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Comparison of the Heat Transfer Efficiency of Selected Counterflow Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers Under Unbalanced Flow Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Kazimierz Kaminski

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland)

  • Pawel Znaczko

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland)

  • Ewa Kardas-Cinal

    (Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Norbert Chamier-Gliszczynski

    (Faculty of Economics, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Koscielny

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Cur

    (Faculty of Aviation, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland)

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal performance of various counterflow air-to-air heat exchangers under unbalanced flow conditions, aiming to enhance the efficiency of heat recovery systems. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is critical in energy-efficient buildings to reduce heat loss, which can reach up to 60% in air exchange processes. This research focuses on the effects of flow imbalance on the heat transfer efficiency of three specific heat exchangers: two commercially available models (Recair Sensitive RS160 and Core ERV366) and a custom 3D-printed prototype (GV PROTO). Experimental tests measured temperature efficiency under both balanced and unbalanced flow conditions, with results indicating that flow imbalance significantly impacts thermal efficiency. Among the exchangers, the RS160 displayed the highest temperature efficiency, maintaining performance better than the others as flow rates increased. The results of the study show that even small differences in the thermal efficiency of different heat exchangers under balanced airflow conditions transform into significant differences under unbalanced conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how real-world ventilation imbalances affect heat exchanger performance, offering insights to optimize energy efficiency in ventilation systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Kazimierz Kaminski & Pawel Znaczko & Ewa Kardas-Cinal & Norbert Chamier-Gliszczynski & Krzysztof Koscielny & Krzysztof Cur, 2024. "Comparison of the Heat Transfer Efficiency of Selected Counterflow Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers Under Unbalanced Flow Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:117-:d:1557366
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariusz Izdebski & Marianna Jacyna & Jerzy Bogdański, 2024. "Minimisation of the Energy Expenditure of Electric Vehicles in Municipal Service Companies, Taking into Account the Uncertainty of Charging Point Operation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Grzegorz Trzmiel & Jaroslaw Jajczyk & Ewa Kardas-Cinal & Norbert Chamier-Gliszczynski & Waldemar Wozniak & Konrad Lewczuk, 2021. "The Condition of Photovoltaic Modules under Random Operation Parameters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Zhao, Bo, 2024. "Entropy transfer efficiency-effectiveness method for heat exchangers, part 1: Local entropy generation number and operation performance limits," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    4. Marcin Olkiewicz & Joanna Alicja Dyczkowska & Anna Maria Olkiewicz, 2023. "Financial Aspects of Energy Investments in the Era of Shaping Stable Energy Development in Poland: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-21, November.
    5. Khaled Salhein & C. J. Kobus & Mohamed Zohdy & Ahmed M. Annekaa & Edrees Yahya Alhawsawi & Sabriya Alghennai Salheen, 2024. "Heat Transfer Performance Factors in a Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger for a Geothermal Heat Pump System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-28, October.
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