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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Introduction ......................................................................................................................1
Model Nomenclature........................................................................................................2
Application Features ........................................................................................................3
Construction Features ......................................................................................................4
Application Considerations ............................................................................................5
Installation Considerations..............................................................................................7
Psychrometric Data ..........................................................................................................8
MODEL NOMENCLATURE
R OTA R Y H E AT E X C H A N G E R
MODEL NUMBER: R A X - A - 2 5 0 - B - 3 - 1
D I G I T: 1, 2, 3 - 4 - 5, 6, 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
A L L O W S O U T D O O R A I R D E S I G N P R O B L E M S TO B E S O LV E D
• Responsibly Allows Codes to be Met
Use of Des Champs rotary heat exchangers
allows the designer to meet ASHRAE Standard
62-1989 ventilation requirements with minimum
energy requirements
D E S I G N E D F O R E A S Y I N S TA L L AT I O N
• Rugged Galvanized Steel Casing
Galvanized steel structure and casing securely
protects rotor, permits easy handling and
installation in any orientation
SIMPLE MAINTENANCE
• Easily Serviced Heat Exchangers
Rugged matrix permits water-wash without
deterioration, outboard bearings permit easy
service and inspection
• Ready Access
Drive motor and controls are conveniently
located behind removable access door in corner
compartment
4
YEARS OF TROUBLE-FREE PERFORMANCE
• Durable Heat Exchanger Matrix
Normal water-wash and cleaning do not
deteriorate matrix structure nor efficiency
FROSTING LIMIT
Frost protection becomes necessary at outdoor temperatures between 0°F to 15°F
and with indoor relative humidities between 20% and 50%, and with exhaust air
temperature typical of comfort ventilation systems.
FROSTING TIME
Frosting will not be instantaneous but will require a period of time at the combina-
tion of low temperature and high humidity. Experience shows that a minor intersec-
tion of the saturation curve is permissible without significant frost occurring, even
if the design outdoor temperature falls below 15°F.
F R O S T P R OT E C T I O N
There are several methods of frost protection that should be considered at design
conditions where the psychrometric chart shows the exhaust air intersecting the
saturation line as it is cooled:
5
1. Preheating the outdoor air to a temperature that prevents the exhaust air tem-
perature from intersecting the saturation line will eliminate frosting. This is
accomplished by a duct heater with thermostat in the outdoor air at the rotor
inlet.
2. Preheating the return air to a temperature that prevents the exhaust air tempera-
ture from intersecting the saturation line will eliminate frosting. This is accom-
plished by a duct heater with thermostat in the exhaust air at the rotor outlet.
This can be very economical because 100% efficient direct gas fired heating may
be used.
3. The speed of the rotor may be varied from full speed to zero which reduces heat
and moisture transfer from 100% capacity to zero capacity. Exhaust air temper-
ature approaches the return air temperature as the rotor speed is reduced. This
is accomplished by a variable speed drive with thermostat in the exhaust air.
4. Outdoor air may be bypassed in sufficient amount so that the heat transfer is
reduced to the point where the exhaust air temperature will not intersect the
saturation line. This is accomplished by properly sized bypass dampers modulat-
ed by a thermostat in the exhaust air.
AIR CROSSOVER LEAKAGE
Leakage between the supply and exhaust air sides cannot be entirely eliminated in
a rotary heat exchanger. Leakage from one airstream to the other causes two con-
cerns, contamination and reduction of effectiveness. There are two ways to mitigate
this, however:
1. The proper location of the fans and dampers will control leakage so that con-
tamination of the supply air is reduced. It is desired that the supply side be at
a slightly higher static pressure than the exhaust side so that leakage is always
from the supply to the exhaust. Ideally this is accomplished by positioning the
fans with the supply in the blow-through and the exhaust in the draw-through
location. Other fan locations can be accommodated. Draw-through supply and
blow-through exhaust fan arrangements are not recommended.
