Energies: Review of Heat Recovery Technologies For Building Applications

energies
Review
Review of Heat Recovery Technologies for
Building Applications
Qi Xu *, Saffa Riffat and Shihao Zhang
Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Nottingham,
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; saffa.riffat@nottingham.ac.uk (S.R.);
shihao.zhang@nottingham.ac.uk (S.Z.)
* Correspondence: qi.xu1@nottingham.ac.uk

Received: 27 January 2019; Accepted: 23 March 2019; Published: 3 April 2019
Abstract: In recent years, interest in heat recovery systems for building applications has resurged
due to concerns about the energy crisis and global climate changes. This review presents current
developments in four kinds of heat recovery systems for residential building applications. A extensive
investigation into the heat recovery integrated in energy-saving systems of residential buildings is
also covered, including passive systems for building components, mechanical/natural ventilation
systems, dehumidification systems, and the thermoelectric module (TE) system. Based on this review,
key issues have been identified as follows: (1) The combination of heat recovery and energy-efficient
systems could be considered as a promising approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
make residential buildings meet high performance and comfort requirements. However, real-life
evaluation of these systems with economic analysis is insufficient; (2) When heat recovery is applied
to mechanical ventilation systems, issues such as pressure leakages and air shortcuts should be
addressed; (3) The heat pipe heat recovery system enjoys more potential in being combined with
other sustainable technologies such as thermoelectric modules and solar energy systems due to
its advantages, which include handy manufacturing and convenient maintenance, a lack of cross
contamination, and greater thermal conductance.
Keywords: heat recovery; energy-efficient systems; residential building applications
1. Introduction
Rapid growth in world energy use has caused concerns about supply difficulties, energy depletion,
and serious environmental impacts. For instance, climate change and ozone layer depletion have been
key issues with which people have had to deal [1]. According to the reviewed literature, building
energy consumption, including its operation and maintenance, currently accounts for 40% of the total
global energy demand [2,3]. Moreover, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVACs)
consume 40–60% of a building’s energy consumption, with the precise value varying by climate [1].
Meanwhile, this energy consumption causes a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions, such as
the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). It is predicted that continued increases in carbon dioxide
emissions will lead to major climate change [4]. Therefore, governments are making efforts to develop
energy-saving and eco-friendly building technologies [5].
A great many energy-saving processes and techniques have been proposed for residential building
applications, including recovering the waste energy of buildings, which is also referred to as a heat
recovery system. In the context of the global energy crisis, on the one hand, the improvement of
indoor air quality is required. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to promote energy-saving
emission reductions in the field of HVAC. The application of air-to-air heat recovery would solve the
contradiction between abundant fresh air supply and the reduction of energy consumption. According
Energies 2019, 12, 1285; doi:10.3390/en12071285 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

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According to Cuce et al., heat recovery systems are regarded as a greatly promising technology
because
to Cuce ofet their ability
al., heat to provide
recovery systemssignificant energy
are regarded assavings
a greatly forpromising
residential buildings because
technology [6]. of their
Thetopurpose
ability provide of this review
significant is partly
energy savings to for
summarize
residential the current development
buildings [6]. of heat recovery
systemsThefor residential
purpose building
of this review applications,
is partly to including
summarize their the
normal types,
current characteristics,
development of and
heat
technical
recoveryenergy-saving possibilities,
systems for residential and partly
building to discuss
applications, the application
including of heattypes,
their normal recovery in energy-
characteristics,
efficient systems
and technical of buildings, possibilities,
energy-saving including heatand recovery
partly combined
to discusswith the passive systems,
application of heatmechanical
recovery
ventilation systems, systems
in energy-efficient dehumidification
of buildings,systems, and thermoelectric
including heat recoverymodule combined (TE)with
systems of buildings.
passive systems,
Finally, a summary
mechanical ventilationandsystems,
outlook dehumidification
of these systems will be presented.
systems, and thermoelectric module (TE) systems of
buildings. Finally, a summary and outlook of these systems will be presented.
2. The Definition of Heat Recovery Systems
2. The Definition of Heat Recovery Systems
Heat recovery is often referred to as a device operating between two air sources at different
Heat recovery
temperatures which istransfers
often referred
energytofrom as a one
devicesideoperating between
to the other. two air
In other sources
words, it isatbased
different
on
temperatures
preheating the which
incoming transfers
air to energy fromthrough
the interior one siderecycled
to the other. In other
waste heat. words, heat
In general, it is recovery
based on
preheating
systems couldthebeincoming
classified airinto
to the interior
sensible heatthrough
recoveryrecycled waste heat.
and enthalpy heat In general,Because
recovery. heat recovery
of its
systems could be classified into sensible heat recovery and enthalpy heat
ability to recover both the sensible heat and the latent heat, enthalpy heat exchangers have a better recovery. Because of its
ability to recover
sustainability effectboth the sensible
because heatproportion
of the large and the latent of theheat,
wetenthalpy
load in the heat exchangers
ventilation haveand
system a better
the
sustainability effect because of the large proportion
requirements of the indoor air humidity for modern buildings. of the wet load in the ventilation system and the
requirements of the indoor
A representative air humidity
heat exchanger for modern
system buildings.
in residential buildings is usually composed of a heat
A representative
exchanger core, a fresh heat exchanger
air inlet systemcontaminated
and separate in residentialair buildings
exhaust is usually
outlet, andcomposed of a heat
a fan, as shown in
exchanger core, a fresh air inlet and separate contaminated air exhaust
Figure 1 [7]. At present, heat recovery systems can recover about 60–95% of waste energy, which isoutlet, and a fan, as shown in
Figure
very 1 [7]. At[6].
promising present, heat recovery
This review focuses on systems can recover
four categories about
of heat 60–95%for
recovery of sustainable
waste energy, which is
residential
very promising
building systems,[6]. This review
including rotary focuses
wheel,onfixed-plate,
four categories of heat
heat pipe, andrecovery
run-aroundfor sustainable
systems, whichresidential
will
building systems, including
be discussed in later sections. rotary wheel, fixed-plate, heat pipe, and run-around systems, which will
be discussed in later sections.
