What is Heat Recovery Ventilation?
Heat Recovery ventilation (HRV) is a complete supply and extract system where the ventilation rate is controlled via supply and extract fans. It consist of a heat exchanger where the extracted stale air is crossed with the supply air where the energy stored in the air is transferred from the high side to the low side hence the heat recovery term.
There are several types of heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers (only sensible heat*) and paper heat exchangers (sensible and latent*)
Efficiency of heat exchangers are the ratio of heat transferred from the low side to the high side. Plate heat exchangers efficiency is sensible efficiency only and would require drains, while paper heat exchangers are sensible and latent and would not require drains.
About the HRV System
Extremely compact - the small size of the HRV unit has been achieved by employing a newly developed High Efficiency Paper (HEP) heat exchange element, and using an optimised fan and airflow passage design. The HRV units may be used in both residential and commercial applications.
The HRV systems are available in residential and commercial versions (150-2000 m3/hr). The entire range of HRV systems operate employing the same principal.
The Residential range consists of 3 models with capacities between 150-350 m3/hour (cubic meters per hour airflow).
Read more about the HRV system
Daikin's Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)
Daikin HRV is a complete total heat recovery ventilation system and comprises:
- Total heat exchanger made from specially treated processed paper that allows not only the sensible heat to be transferred but the latent heat. The total efficiency of the Daikin heat exchanger is 75 - 80 %. This heat exchanger satisfies the requirements to control humidity also.
- Due to being a total heat exchanger (sensible and latent) no drain is required allowing the unit to be installed in any position (upside down, vertical or horizontal) giving total flexibility.
- Separately controlled low energy (as little as 60 watts) supply and extract fans which will allow for positive supply to pressurise the room to stop ingress of pollution and odours from outside, bathrooms and kitchens.
- An automatic temperature controlled bypass damper to bypass the heat exchanger when the temperature of the room air is higher than the outside air (summer) to provide free cooling and helps reducing solar heat gain (SAP calculation) and the use of mechanical cooling.
- State of the art controls which has 7 day time clock, temperature control, fault diagnosis, fan speed control and filter clean indication, from an easy to use wired remote controller which can be installed within 50 meters from the HRV unit.
- Easy to clean washable filters which only requires cleaning once every 6 or 12 months.
- Extremely low noise as low as 20.5 dBA.
- Compact and insulated.
Weather Proofing
Space Air manufactures high quality weatherproofing kit that fully complements the Daikin HRV equipment.
Mode of operation
The HRV retains up to 80% of the total heat or cooling energy, dramatically reducing energy costs. The HRV has the latest electronic control system that will automatically by-pass the heat exchanger when it senses that the outdoor air in the summer is cooler than the room air, providing free cooling.
Heat Element Exchange
The heat exchange element uses a High Efficiency Paper (HEP) that has superior moisture-absorption and humidifying properties and doubles the current efficiency of moisture-absorption This heat exchange unit speedily recovers heat contained in latent heat (vapour) and its volume has been reduced about 25% while maintaining the same heat recovery efficiency. This element employs a material with superior flame-resistant properties and is treated with an anti-moulding agent. This agent has a safety certification of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the USA.
HRV Installation
The HRV unit may be installed in the loft space or in a cupboard in any position (horizontal, vertical or even upside-down) and connected to insulated, push-fit, flexible ducting system which delivers filtered and tempered fresh air via circular diffusers in each room. Return air can be via central or individual ceiling diffusers.