Design and performance analysis on a breathing-type instant heat recovery module for fresh air ventilation

The process of air exchange in buildings is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. However, this process results in the loss of thermal energy in the form of sensible heat carried by the air, thereby increasing the energy demand of the buildings. In order to recover this thermal energy, the present study introduces a breathing-type instant heat recovery module for fresh air ventilation, inspired by the biological nasal breathing process. The performance of this module was thoroughly investigated through Fluent simulation and experimental tests. Based on the simulation results, the module exhibits the capability to decrease the outdoor air temperature by an average of 7.5 ℃ prior to its entry into the room. Consequently, this leads to a daily energy conservation of approximately 2.354 kW·h, accompanied by an energy recovery rate of 62.9 % under typical summer conditions. Notably, the heat recovery performance is more favorable during winter, resulting in daily energy savings of about 5.446 kW·h and an energy recovery rate of 62.2 %. The conducted experiments substantiate that the module is able to recuperate approximately 70 % of heat when the indoor temperature is set at 22 °C, while the outdoor temperature reaches its lowest point at 6 °C. The study describes an effective heat recovery technology for building air exchange using a breath-type instant heat recovery module. This could offer a new energy-saving solution for the renovation of fresh air systems.