Figure 1. Typical heat recovery system for a residential building application [7].
Figure 1. Typical heat recovery system for a residential building application [7].
3. Types of Heat Recovery Systems for Residential Building Applications
3. Types of Heatto
According Recovery Systems for
the classification Residential
of different Building Applications
constructions, heat recovery systems can be divided
into According
four types:to
rotary wheel, fixed-plate,
the classification heat pipe,
of different and run-around.
constructions, heat recovery systems can be divided
into four types: rotary wheel, fixed-plate, heat pipe, and run-around.
3.1. Rotary Wheel
3.1. Rotary Wheelwheel heat recovery system is a motor-driven rotating porous wheel. When heat and
The rotary
moisture exchange happen, the two streams alternately pass through the wheel, as shown in Figure 2.
The rotary wheel heat recovery system is a motor-driven rotating porous wheel. When heat and
The speed of rotors is usually low, ranging from 3 rpm to 15 rpm [7].
moisture exchange happen, the two streams alternately pass through the wheel, as shown in Figure
2. The speed of rotors is usually low, ranging from 3 rpm to 15 rpm [7].
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Figure 2. Diagram of rotary wheel heat exchanger working mode [7].

Figure2.2.Diagram
Figure Diagramofofrotary
rotarywheel
wheelheat
heatexchanger
exchangerworking
workingmode
mode[7].
[7].
The overall efficiency of rotary wheel heat recovery is generally much higher than that of any
otherThe The overall
air-side heat
overall efficiency
recoveryofof
efficiency rotary
system
rotary wheel
due heat
to the
wheel recovery
nature
heat of the
recovery isisheat
generally
wheels,
generally muchwhich
much higher
allowthan
higher heatthat
than ofofany
to transfer
that any
other
from air-side
the exhaustheat recovery
stream to system
the due
supply to the
stream nature
without of the
having heat towheels,
pass
other air-side heat recovery system due to the nature of the heat wheels, which allow heat to transfer which
directly allow
through heat the to transfer
exchange
from
fromthe
medium. theexhaust
exhauststream
Normally, rotary
stream totothe
thesupply
wheel heat stream
supply streamwithout
recovery is ablehaving
without to obtain
having totopass
apass
heatdirectly
exchange
directly through the
efficiency
through theexchange
of above
exchange
medium.
80% ItNormally,
is stated inrotary
[8] wheel
that the heat
rotaryrecovery
wheel is
systemable to
has obtain
been a
medium. Normally, rotary wheel heat recovery is able to obtain a heat exchange efficiency efficient
[7]. heat
proven exchange
to be one efficiency
of the most ofofabove
above
80% [7].
solutions It
80% [7]. Itfor is stated in
handling
is stated [8] that
thethat
in [8] the
moisture rotary wheel
carried
the rotary wheel system
bysystem has been
the ventilation
has been air. proven to
However,
proven be one
to be one of the
theofrotary most
the most efficient
wheel heat
efficient
solutions
recovery for
solutionsbarely forhandling
recovers
handling the
the moisture
40% of the carried
moisture carriedby
available by the
theventilation
enthalpy. Atmospheric
ventilation air.
air.However, the
conditions
However, therotary
[9],
rotarythewheel
air
wheel heat
mixing
heat
recovery
rate [10], barely
rotation recovers
speed 40%
[11], of
and the
wheelavailable
materialsenthalpy.
[12] couldAtmospheric
be the
recovery barely recovers 40% of the available enthalpy. Atmospheric conditions [9], the air mixing major conditions
contributing [9], the
factorsair mixing
in terms
rate
of
rate [10],
the rotation
rotationspeed
performance
[10], [11],
[11],and
of rotary
speed andwheel
wheel heatmaterials
wheel recovery[12]
materials [12]could
have bebethe
a significant
could themajor contributing
contributingfactors
influence.
major factorsininterms
terms
ofofthe performance
Many researchersof rotary
have wheel
been heat recovery
working on have a
achieving
the performance of rotary wheel heat recovery have a significant influence. significant
high influence.
performance of rotary wheel heat
Many
recovery. researchers
The optimal have
values been of working
length on
and achieving
porosity high
can performance
be obtained
Many researchers have been working on achieving high performance of rotary wheel heat of rotary
through wheel
the heat
numerical recovery.
model
The
from optimal
recovery.Dallaire values
The al. of
etoptimal length
[13]. The and
values ofporosity
schematic can porosity
be obtained
lengthrepresentation
and of
can through
the beoptimal therotary
obtained numerical
wheel
through model
the frominDallaire
is numerical
shown Figure
model
3from
et [13].
al. [13]. The schematic representation of the optimal rotary wheel is shown
Dallaire et al. [13]. The schematic representation of the optimal rotary wheel is shown in Figure in Figure 3 [13].
3 [13].
Figure 3.
Figure 3. A schematic representation
representation of
of the
the optimal
optimal rotary
rotary wheel
wheel [13]
[13] (redrawn
(redrawnby
bythe
theauthors).
authors).
Figure 3. A schematic representation of the optimal rotary wheel [13] (redrawn by the authors).
Besides
Besides theirtheir high
high heat
heat transfer
transfer efficiency,
efficiency,rotary
rotarywheels
wheelscancanalso
alsorecover
recoverbothboth sensible
sensible and
and latent
latent
heat, which
heat, Besides makes
which makes them
their highthem able to
able
heat be desiccant wheels
to be efficiency,
transfer desiccant rotary for dehumidification
wheelswheels
for dehumidification and
can also recoverand enthalpy recovery
bothenthalpy [14,15].
recovery
sensible and latent
heat,With
[14,15]. whichregardmakes to economic
them ablefactors, a recent study
to be desiccant wheelsinfor Chicago showed that
dehumidification andtheenthalpy
application of a
recovery
rotary wheel
With
[14,15]. heat exchanger
regard to economic enjoys a much
factors, shorter
a recent study payback periodshowed
in Chicago in new thatbuildings (less than one
the application of a
year) than
rotaryWithwheelin retrofitted
heat exchanger
regard existing
to economic building
enjoys a much
factors, (two to four
shorter
a recent study years)
payback [16]. Another
periodshowed
in Chicago work
in new that from
buildings Chicago found
(less than one
the application of a
that
year) normally,
than in total
retrofittedlife cycle
existing costs are
building 25–50%
(two tolower
four with
years) the
[16]. application
Another
rotary wheel heat exchanger enjoys a much shorter payback period in new buildings (less than one workof a rotary
from wheel
Chicago than
found
without
that it [17].
