pass over the incoming air, transferring the energy and heating it up. The air streams are separated by the plates and never touch so one of the key factors in the efficiency of any system is how thin and conductive the individual plates are. Plate Heat Recuperator Heat Recovery DiagramPlate heat recovery systems generally have an efficiency of around 70% at their best.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps take the heat from one area and transfer it to another location. They operate in a similar way to a refrigeration unit and can be used for both cooling and warming the air. There are a number of different varieties and they can draw heat from the outside air as well as from the ground through the use of a network of pipes. Find out more about heat pumps here.

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Run Around Coil or Closed Loop Technology

A run around coil can be introduced to an existing air handing system and typically consists of two coils that are connected to each other by a pumped circuit of pipes. Water is normally used to charge the circuit, picking up the heat from the exhaust pipe and transferring it to the supply air coil. Heat recovery systems such as these are used where the two air streams are not close enough for more efficient systems such as the thermal wheel or recuperator technology. It generally delivers a maximum efficiency of around 50%.

Run around Coil and Closed Loop Heat Recovery System

Heat Pipe Technology

Of all the heat recovery systems, heat pipes are the lowest maintenance. They can, however, only be used where the air handling is done in one system. It uses a tube system with a refrigerant to extract the heat from the exhaust air and pass it to the supply air. Vertical pipes use the evaporation of the refrigerant to transfer the heat whilst horizontal ones incorporate wicks within the pipework that also allow the transfer of refrigerant. Vertical arrays (max 75%) are more efficient than horizontal (max 50%). Heat-Pipe-Technology

Boiler Flue Economisers

As heat recovery systems, boiler flue economisers can now be fitted as a matter of course on new boilers. They can also be retro fitted to older models and capture the heated vapour which can then be used in a variety of ways to improve the boiler efficiency. In most cases efficiencies of 5 to 15% can be obtained by condensing or non-condensing gas-to-water systems. Boiler-Flue-Economiser

Heat Recovery Systems and Industrial Processes

A wide range of industrial processes produce heat and gasses that can benefit from heat recovery systems including those that create evaporation such as distilleries where wasteful heat can quickly escape into the atmosphere. Process cooling and heating, pasteurisation, large scale laundry drying and even ovens can all have heat recovery systems attached to save energy which can then be recycled to provide heating for other uses. Heat recovery is one of the major issues for the sustainable energy industry, making the most of what we produce and creating more efficient heating systems from the home to the heart of our homes, offices and factories. For a more detailed overview of the full range of heat recovery systems, visit the Carbon Trust

In conclusion

Heat recovery systems have emerged as indispensable technologies in the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient practices. The various types of heat recovery systems discussed offer diverse solutions for harnessing waste heat and reducing energy consumption, contributing significantly to environmental preservation and cost savings.

Firstly, the importance of air-to-air heat exchangers cannot be overstated, as they facilitate efficient ventilation and temperature control in buildings. By exchanging heat between incoming and outgoing air, these systems ensure a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy losses.

Secondly, the versatility and widespread use of water-to-water heat pumps make them a practical choice for both residential and industrial applications. Their ability to transfer heat from one water stream to another, such as in heating and cooling processes, exemplifies their adaptability and resourcefulness.

Thirdly, the innovative technologies of geothermal heat pumps provide an eco-friendly solution by tapping into the earth's stable temperature. Utilizing geothermal energy for heating, cooling, and hot water purposes showcases the potential for long-term sustainability and reduced reliance on traditional energy sources.

Lastly, the integration of waste heat recovery systems in various industrial processes exhibits the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing waste heat. These systems recover and repurpose thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing overall process productivity.

The diverse array of heat recovery systems, including air-to-air heat exchangers, water-to-water heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and waste heat recovery technologies, all play a pivotal role in fostering a greener and more energy-conscious future. Embracing these innovative solutions will undoubtedly contribute to a more sustainable world while ensuring enhanced comfort, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. As technology continues to evolve, further advancements in heat recovery systems will lead us toward a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.

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