How to choose an air recuperator for an apartment?

The creation of a favorable microclimate in living quarters has become almost an indispensable condition in the design and technical maintenance of modern apartments and private houses. Strangely enough, the problem of ventilation has become aggravated precisely with the advent of technological and high-strength building materials. Windows and doors, in particular, are manufactured with the expectation of ultimate tightness, which prevents natural ventilation. Many still try to solve the problem through air conditioners and systems with forced ventilation, but these measures are not enough. The optimal solution in this situation can be an air recuperator for an apartment that not only provides ventilation, but also features an energy-saving function. There are many designs of ventilation systems, which provide for such an addition, therefore, the selection of equipment should be handled responsibly.

What is a recuperator?

Although this device is often confused with the ventilation itself, this is not entirely true. In traditional configurations, it acts as an auxiliary component, contributing to both the release of heat and the renewal of the air environment in the room. Now it is necessary to understand the question of what is a recuperator for an apartment in a constructive way? This installation is a supply-and-exhaust type, the task of which is to remove the exhaust air. At the same time, the device ensures the supply of clean street air. The recuperator unit itself provides a heat exchanger that stores heat in the room. In other words, in the process of updating, the heated air transfers its heat to incoming flows, which increases the energy-saving function of the device. Actually, in reducing the cost of heating and is the main feature of this device.

Heat exchanger selection

This is the main component of the system, since it is the heat that accumulates in it. For household purposes, a cruciform or rotary heat exchanger is usually used. In the models of the first type, a plate configuration is used. In this design, one shaft is provided, which is divided into two unconnected channels. One of them provides the output of warm air, while the second takes the street streams. In the process of such exchange, fresh air is heated through the separable plates. By the way, the effectiveness of the instruments depends largely on the material used in the design. For example, the German air recuperator for the Marley Menv 180 apartment 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 is circulated. Rotary models demonstrate high efficiency, but lose to cross-shaped analogues due to low protection against contamination.

Selection of the supply air unit

This element has two tasks - to provide a sufficient power capacity for air circulation and to provide a volume for direct exchange. The unit must have the capacity to handle the total volume of air masses diverted from the premises. The manufacturers of such devices themselves recommend choosing them with the expectation of the multiplicity of the exchange, that is, the ratio of the cubic capacity of the rooms and the volume of the discharged air. Taking into account that the documentation can be marked with the minimum volume of air for each room separately, usually a higher multiplicity of exchange is taken as a basis. Also, in the question of how to choose a recuperator for an apartment and a house, it is necessary to take into account the aerodynamic resistance that arises in the system. The fact is that the operation of the unit may encounter obstacles in the form of filters, heaters, moisturizing devices and other elements that can increase the performance requirements for equipment.

Optimal ducting characteristics

Air ducts for the 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. In comparison with round channels their rectangular analogs provide a higher potential for aerodynamic resistance. If you plan to install such an air recuperator for an apartment with your own hands, then there may be installation problems. However, a large diameter and in the case of round channels can cause a lot of 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 the 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 with the purpose of heat transfer. As a result, the risk of pollution of clean air increases. The filter will solve this problem. So, if you plan to use an air recuperator for an apartment, then the protection category F7. These are filters by which it is possible to create a barrier for particles of 0.5 μm in size, and also to prevent the development of fungal spores. If the model is selected for a separate room, then a less effective, but cheaper filter of the G3 category is suitable. For the convenience of the user, modern recovery systems are equipped with devices for indicating the level of contamination of the filter. They analyze the degree of blockages, and then inform about the need to clean or replace the filter.

Automation and options

The presence of regulating automatic devices in this case is not just a means of increasing the ease of operation of equipment. First of all, this makes it possible to optimally adapt the temperature and humidity to the owner's requests. Among the newest options that a modern air recuperator for an apartment is endowed with is a steam humidifier, coolers, and efficient filters to ensure 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 raises ergonomics from the user's point of view.