year)normally,
than total life existing
in retrofitted cycle costs are 25–50%
building (two tolower with the
four years) [16].application
Another work of afromrotary wheelfound
Chicago than
All
without the aforementioned studies show the advantages of the rotary wheel
it [17]. total life cycle costs are 25–50% lower with the application of a rotary wheel than
that normally, heat exchanger, these
advantages
withoutthe
All being its rather high
aforementioned
it [17]. heat exchanger
studies effectivenessofand
show the advantages the relatively
rotary wheel shortheat
payback periodthese
exchanger, [16].
However,
advantages the
All thebeing development
its rather high
aforementioned of rotary wheel
heatshow
studies heat
exchanger recovery
effectiveness
the advantages is limited
of the and by the
relatively
rotary problems
wheelshort of air short
payback period
heat exchanger, these
circuiting
[16]. However,
advantages andbeing
cross contamination
the development
its rather highofheat[18].
rotary Air shortheat
wheel
exchanger circuits can circulate
recovery
effectiveness isand
limited air
byinthe
relatively unintended
problems
short directions,
of
payback airperiod
short
greatly
circuitingreducing
[16]. However,and cross thedevelopment
the efficiency
contamination of the system.
of [18].
rotaryAir shortheat
wheel circuits can circulate
recovery is limited airbyinthe
unintended
problems directions,
of air short
greatly reducing
circuiting the efficiency
and cross of the[18].
contamination system.
Air short circuits can circulate air in unintended directions,
greatly reducing the efficiency of the system.
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3.2. Fixed-Plate
3.2. Fixed-Plate
Fixed-plate heat exchangers use thin plates stacked together to create flow channels, which are
Fixed-plate heat exchangers use thin plates stacked together to create flow channels, which are
illustrated below in Figure 4 [7]. The first plate type heat exchanger was invented by Dr Richard
illustrated below in Figure 4 [7]. [7]. The first plate type heat exchanger was invented by Dr Richard
Seligman in 1923 and was used for indirect heating/cooling fluid [19]. There are three types of airflow
Seligman in 1923 and was used
Seligman in 1923 and was used for for indirect
indirect heating/cooling
heating/cooling fluid [19]. There
There are
are three types of airflow
arrangement, including counter flow, cross flow, and parallel flow. When the plates are made of a
arrangement, including
including counter
counter flow,
flow, cross
cross flow,
flow, and
and parallel
parallelflow.
flow. When
Whenthe theplates
platesare
aremade
madeofofa
material with thermal conductivity and moisture permeability, they constitute an enthalpy heat
amaterial
materialwith
withthermal
thermalconductivity
conductivityand andmoisture
moisturepermeability,
permeability, they
they constitute
constitute an
an enthalpy heat
exchanger. Mardiana-Idayu et al. introduced an experiment to investigate a novel enthalpy recovery
exchanger. Mardiana-Idayu et al. introduced an experiment to investigate a novel enthalpy recovery
exchanger.
system with a micro heat and mass cell cycle core, as shown as Figure 5. The results showed that the
system with aa micro
micro heat
heatand
andmass
masscell
cellcycle
cyclecore,
core,asas
shown
shown asas
Figure
Figure5. The results
5. The showed
results showedthatthat
the
sensible energy efficiency was close to 66%, whereas for latent energy it was 59% [20]. Similarly, Nasif
sensible
the energy
sensible efficiency
energy was was
efficiency closeclose
to 66%, whereas
to 66%, for latent
whereas energy
for latent it wasit59%
energy was[20].
59%Similarly, Nasif
[20]. Similarly,
et al. conducted a fixed-plate heat recovery system by using a porous membrane material, shown as
et al. conducted
Nasif a fixed-plate
et al. conducted heat heat
a fixed-plate recovery system
recovery by using
system a porous
by using membrane
a porous membrane material, shown
material, shownas
Figure 6. The thermal effectiveness of the new system was found to be about 75% of the sensible
Figure
as Figure6. 6.
The thermal
The thermal effectiveness
effectiveness ofofthe
thenew
newsystem
systemwas wasfound
foundtotobebe about
about 75%
75% of the sensible
sensible
energy efficiency and 65% for the latent equivalent [21].
energy efficiency
efficiency and
and 65%
65% for
for the
the latent
latent equivalent
equivalent [21].
[21].
Figure 4. A
A fixed-plate heat
heat exchanger [7].
[7].
Figure 4. A fixed-plate
Figure 4. fixed-plate heat exchanger
exchanger [7].
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Graph
Graph results
results for
for an
an air-to-air
air-to-air enthalpy
enthalpy heat
heat exchanger
exchanger [20].
[20].
Figure 5. Graph results for an air-to-air enthalpy heat exchanger [20].
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 5 of 22
Figure
Figure 6. Z-flow
Z-flow fixed-plate
fixed-plate heat exchanger (HE) built using porous membrane material [21].
When plates (including metal plates and plastic plates, etc.) cannotcannot absorb
absorb moisture,
moisture, the material
material
conductivity and geometry
thermal conductivity geometry is paramount for recovery of sensible heat. Normally, sensible
heat recovery
recoverycancanachieve
achievea aheat
heatexchange
exchangeraterate
between 50%50%
between andand
80%80%
[22]. [22].
The factors that could
The factors affect
that could
the heat
affect thetransfer efficiency
heat transfer of fixed-plate
efficiency type heat
of fixed-plate typerecovery include:
heat recovery include:
1. Plate
Plate types
types and
and constructions
constructions (such
(such as
as different
different arrangement and orientation) [23,24];
2.
2. Heat
Heat exchanger
exchanger materials
materials [21,25];
[21,25];
3.
3. Flow pattern [26].
Flow pattern [26].
