The creation of a favorable microclimate in residential premises has become almost a prerequisite in the design and technical support of modern apartments and private houses. Oddly enough, the problem of ventilation escalated precisely with the advent of high-tech and high-strength building materials. Windows and doors, in particular, are manufactured with the expectation of extreme tightness, which prevents natural ventilation. Many still strive to solve the problem through air conditioners and systems with forced ventilation, but these measures are not enough. The best solution in this situation may be an air recuperator for the apartment, which not only provides ventilation, but also has an energy-saving function. There are many designs of ventilation systems in which such an addition is provided, therefore, the choice of equipment should be approached responsibly.
What is a recuperator?
Although this device is often confused with ventilation itself, this is not entirely true. In traditional configurations, it acts as an auxiliary component, contributing to both heat and renewal of the indoor air. Now it is worthwhile to understand the question of what is a heat exchanger for an apartment in a structural respect? This is a supply and exhaust type installation , the tasks of which include the removal of exhaust air. At the same time, the device ensures the supply of clean street air. The recuperator device itself provides for a heat exchanger that accumulates heat in the room. In other words, during the update process, the heated air transfers its heat to the incoming flows, which increases the energy-saving function of the device. Actually, the main feature of this device is the reduction in heating costs.
Heat exchanger selection
This is the main component of the system, since it is in it that heat is accumulated. For domestic purposes, a cross-shaped or rotary heat exchanger is usually used. The first type of models uses a plate configuration. In this design, one shaft is provided, which is divided into two channels that are not interconnected. One of them provides the output of warm air, while the second receives street flows. In the process of such exchange through shared plates, fresh air is heated. By the way, the effectiveness of devices depends largely on the material used in the design. For example, the German air recuperator for the apartment Marley Menv 180 contains ceramic elements, which increases the heat transfer function.
The principle of operation of rotary models is based on the operation of a cylindrical rotating drum, in which small plates are enclosed. With their help, a network of channels is formed through which air circulation occurs . Rotary models demonstrate high efficiency, but lose to cruciform counterparts due to low protection against pollution.
Selection by supply ventilation unit
This element has two tasks - to provide sufficient power potential for air circulation and provide volume for direct exchange. The unit must have a capacity that is sufficient to service the total volume of air masses removed from the premises. The manufacturers of such devices themselves are advised to choose them with the expectation of a multiplicity of exchange, that is, the ratio of the cubic capacity of the rooms and the volumes of air output. Considering that the minimum volume of air for each room can be noted in the documentation, usually a higher exchange rate is taken as the basis. Also, in the question of how to choose a recuperator for an apartment and a house, the aerodynamic drag arising in the system should be taken into account. The fact is that the operation of the unit may encounter obstacles in the form of filters, heaters, humidifiers and other elements that can increase the requirements for equipment performance.
Optimum duct performance
Air ducts for operation of systems with recuperators can have different versions, differing in shape and size. In particular, there are rectangular and round shafts. From the point of view of operational parameters, the first option is preferable. Compared to round channels, their rectangular counterparts provide higher aerodynamic drag potential. If you plan to install such an air recuperator for an apartment with your own hands, then there may be problems with installation. However, the large diameter in the case of round channels can cause many problems. If in a private house a place for laying can be found in the attic or in the basement, then in the apartment one of the most popular options is a sub-ceiling niche. If we talk about specific diameters, then on the market there are models of air ducts with an average diameter of 10 to 25 cm.
Filter requirements
The principle of operation of recuperators inevitably involves the interaction of exhaust air and fresh in order to transfer heat. As a result, the risk of clean air pollution increases. The filter will help to solve this problem. So, if you plan to use an air recuperator for an apartment, then protection of category F7 is suitable. These are filters with which you can create a barrier to particles with a size of 0.5 microns, and also prevent the development of fungal spores. If you select a model for a separate room, then a less effective, but cheap filter of category G3 is suitable. For user convenience, modern recovery systems are equipped with devices to indicate the level of filter pollution. They analyze the degree of clogging, and then inform you about the need to clean or replace the filter.
Automation and optional
The presence of regulatory automatic devices in this case is not just a means of improving the usability of the equipment. First of all, this makes it possible to optimally adapt the temperature and humidity to the needs of the owner. Among the latest options that a modern air recuperator for an apartment is endowed with is a steam humidifier, coolers, as well as effective filters to provide a high degree of protection against dust and other contaminants. Also, manufacturers successfully master the technology of radio communication between several ventilation units. This extends the functionality of the systems and increases ergonomics from the point of view of the user.
