Influence of buoyancy forces in multi-storey buildings on the efficiency of a regenerative air handling unit with heat recovery

Abstract

Various solutions are currently being offered to modernize the ventilation in old residential buildings. In small apartments, it is very appropriate to use decentralized ventilation units - for example with regenerative heat exchangers. Theoretical and experimental studies of such devices show a significant impact of the operational mode of regenerators (determined by the environment) on their efficiency. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the impact of the buoyancy forces in multi-storey buildings on the efficiency of a regenerative air handling unit for decentralized residential ventilation with heat recovery. Numerical solutions are presented for close to the real operating modes, airflow rates and air temperatures of the supply and the exit air, and the temperature ratio.