Recently, some commercial products have achieved a better heat exchanger rate. One improved
Recently, some commercial products have achieved a better heat exchanger rate. One improved
fixed-plate heat recovery system produced by a Danish company can achieve a heat recovery rate of
fixed-plate heat recovery system produced by a Danish company can achieve a heat recovery rate of
93%, as certificated by Passive House Institute, Darmstadt [27,28]. Therefore, fixed-plate type heat
93%, as certificated by Passive House Institute, Darmstadt [27,28]. Therefore, fixed-plate type heat
exchangers enjoy a promising future in higher thermal performance in residential building
exchangers enjoy a promising future in higher thermal performance in residential building applications.
applications.
3.3. Heat Pipe
3.3. Heat Pipe
Heat recovery systems using heat pipes to transfer heat combine the principles of heat conduction
Heat recovery
and phase change tosystems using
effectively heat heat
transfer pipesbetween
to transfer heat interfaces.
two solid combine the Theprinciples
typical heatof pipe
heat
conduction and phase change to effectively transfer heat between two solid interfaces.
consist of two closed tubes filled with working fluid [29]. The heat pipe transfers thermal energy from The typical
heat pipetoconsist
one side of two
the other sideclosed
with atubes
smallfilled with working
temperature differencefluid[30].
[29].During
The heat pipe transfers
operation, thermal
the condensed
energy from one
liquid travels sideevaporation
to the to the othersection
side with
duea tosmall
the temperature
wick structure difference
exerting[30]. During
capillary operation,
action or the
the condensed liquid
gravitational force [29]. travels to the evaporation section due to the wick structure exerting capillary
action or the heat
Typical gravitational force [29].
pipe exchangers can achieve thermal efficiency of around 50% [31]. Experiments
from Shao et al. have proven that thecan
Typical heat pipe exchangers achieveofthermal
efficiency a heat pipeefficiency
recoveryof system
aroundin 50% [31]. Experiments
a naturally ventilated
from
house can achieve 50% with pressure loss less than 1 Pa [32]. The effectiveness will in
Shao et al. have proven that the efficiency of a heat pipe recovery system a naturally
decrease with
ventilated
increasinghouse
air flowcanrate,
achieve
and 50% with pressure
substandard thermallosscontact
less than 1Pa [32].
between The effectiveness
plates and heat pipe will decrease
occurs [33].
with increasing air flow rate, and substandard thermal contact between plates and
In terms of factors that could affect heat pipe effectiveness, there are some key points [34,35]: working heat pipe occurs
[33].
fluid,In terms
the of factorsofthat
arrangement the could
pipes, affect
the airheat pipeand
velocity effectiveness, there are some
the inlet temperature of thekey points [34,35]:
evaporator part.
working fluid, the arrangement of the pipes, the air velocity and the inlet
For the last decade, many researchers have focused on the application of heat pipe type recovery. temperature of the
evaporator part.
El-Baky et al. have developed an experiment to test its thermal performance and to collect data for the
For the last
effectiveness decade,
of heat pipemany
systemsresearchers have focused
for heat recovery in airon the application
conditioning of heat pipe
applications, showntypeasrecovery.
Figure 7.
El-Baky et al. have developed an experiment to test its thermal performance
The results have shown that the heat transfer rate for both the evaporator and condenser sections and to collect data has
for
the effectiveness of heat
increased to around 48% [36]. pipe systems for heat recovery in air conditioning applications, shown as
Figure 7. The results have shown that the heat transfer rate for both the evaporator and condenser
sections has increased to around 48% [36].
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7. Heat
Figure 7.
Figure Heat pipe
pipe heat
pipe heat exchanger
heat exchanger in an
exchanger in an air
an air conditioning
air conditioning system and
conditioning system and graphs
graphs of
of effects
effects under different
effects under different
conditions on effectiveness [36].
conditions on effectiveness [36].
From Yau
From Yau et
Yau et al.
et al. It
al. it can
it can also
also be
be found
found that
that using
using heat
heat pipe
pipe recovery
recovery systems
systems can
can lead
lead toto significant
significant
energy savings
energy savings in
in domestic
domestic appliances
appliances within
within tropical
tropical climates
climates [37,38]. Recently, Diao
Recently,
[37,38]. Recently, Diao et et al. provided
al. provided
a new
new study
study involving
involving a a small
small flat
flat heat
heat pipe
pipe heat
heat recovery
recovery device
device whichwhich applies
applies a flat
a new study involving a small flat heat pipe heat recovery device which applies a flat micro-heat pipe a flat micro-heat
micro-heat pipe
pipe array
array with
array with
with welded,welded,
welded, serrated, serrated,
serrated, and and staggered
and staggered
staggered fins fins
fins on on
on its its surface,
its surface,
surface, as as shown
as shown
shown in in Figure
in Figure
Figure 8. 8. The
8. The results
The results
showed that the maximum heat exchange rate and coefficient of performance
showed that the maximum heat exchange rate and coefficient of performance (COP) could be (COP) could be 78%
78%
and 91.9, respectively, under
under experimental
experimental conditions [39]. This study of a small
and 91.9, respectively, under experimental conditions [39]. This study of a small flat heat pipe heat flat heat pipe heat
recovery system
recovery system indicates
indicates thethe potential for improving
potential for improving the the thermal
thermal performance
performance of of heat
heat pipe
pipe heat
heat
recovery.
recovery. However,
recovery. However, further
However, further real-life
further real-lifeevaluation
real-life evaluationisis
evaluation isstill
stillneeded.
still needed.
needed.
Figure 8.
Figure 8. Schematic
Schematic representation
representation of
of aa micro-heat
micro-heat pipe recovery system [39].
Schematic pipe recovery system [39].
In summary,
In summary,heat
summary, heatpipe
heat pipeheat
pipe heat
heat recovery
recovery
recovery enjoys
enjoys
enjoys the
thethe following
following advantages:
advantages:
following handy
handy
advantages: manufacturing
manufacturing
handy manufacturingand
and convenient
and convenient
convenient maintenance,
maintenance, aa lack
a lack
maintenance, lack of cross
of cross
of cross contamination,
contamination, and greater
greater
and greater
contamination, and thermal
thermal conductance
conductance
thermal [40].