2. Supply air contamination can also be reduced by flushing the heat exchanger
matrix with a volume of supply air deflected by a damper in the purging sec-
tion of the rotor. The purging sector damper is located on the supply air outlet
side at the point where the rotor passes from the exhaust airflow path to the
supply airflow path. The sector, which is adjustable between 0 and 6°, should be
set to suit the pressure differential in the system. The greater the pressure differ-
ential, the less forced purge air required and the smaller the purge angle.
Effectiveness is reduced by the amount of supply air lost to the exhaust air
through leakage and purging.
I N S TA L L AT I O N A LT E R N AT I V E S
Rotary heat exchangers can be supplied for installation in air handling units, in
the ducting or in a plant room. All variants and sizes can be installed either
horizontally or vertically.
EXHAUST AIR
SUPPLY AIR
DRIVE MOTOR
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
C O N N E C T I O N TO OT H E R A I R
HANDLING UNIT SECTIONS
The rotary heat exchanger
cassette is best connected to the
duct work by means of flanges
or drive slips.
I N S TA L L AT I O N I N A
PA C K A G E D S Y S T E M
The rotary heat exchanger is
installed directly on the floor. 7
Sheet metal safe-offs direct
the airflow through the heat
exchanger. Access for the drive
system must be provided.
PSYCHROMETRIC DATA
The following examples illustrate the heat transfer process psychrometrically for
various operating conditions and occurrences.
S U M M E R O P E R AT I O N
The charts show a Summer condition in which the outdoor air is warmer and more
humid than the exhaust air. The latent heat transfer heat exchanger lowers both the
moisture content and the temperature to the vicinity of the exhaust air conditions
and gives an enthalpy efficiency of 75%.
The sensible heat transfer heat exchanger lowers the temperature by the same
amount but does not change the moisture content, so the supply air enthalpy effi-
ciency will be only 25%. The example illustrates the significance of the moisture
efficiency of the latent heat transfer heat exchanger, especially in humid, warm
climates.
W I N T E R O P E R AT I O N
The charts show a Winter condition with moderately low outdoor temperature.
No condensation takes place in the sensible heat exchanger, therefore no moisture
transfers to the supply air.
On the other hand, the latent heat transfer heat exchanger raises the moisture
content of the supply air by almost 10.5 grains per pound of dry air, which usually
offers welcome humidification of the supply air. Caution must be exercised, howev-
er, if the indoor space is already humidified or generates significant humidity such
as in a school or place of assembly. The moisture transfer capabilities of the latent
heat exchanger can sometimes transfer more water vapor than is desired back into
the space.
The sensible heat transfer heat exchanger can operate without risk of freezing even
when condensation takes place at outdoor air temperatures below 32°F.
8
OUTSIDE AIR S U P P LY A I R
%
90
sation occurs in the rotor. If condensation
%
70
does occur, moisture will evaporate into
%
50
the supply air. If condensation occurs,
the process as shown on the psy-
%
30
chrometric chart will vary with
the operating conditions and
OUTDOOR AIR SUMMER
thus cannot be generally
illustrated.
ID ITY
EXHAUST AIR WINTER E HUM
ELATIV
10% R
OUTDOOR AIR WINTER
35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115
CHART 2
TOTA L H E AT T R A N S F E R R OTO R
In total heat transfer rotors, the moisture
and temperature efficiencies are nearly the
%
90
INTER IDIT Y
R AIR W E HUM
OUTDOO ELATIV
TER 10% R
AIR WIN
EXHAUST
35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115
The charts above show various operating conditions all based upon 70% efficiency.
DES CHAMPS LABORATORIES INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 220 • 45 NB School Road • Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 • [540] 291-1111 • FAX [540] 291-2211
www.deschamps.com
© 2002 Des Champs Laboratories Incorporated RHE-302/5M
(SUPERSEDES RHE-1098/5M)