Parametric study of a regenerative heat exchanger for ventilation with a periodic change in the air flow direction

Abstract

A two-dimensional mathematical model of a regenerative heat exchanger for a ventilation system with a periodic change in the air flow direction is developed. This system allows a significant economy of the thermal energy for heating buildings in winter. Such devices are quite compact, has no moving details and do not require significant electrical power for their operation, while they can provide the ventilation needs of both whole buildings and individual rooms in multi-storey buildings. The definition of energy efficiency of a regenerative heat exchanger is formulated in terms of reducing the loss of thermal energy. It is shown, that regenerative heat exchanger can really reduce thermal energy losses by ventilation more than by 90%. Parametric studies are fulfilled using the method of numerical simulation and the influence of operating and design parameters of the heat exchanger on its energy efficiency is revealed. In numerical calculations, a group of parameters that most strongly affect the energy efficiency of the ventilation system is identified, and recommendations for optimizing these parameters are given.