[40]. [40].
conductance
3.4. Run-Around
3.4. Run-Around
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 7 of 22

3.4. Run-Around
Run-around
Run-around heat heat recovery
recovery systems
systems consist
consist of
of two
two individual
individual heat
heat exchangers
exchangers and
and aa coupling
coupling
liquid, as shown in Figure 9. With the help of the pump, it allows liquid to transfer absorbed
liquid, as shown in Figure 9. With the help of the pump, it allows liquid to transfer absorbed heat fromheat
from one stream
one stream into
into the the other
other side [7].
side [7].
Figure 9.
Figure Theworking
9. The workingprinciples
principlesof
ofrun-around
run-around heat
heat recovery
recovery [7].
[7].
Run-around heat
Run-around heat recovery
recovery cancan avoid
avoid cross
cross contamination
contamination because
because of of the
the separation
separation ofof the
the two
two
heat exchangers
heat exchangers [41].
[41]. The
The heat
heat exchange
exchange raterate of
of run-around
run-around heat
heat recovery
recovery ranges
ranges from
from 45%
45% to to 65%
65%
under normal conditions [7]. Using a run-around heat recovery system in a building
under normal conditions [7]. Using a run-around heat recovery system in a building can increase the can increase the
ventilation airflow rate without increasing energy consumption [42]. As to the thermal
ventilation airflow rate without increasing energy consumption [42]. As to the thermal performance performance of
run-around
of run-around heat recovery,
heat ValiVali
recovery, et al.’s experimental
et al.’s experimentalresults showed
results showedthat that
for afor
given totaltotal
a given surface area
surface
area of exchangers, the highest overall sensible effectiveness was achieved with exchangers whicha
of exchangers, the highest overall sensible effectiveness was achieved with exchangers which have
smallaexchanger
have aspect ratio
small exchanger aspect [41].
ratio [41].
In addition,
In addition, the
the effectiveness
effectiveness of of run-around
run-around heatheat recovery
recovery is
is significantly
significantly dependent
dependent on on outdoor
outdoor
conditions. Run-around heat recovery systems are often positioned within the
conditions. Run-around heat recovery systems are often positioned within the supply and exhaust supply and exhaust air
streams
air of industrial
streams processes.
of industrial processes.
Table 1 compares the
Table 1 compares the basic
basic performance
performance of of different
different types
types of
of heat
heat recovery
recoverysystems.
systems.
Table 1. A comparison of the four types of heat recovery systems based on their thermal performance.
Table 1. A comparison of the four types of heat recovery systems based on their thermal performance.
Types of Heat Recovery Rotary Wheel Fixed-Plate Heat Pipe Run-Around
Types
Main of Heat
airflow Cross flow, counter flow,
CounterRotary Wheel
flow, parallel flow Fixed-Plate Heat
Counter flow, Pipe
parallel flow Run-Around
N/A
Recovery
arrangements parallel flow
Typical efficiency Above 80% 50~80% 45~55% 45~65%
Main airflow Counter flow, Cross flow, counter Counter flow,
Air speed (m/s) 2.5~5 0.5~5 2~4 N/A
1.5~3
arrangements parallel flow flow, parallel flow parallel flow
Air pressure (Pa) 100~170 25~370 100~500 100~500
Typical efficiency
Temperature range (◦ C) Above
− 60~800 80% 50~80%
−60~800 45~55%
−40~35 45~65%
−45~500
Air speed (m/s) 2.5~5 Compact, relatively0.5~5
high heat 2~4 1.5~3
transfer coefficient, no cross Fixed components, no extra
Air pressure (Pa) 100~170 25~370
contamination, easy 100~500
power supply, high reliability, 100~500
Air ducts can be located side by
High efficiency, compact
Temperature range maintenance, can be coupled separate air duct, compact, side, ducts can be physically
equipment, potential to
Advantages [7] −60~800
recover sensible and −60~800
with counter-current −40~35
flow which suitable for naturally ventilated separated, no −45~500
cross
(°C) latent heat.
enables the production of building, fully reversible, easy contamination, only capable of
closed-temperature differences, maintenance but only capable of recovering sensible heat.
Compact,
capable of recovering relatively
sensible recovering sensible heat.
and latent heat.
Fixed components,
high heat transfer
no extra power
coefficient, no cross
supply, high Air ducts can be
By sorting through 100 research papers contamination,
publishedeasyin the last five years about the study of the
reliability, separate located side by
High efficiency,
application of heat recovery maintenance,
systems in residential can such a summary could be given as follows.
buildings, air duct, compact, side, ducts can be
compact
Figure 10 shows the distribution be coupled
of the main studieswith
accordingsuitable
to the four
for heat recovery system types.
physically
equipment, counter-current
Nearly one[7]
Advantages third of researchers were interested in heat pipenaturallyheat recovery (HPHR).
ventilated Around
separated, 40%
no cross
potential to recover flow which enables
of these newly published articles were related to fixed-platebuilding,heat recovery
fully (FPHR). About 21% of
contamination,
sensible and latent the production of
researchers focused heat.
on rotary wheel heatclosed-temperature
recovery. However, reversible,
just 3% easy
consideredonly capable of heat
run-around
recovery. Normally, run-around heat recovery systems
differences, capable
maintenance but
are more popular in the industrial fieldsensible
recovering and are
only capable of heat.
of recovering
recovering sensible
sensible and latent
heat.
heat.
application of heat recovery systems in residential buildings, such a summary could be given as
follows. Figure 10 shows the distribution of the main studies according to the four heat recovery
system types. Nearly one third of researchers were interested in heat pipe heat recovery (HPHR).
Around 40% of these newly published articles were related to fixed-plate heat recovery (FPHR).
About 2019,
Energies 21%12,
of1285
researchers focused on rotary wheel heat recovery. However, just 3% considered8 run- of 22
around heat recovery. Normally, run-around heat recovery systems are more popular in the
industrial field and are not as common in domestic building applications. The following sections
not as common
discussing in domestic
fixed-plate, building
rotary applications.
wheel, The heat
and heat pipe following sections
recovery discussing
combined withfixed-plate, rotary
energy-efficient
wheel, and heat pipe heat recovery
systems for building applications. combined with energy-efficient systems for building applications.