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 that the devices for the apartment are less advantageous in terms of performance. Their capabilities are sufficient for working with several rooms. In apartments, monoblock systems with rotor or plate heat exchangers are usually used. By the way, the air recuperator for the apartment, the photo of which is presented below, demonstrates an example of such a design.

For private houses, 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 should be considered separately.

Features of ground systems

The concept of a ground duct was developed as a means of additional heating. In general terms, the operation of such systems is reminiscent of traditional recovery. In the case of ground systems, heat from the ground is used at a level of about 2 m from the surface. In winter in these layers the soil is warm, and in summer - cold. A standard heat exchanger of this type is constructed from polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 20 cm. Despite the external complexity, the high efficiency of such systems is noted. For example, when determining the question of how to make an air recuperator for a house on your own, it is advisable to use a soil structure. It will include air intake in the street, underground pipes and the connection point with the main ventilation shaft in the house. As practice shows, in winter, this way you can raise the outdoor air temperature by about 12 ° C. To improve the effect and improve the interaction between the ground and the pipes, you should initially choose a material with additives that increase the thermal conductivity.

Installation work

Evaluating the possibilities for installing a recuperator, do not forget that this is only part of the ventilation system. That is, the main work will be connected with the installation of air ducts and the central unit. This may require diamond drilling, so you should consider possible means of protecting the decorative coating. Further, the channeling of channels for the wiring through which the air recuperator for the apartment will be fed is produced. With your hands, you can perform this operation using a special tool. It may also be necessary to install external visors, foaming and warming. For example, if it is planned to provide a high degree of thermal insulation, then it makes sense to use a self-adhesive foam foam insulation with heat reflection based on foil aluminum.

Disadvantages of recuperators - what to consider?

Negative aspects of operation and installation of such systems do not cancel their advantages, but it will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the shortcomings before purchasing equipment. In view of the fact that quite serious work is being done in the form of holes for ducts, installation of devices is usually envisaged in thick walls. However, there are models that can be installed in panel houses with a wall thickness of about 30 cm. Further, many users complain about the noise of such ventilation. Indeed, the equipment operates noisily, but some manufacturers use means to suppress sound. In particular, this relates to the air recuperator for the apartment Marley Menv 180. Reviews note the effective operation of its noise reduction system, which reaches 40 dB. Another common disadvantage of recuperators is the icing of their heat exchangers. To prevent such trouble, you should choose models with thermal accumulators.

Manufacturers and prices

The products are quite specific, so there are not so many manufacturers on the market and, notably, many Russian-made devices. Leading positions in the segment are occupied by models from the manufacturers of Prana, TwinFresh and UVRK. The cost of such devices varies on average from 15 to 30 thousand rubles. It is worth highlighting and the mentioned air recuperator for Marley apartment, which, depending on the model, can cost more, but at the same time guarantees reliability, durability of work and fresh air.

Reviews about recuperators

I must say that the responses of apartment owners differ from those of private house owners. If the first basically note the qualitative characteristics of the air itself (temperature, humidity, purity), then the latter speak about the economic component. Reducing the cost of heating is still the main factor in choosing such systems for private homes. But critical remarks also take place. In particular, the owners note the unpleasant smells that allow the air recuperator for the apartment. Reviews with such complaints mainly refer to rotary instruments, in which mixing of street and home air flows.

Conclusion

The inclusion of recuperators in the design of ventilation systems can not be called something innovative. However, it is in recent years that such devices have become relevant and widely used. This is due to the fact that modern houses and apartments are increasingly designed with the expectation of a high degree of insulation, which is achieved by minimizing natural airing. Therefore, the air recuperator for the apartment, which ensures the freshness of the air by natural ventilation, was also fully justified. But this is not the only feature of this device. The ventilation can also be performed by conventional supply and exhaust systems. In turn, the recuperator gives an opportunity to get not just clean, but warm air. Thus, two tasks are solved: the supply of fresh air and the reduction of heating costs.