Enthalpy Wheels Come of Age: Applying Energy Recovery Ventilation to Hospitality Venues in Hot, Humid Climate

摘要

Energy recovery ventilation systems, including rotaryheat exchangers or enthalpy wheels, utilize maturetechnologies that are routinely applied in commercialbuildings. Energy recovery is particularly importantin buildings with significant outdoor air intakerequirements and has recently become widelyaccepted in applications such as schools and theatres.Hospitality applications including restaurants, bars,casinos and similar settings also stand to benefit fromapplication of the technology, however, there is alack of experience and therefore of accepted guidancein these applications. Furthermore, the uniquechallenges inherent in the variety of hospitalityvenues may limit appropriate use of the technology.Applying energy recovery ventilation to hospitalityvenues in hot, humid climates need not be complex.This paper proposes guidelines that can facilitateapplication of the technology by specifiers or otherconstruction professionals. These guidelines addressevaluation of typical projects for the suitability ofenergy recovery, selection of appropriate energyrecovery ventilation technology, and criteria forsuccessful application of enthalpy wheels. Examplesof applications developed for different mechanicalsystems and building types are provided. Theliterature describing the opportunities and limitationsassociated with enthalpy wheels is summarized andreferenced. Installation, operation, and maintenanceinsights are presented, derived from the body ofindustry experience with enthalpy wheels.