Run-around
3%
Heat Pipe Fixed-Plate

36% 40%
Rotary
Wheel
21%
Fixed-Plate Rotary Wheel Heat Pipe Run-around
Figure 10.
Figure 10. Heat recovery system
Heat recovery system research
research article
article distribution.
distribution.
4.
4. Applications
Applications of
of Heat
Heat Recovery
Recovery in
in Energy-Saving
Energy-Saving Systems
Systems of
of Residential
Residential Buildings
Buildings
The combination of heat recovery
recovery and
and different
different energy-efficient
energy-efficient systems
systems could
could contribute
contribute to
reducing heat loss,
loss, stabilizing heat flux, and improving
improving the
the thermal
thermal performance
performance ofof residential
residential
buildings. This section reviews the recent development in heat recovery combined with energy-efficient
buildings. This section reviews the recent development in heat recovery combined with energy-
technologies of buildings
efficient technologies over fourover
of buildings subsections.
four subsections.
4.1.
4.1. Heat-Recovery-Assisted
Heat-Recovery-Assisted Decentralized
Decentralized Ventilation
Ventilation System
System
Mechanical
Mechanical ventilation
ventilation systems
systems are
are applied
applied for
for achieving
achieving thethe desired
desired airflow
airflow and
and obtaining
obtaining aa
comfortable
comfortable interior
interior environment. However, mechanical
environment. However, mechanical ventilation
ventilation cancan consume
consume much
much electrical
electrical
energy, and, can at times increase household power consumption by up to
energy, and, can at times increase household power consumption by up to 50% [43]. Tommerup 50% [43]. Tommerup et al.
et
have reported that with heat recovery technology, up to 90% of ventilation
al. have reported that with heat recovery technology, up to 90% of ventilation heat loss (about 30–35 heat loss (about
30–35 2 per year) can be recovered depending on airtightness and the insulation of the
kWh/mkWh/m2 per year) can be recovered depending on airtightness and the insulation of the building [2].
building [2].
Compared with centralized ventilation, pressure loss can be minimized within decentralized
Compared
ventilation, due with
to the centralized ventilation,
shorter distance of thepressure loss [44].
air routing can be minimized
Several withinhave
researchers decentralized
tested the
ventilation,
performancedue of toheatthe recovery
shorter distance of the
units with air routing [44].
decentralized Severalsystems
ventilation researchers have
based ontested the
different
performance of heat recovery units with decentralized ventilation systems based
outdoors conditions. Baldini et al. has conducted a decentralized cooling and dehumidification on different outdoors
conditions.
system, as shown Baldiniinet al. has
Figure 11.conducted
Multi-stagea type
decentralized cooling
heat recovery couldand dehumidification
help system, as
to reduce the temperature
shown in Figure 11. Multi-stage type heat recovery could help to reduce
compared to a single heat exchanger. Experimental results showed that under an environment the temperature compared
to a single heat exchanger. Experimental results showed that under an environment
temperature of around 30 °C and a humidity ratio of 20 g/kg, the application of the multi-stage heat temperature of
around ◦
recovery30could C and a humidity
reach ratio of
the preferred 20 g/kg,
target, withthe
the application
supply air atof14–15
the multi-stage
°C and 8–9heat recovery
g/kg. could
Additionally,
reach the preferred target, with the supply air at 14–15 ◦ C and 8–9 g/kg. Additionally, because of the
because of the free reheating, the system is able to save about 4–5% of cooling energy demand [44].
free reheating, the system is able to save about 4–5% of cooling energy demand [44].
Another novel rotary wheel unit in Europe has been described by Smith et al. (shown in Figure 12),
which uses plastic as the heat transfer material and was installed in the exterior wall of an individual
room vent, requiring minimal space. Testing results indicated that this novel unit could recover
about 84% of sensible heat with a ventilation rate of 7.8 L/s [45]. In addition, bypass leakage was
observed during the experiment and the pressure drop reached around 18% [45]. High-pressure
leakage could cause discomfort noise due to the higher fan speed required to achieve the desired
vent rate. Therefore, proper sealing and slowing of the rotational speed to prevent frost accumulation
should be ensured [45].
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 9 of 22
Figure 11. Arrangement of the three heat exchangers [44].
Another novel rotary wheel unit in Europe has been described by Smith et al. (shown in Figure
12), which uses plastic as the heat transfer material and was installed in the exterior wall of an
individual room vent, requiring minimal space. Testing results indicated that this novel unit could
recover about 84% of sensible heat with a ventilation rate of 7.8 L/s [45]. In addition, bypass leakage
was observed during the experiment and the pressure drop reached around 18% [45]. High-pressure
leakage could cause discomfort noise due to the higher fan speed required to achieve the desired vent
rate. Therefore, proper sealing and slowing of the rotational speed to prevent frost accumulation
should be ensured [45]. Figure
Figure 11.
11. Arrangement
Arrangement of
of the
the three
three heat exchangers [44].
heat exchangers [44].
Another novel rotary wheel unit in Europe has been described by Smith et al. (shown in Figure
12), which uses plastic as the heat transfer material and was installed in the exterior wall of an
individual room vent, requiring minimal space. Testing results indicated that this novel unit could
recover about 84% of sensible heat with a ventilation rate of 7.8 L/s [45]. In addition, bypass leakage
was observed during the experiment and the pressure drop reached around 18% [45]. High-pressure
leakage could cause discomfort noise due to the higher fan speed required to achieve the desired vent
rate. Therefore, proper sealing and slowing of the rotational speed to prevent frost accumulation
should be ensured [45].
Figure 12. Schematic representation of the plastic rotary wheel system [45].
Plate type heat exchangers can also be integrated within within ventilation
ventilation systems.
systems. Coydon
Coydon et al. have
evaluated different facades combined with heat recovery ventilation units seasonally, as shown in
Figure
Figure 13.