Systems for home and apartment - what are the differences?
The main difference in the scale of ventilation systems, performance and functionality. However, this does not mean at all that devices for an apartment turn out to be less advantageous in terms of operational qualities. Their capabilities are enough to work with several rooms. In apartments, monoblock systems with rotary or plate heat exchangers are usually used. By the way, an air recuperator for an apartment, the photo of which is presented below, demonstrates an example of such a design.
For private homes, component models are usually used, including a system unit, one or more fans, filters and a deflector, which can be placed in the under-roof space. Also, when providing houses and cottages with recuperators, so-called soil complexes are sometimes realized, which are worth considering separately.
Features of soil systems
The concept of a ground duct was developed as a means of additional heating. In general terms, the principle of operation of such systems resembles traditional recovery. In the case of soil systems, heat from the earth is used at a level of about 2 m from the surface. In winter, the soil on these layers is warm, and in summer - cold. A standard heat exchanger of this type is constructed from polypropylene pipes, the diameter of which is 20 cm. Despite the external complexity, high efficiency of such systems is noted. For example, when determining the question of how to independently manufacture an air recuperator for a home, it is advisable to use a soil structure. It will include air intake on the street, underground pipes and the connection to the main ventilation shaft in the house. As practice shows, in winter in this way you can raise the temperature of street air by about 12 ° C. For a greater effect and better interaction between the ground and pipes, you should initially choose a material with additives that increase thermal conductivity.
Installation work
When evaluating the possibilities for installing a recuperator, one should not forget that this is only part of the ventilation system. That is, the main work will be associated with the installation of ducts and a central unit. This may require diamond drilling, so you should consider the possible means of protecting the decorative coating. Next, the channels are gated for wiring, through which the air recuperator for the apartment will be fed. With your own hands, you can perform this operation using a special tool. It may also require the installation of external visors, foaming and insulation. For example, if it is planned to provide a high degree of thermal insulation, it makes sense to use a self-adhesive foam-foam insulation with heat reflection based on foil-coated aluminum.
Disadvantages of recuperators - what to consider?
The negative aspects of the operation and installation of such systems do not negate their advantages, however, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the shortcomings before purchasing equipment. Considering that quite serious work is being done in the form of creating holes for air ducts, the installation of devices is usually provided in thick walls. However, there are models, the installation of which is allowed in panel houses with wall thickness of about 30 cm. Further, many users complain about the noise of such ventilation. Indeed, the equipment is noisy, but some manufacturers use tools to suppress sound. In particular, an air recuperator for the Marley Menv 180 apartment refers to these. Reviews note the effective operation of its noise reduction system, which reaches 40 dB. Another common drawback of recuperators is the icing of their heat exchangers. To prevent such troubles, you should choose models with thermal batteries.
Manufacturers and prices
The products are quite specific, so there are not many manufacturers on the market and, notably, many Russian-made devices. The leading positions in the segment are occupied by models from manufacturers Prana, TwinFresh and UVRK. The cost of such devices varies on average from 15 to 30 thousand rubles. It is worth highlighting the mentioned air recuperator for the Marley apartment, which, depending on the model, can cost more, but at the same time it guarantees reliability, durability and freshness of the air.
Recuperator reviews
I must say that the reviews of apartment owners differ from the opinions of owners of private houses. While the former mainly note the quality characteristics of the air itself (temperature, humidity, purity), the latter speak of the economic component. Lower heating costs still remain the main factor in choosing such systems for private homes. But criticisms also take place. In particular, owners note the unpleasant odors that an air recuperator for an apartment allows. Reviews with such complaints mainly relate to rotary devices in which the mixing of street and home air flows occurs.
Conclusion
The inclusion of recuperators in the design of ventilation systems cannot be called something innovative. However, in recent years, such devices have become relevant and widespread. This is due to the fact that modern houses and apartments are more and more designed with the expectation of a high degree of insulation, which is achieved by minimizing natural ventilation. Therefore, an air recuperator for an apartment, which provides freshness of air through natural ventilation, has become quite justified. But this is not the only feature of this device. The ventilation function is also able to perform conventional supply and exhaust systems. In turn, the recuperator makes it possible to obtain not just clean, but heated air. Thus, two tasks are solved - the intake of fresh air and the reduction of heating costs.