Modern HVAC technology market relies on the use of air recuperators for indoor ventilation. Such systems comprehensively form the air exchange and microclimate, supplying fresh air to the house, office, school or other object. Supply and exhaust ventilation systems can be different in the principle of operation: to provide simultaneous or alternating supply and exhaust; have different types and material of the heat exchanger.

Among the main materials of which heat exchangers of recuperators are made are copper, aluminum, cellulose and ceramic. The materials are different, but are aimed at achieving high energy savings.

Ceramics

Ceramics are used to produce heat accumulators in compact reversible ventilation systems. Reversible ventilators operate on the inflow and exhaust alternately: 30 seconds on inflow, next cycle: 30 seconds of exhaust. The ceramic accumulator receives the heat of the exhaust air to transfer it to the supply air. Ceramic is designed to retain heat for a long time, allowing the ventilation system to retain heat for this duration of the supply and exhaust cycle. However, this advantage turns out to be a disadvantage when recuperating cool air during the heating period, because ceramics take a long time to cool down. Another disadvantage of reversible ventilators is the necessity to install ventilation systems in pairs in one room (one must work for inflow and the other for exhaust) to maintain the balance of air flows and prevent back draft.

Cellulose

Oddly enough, cellulose is also used to produce heat exchangers for ventilation systems. Despite the minor variation in such a heat exchanger, there are a number of disadvantages to cellulose heat exchangers. Firstly, cellulose heat exchangers have low wear resistance, which means a short shelf life. Secondly, cellulose heat exchangers are not recommended for use in rooms where may be unpleasant odors – cellulose instantly absorbs odors.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that can be cleaned. It would seem what could be the negatives of such heat exchangers? Despite its low vapor, good thermal conductivity, and moisture content, an aluminum heat exchanger of an air handler can carry potential hazards. The fact is that aluminum slices, getting into the human body, can cause negative consequences: respiratory diseases, reduced immunity.

Copper

PRANA recuperators based on copper heat exchanger have won the favor of the audience and are popular on the market of ventilation equipment. Why? Copper combines two important heat exchanger settings: natural antiseptic and high heat transfer. Tidal air remains safe and no bacteriological, viral, or fungal contamination occurs inside the system due to the properties of the copper surface. Copper outperforms aluminum in thermal conductivity by a factor of two: this means high energy savings with simultaneous multi-directional air movement. An additional advantage of copper recuperators is the ability to keep both heat and cool in the room (during air conditioning).