13.The
Theresults showed
results showedthatthat
integration, including
integration, counter
including flow heat
counter flow recovery, achievedachieved
heat recovery, recovery
ranging
recoveryfrom 64.6%
ranging to 70.0%
from 64.6% of
to heat
70.0%[46]. Another
of heat [46]. unit which
Another adopted
unit which regenerative heat recovery
adopted regenerative heat
could recover between 72.8% and 80.2% of heat [46].
recovery could recover between 72.8% and 80.2% of heat [46].
Recently, Cuce et al. proposed a novel polycarbonate heat recovery system. The experiment
carried out measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 in a period of one week.
Figure that
The results indicated 12. Schematic
throughrepresentation
the applicationof the
ofplastic rotarysystem
the novel wheel system
within[45].
the testing house,
◦
a sensible increment, about 7 C, was observed in the temperature of fresh air and a considerable
Plate about
decrease, type heat exchangers
4 ◦ C, can also
was achieved be temperature
in the integrated within ventilation
of stale air [47]. systems.
They alsoCoydon
showedet that
al. have
the
evaluated different facades combined with heat recovery ventilation units seasonally,
average relative humidity in the testing room in the post-retrofit case was around 57%, which was as shown in
Figure 13. The results showed that integration, including counter flow heat recovery,
within the desired range [47]. Figure 14 shows a temperature monitoring diagram during the testing achieved
recoveryThe
period. ranging
Cuce from
et al. 64.6% to 70.0%
experiments of heat
proved [46].
that byAnother
utilizingunit which adopted
a combination regenerative
of heat exchanger heat
and
recovery could recover between 72.8% and 80.2% of heat [46].
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 10 of 22
ventilation, except for the mitigation of the heating or cooling load, the actual comfort conditions for
indoor environments
Figure including
13. Facade system with CO 2 concentrate
(a) counter flow heatand relative
recovery andhumidity reaching
(b) regenerative heatthe desired
recovery [46].range can
also be2019,
Energies achieved [47].
12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 23
carried out measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 in a period of one week. The
results indicated that through the application of the novel system within the testing house, a sensible
increment, about 7 °C, was observed in the temperature of fresh air and a considerable decrease,
about 4 °C, was achieved in the temperature of stale air [47]. They also showed that the average
relative humidity in the testing room in the post-retrofit case was around 57%, which was within the
desired range [47]. Figure 14 shows a temperature monitoring diagram during the testing period. The
Cuce et al. experiments proved that by utilizing a combination of heat exchanger and ventilation, except
for the mitigation of the heating or cooling load, the actual comfort conditions for indoor environments
including
FigureCO
Figure 13. concentrate
13.2 Facade
Facadesystem and
system relative
with
with(a) humidity
(a)counter flow
counter reaching
heat
flow recovery
heat the desired
and
recovery (b) (b)
and range can
regenerative also
heat
regenerative berecovery
achieved
recovery
heat [47].
[46]. [46].
carried out measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 in a period of one week. The
results indicated that through the application of the novel system within the testing house, a sensible
increment, about 7 °C, was observed in the temperature of fresh air and a considerable decrease,
about 4 °C, was achieved in the temperature of stale air [47]. They also showed that the average
relative humidity in the testing room in the post-retrofit case was around 57%, which was within the
desired range [47]. Figure 14 shows a temperature monitoring diagram during the testing period. The
Cuce et al. experiments proved that by utilizing a combination of heat exchanger and ventilation, except
for the mitigation of the heating or cooling load, the actual comfort conditions for indoor environments
including CO2 concentrate and relative humidity reaching the desired range can also be achieved [47].
Figure 14. Temperature

Figure 14. monitoring during
Temperature monitoring during testing
testing [47].
[47].
The following
The following problems
problems of
of integrated
integrated systems
systems of
of heat
heat recovery and decentralized
recovery and ventilation can
decentralized ventilation can
be found based on the aforementioned studies:
be found based on the aforementioned studies:
1. Unexpected air bypass leakage [45];
1. Unexpected air bypass leakage [45];
2. Noise from fans to achieve ventilation requirements [45];
2. Noise from fans to achieve ventilation requirements [45];
3. Lack of ventilation unit operation and airflow control strategy [44,46].
3. Lack of ventilation unit operation and airflow control strategy [44,46].
4.2. Heat Recovery Combined with Passive Systems for Building Components
4.2. Heat Recovery Combined with Passive Systems for Building Components
Recently, heat recovery systems have been considered to be combined with building
Recently, heat recovery systems have been considered to be combined with building components
components such as building walls
Figure roofs
[48–51], roofs
14. Temperature
[52] andduring
monitoring
windtesting
towers[47].
[53–56]. For example, it has
such as building walls [48–51], [52] and wind towers [53–56]. For example, it has been found
been found that wind towers can provide significantly higher airflow rates than open windows with
that wind towers can provide significantly higher airflow rates than open windows with the same
the same
area area [57].problems
The following
[57]. However, However,
application
of application
integrated systems
of wind towers of iswind oftowers
heat recovery
generally
and decentralized
is generally
limited limited
to tropical
ventilation
to tropical
climates
can
climates
because seasonal
be foundseasonal
because based ontemperatures
the aforementioned studies:
temperatures in colder climatesin arecolder
too lowclimates are toodirectly
to circulate low to into
circulate directly
interior intoWind
spaces. interior spaces.
towers are
Wind towers
1. Unexpected
usually are usually
air bypass
closed to avoid closed
loss ofleakage to avoid
heating[45]; loss of heating energy in winter [55]. To address
energy in winter [55]. To address this limitation, combining heat this
limitation,
2. Noise
recovery combining toheat
from fans with
technology recovery
achieve
wind technology
ventilation
towers bewith
requirements
could wind
a sensible towers could
[45];
solution. Thisbe a sensible
kind solution.
of integration This
would
kind of integration
3. helpful
be Lack of would
forventilation
stabilizingunitbe helpful
operation
the heat for
flux ofandstabilizing
airflowto
buildings the heat
control flux
reducestrategy of buildings
[44,46].
total energy to reduce total
consumption demands and energy
consumption demands and
enhance indoor thermal comfort. enhance indoor thermal comfort.
Table
4.2. Heat
Table 32 summarizes
summarizes
Recovery Combined thewith
the studies of different
Passive
studies of different
Systems forbuilding
Building
building components integratedinto
Componentsintegrated
components intoheat
heatrecovery.
recovery.
