Overview
An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a type of mechanical equipment that features a heat exchanger combined with a ventilation system for providing controlled ventilation into a building. This type of equipment was introduced as ‘air-to-air’ heat exchangers in the colder regions of Canada
Tightly built modern houses were developing problems with indoor air quality and excessive humidity during the winter. The air-to-air heat exchanger brought in fresh outside air to combat these problems, and preheated it at the same time. These products are now called heat recovery ventilators or HRVs. ERVs are available in wall-mount or duct-connected models.
Benefits of Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems
✓ ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ERV systems are highly energy-efficient, helping to reduce overall energy consumption by recovering energy from the exhaust air stream and using it to precondition incoming fresh air. This results in lower heating and cooling costs while maintaining indoor comfort levels.
✓ LOW DEWPOINT DELIVERY
ERV systems are capable of delivering air with low dewpoints, effectively removing moisture from the incoming air stream. This helps prevent condensation and moisture-related issues, such as mold and mildew growth, ensuring a dry and healthy indoor environment.
✓ WINTER ENERGY RECOVERY
ERV systems perform energy recovery not only in summer but also in winter. By transferring heat from the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air during the heating season, ERVs help maintain indoor comfort levels while minimizing energy losses.
✓ MAKE-UP AIR PROVISION
ERV systems provide a reliable
source of make-up air, ensuring adequate ventilation and indoor air quality in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
This helps prevent the buildup of
indoor pollutants and ensures a continuous supply of fresh, clean air.
✓ ELIMINATION OF COOL-REHEAT PROCESS
Unlike conventional HVAC systems, ERVs avoid the inefficient cool-reheat process by recovering energy from the exhaust air stream. This eliminates the need for excessive cooling followed by re-heating, resulting in energy savings and improved system efficiency.
✓ DRY AND HEALTHY DUCTWORK
ERV systems help maintain dry and healthy ductwork by removing excess moisture from the air stream. This reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and bacterial growth within the ducts, improving indoor air quality and system longevity.
✓ INCREASED COOLING COP
ERV systems contribute to increased cooling Coefficient of Performance (COP) by precooling the incoming air stream with the cooler exhaust air. This reduces the workload on the cooling system, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced operating costs.
✓ INDEPENDENT TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROL
ERV systems offer independent control
over temperature and humidity levels,
allowing for precise adjustment based
on specific comfort requirements.
This ensures optimal indoor conditions
year-round, enhancing occupant
comfort and productivity.
DryCool™ ERV
The DryCool™ ERV product provides 100% outdoor air to the space that will be drier than the typical make-up air unit (MAU) while at the same time using less energy than the standard MAU. The DryCool™ ERV achieves this by combining the lower supply air dew points of desiccant dehumidification technology with the energy efficiency of total energy recovery. The DryCool™ ERV unit not only provides the required ASHRAE ventilation volumes but also monitors and controls the space at design moisture levels via a space humidistat.
The DryCool™ unit is a complete single point power DX system that achieves the lowest energy consumption on the market by utilizing free condenser heat to reactivate the desiccant dehumidification cycle. This technology eliminates the inefficient over cool/reheat process utilized by the vast majority of MAUs. It also allows for the cooling coil to operate at higher temperatures, increasing refrigeration efficiency and eliminating coil freezing concerns. The overall effect can be shown by achieving equivalent EERs in the 20s.
The DryCool© ERV product combines the benefits of desiccant dehumidification with total energy recovey. The unit supplies 100% make-up air utilizing energy recovery from the exhaust air stream.