Recently, heat recovery systems have been considered to be combined with building
components such as building walls [48–51], roofs [52] and wind towers [53–56]. For example, it has
been found that wind towers can provide significantly higher airflow rates than open windows with
the same area [57]. However, application of wind towers is generally limited to tropical climates
because seasonal temperatures in colder climates are too low to circulate directly into interior spaces.
Wind towers are usually closed to avoid loss of heating energy in winter [55]. To address this
limitation, combining heat recovery technology with wind towers could be a sensible solution. This
kind of integration would be helpful for stabilizing the heat flux of buildings to reduce total energy
consumption demands and enhance indoor thermal comfort.
Energies 2019, 12, 1285
Energies 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 23 11 of 22
Energies
Energies 2019,
2019, 12,
12, xx FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 11
11 of
of 23
23
Table 2. A summary of heat recovery systems integrated into building components.
Table
Building
Images Table 2.
2. A
A summary
summary of heat
heat recovery
recovery systems
ofResearch systems integrated
integrated into
into building
Key Features building components.
components.
Outcomes
Economic
Reference
Component
Building
Building Methodology
Research Analysis
Economic
Building
Building Images
Images Research
Research Methodology
Research Key Key Features
Features Outcomes Outcomes EconomicEconomic Economic Analysis
Reference Reference
Component
Component Images
Images Methodology
Experimental Key Features
Key Features Outcomes
Outcomes Analysis Reference
Reference
Component
Component Methodology
Methodology Analysis
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investigation
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TRNSYS software with
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(GDHE)
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about €14.31/m
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Energies 2019, 12, 1285 12 of 22

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Images Research Methodology Key Features Outcomes 12 Analysis
Economic of 23 Reference
Component
System can cool down

System can cool down
A cooling wind tower System
air flow up to can
andcoolcan
System
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CFD software incorporating heat pipe at lower weed flow up12to°C,
12and
CFD software incorporating heat pipe heat pipe at lower weed speeds NA
incorporating [53,54]
CFD software
simulation CFD softwaretechnology
simulationincorporating
and cool sink; heat pipe (1–2 m/s), it at
passive lower
can weedweed
reduce
lower speeds speeds (1–2 NA [53,54]
NA [53,54]
simulation technology and cool sink;
technology passive
and cool sink; (1–2 m/s), it can reduce NA [53,54]
simulation cooling system.
technology and cool sink; passive
the (1–2 m/s),
temperature it can
m/s), reduce
it can reduce the
cooling system. system. the temperature
cooling passive
system. cooling significantly. the temperature
temperature significantly.
significantly.
significantly.
The application of the

Wind tower CFD software The application of the
CFD software The application
system can heat the of the
CFD software
simulation and systemThe can application
heat the of the system
simulation andHeat pipes integrated into a supply air bysystem
up to can
4.5 heat the
experimentalCFD software
simulation and simulationHeat pipes integrated into a supply can
air heat
by up the supply air by up
to 4.5
experimental Heat
multi-directional Heat
pipes
wind pipes
tower; integrated
integrated into a
°C. In into a
supply
addition, the air
heatby up to 4.5 NA [55]
and experimental
experimental
investigation (1:10 multi-directional wind tower; to 4.5 ◦ C.the
°C. In addition, Inheat
addition, NA [55]
multi-directional
recovers exhaust
investigation (1:10 heat. wind tower;
multi-directional wind
pipes °C. down
tower;
can slow In addition, the heat NA [55]
NA [55]
Wind tower investigation (1:10
investigation (1:10
scale experimental scalerecovers exhaust heat. the heat
pipes can slow downpipes can slow down
Wind tower scale experimental recoversrecovers
exhaust heat.
exhausttheheat. pipes
air supply can
rates byslow down
Wind tower platform) experimental platform)
scale experimental the air the air supply
supply rates by rates by
platform) up to 8–17%.the air supply rates by
platform) up to 8–17%.
up to 8–17%.
up to 8–17%.
The combination system

The combination
The system system can
can cool down Thethe inletcombination
combination system
can cool down
cool downthe inlet
the inlet air
Experimental air can cool
temperature up down
to the inlet
Experimental
Experimental investigation air temperature up to
investigationExperimental
usingaalarge-scale chamber Integrated system 0.9–1.8 temperature
air temperature up toup to 0.9–1.8 ◦ C.
using
investigation Integrated
using a system with heat with°C. The
heat heat
0.9–1.8 °C. The heat
investigation
large-scale chamber (3 using a Integrated system with heat exchange rate 0.9–1.8The
of the heatheat
°C. The exchange rate of the
(3 m × 3 mchamber
large-scale ×recovery
5.6 m)(3 with
and a catcher;
recovery
Integrated
wind system and
with wind
helps heat catcher;exchange rate of the NA [56] NA [56]
m × 3 m × 5.6large-scale
m) with chamber (3 recovery and wind catcher; unit exchange
varies from
helps unit
50% to varies
rate of thefrom 50% to 70% NA [56]
wind
m×3m catcher tounit
× 5.6 m) (0.7
assist
with airm ×
recovery
flow. helps to assist
and wind air
catcher; flow.
helps unit varies from 50% to NA [56]
m × 3
a wind catcher unit m × 5.6 m) with to assist air flow. unit with
varies
70% with different air different
from 50% air
to flow
3.2 m ×catcher
a wind 0.45 m)unit to assist air flow. 70% with different air
(0.7 m× 3.2 ma wind
× 0.45catcher
m) unit velocities,
70%which
flow velocities, with differentwhich
air range from
(0.7 m× 3.2 m × 0.45 m) flow velocities, which
(0.7 m× 3.2 m × 0.45 m) range from 1.2 flow 1.2 to 3.1which
tovelocities,
3.1 m/s.
(Redrawn by authors) range from 1.2 to 3.1
m/s. range from 1.2 to 3.1
m/s.
(Redrawn by authors) NA: Not available. m/s.
(Redrawn by authors)
(Redrawn by authors) NA: Not available
NA:
NA: Not
Not available
available
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 13 of 22
According to aforementioned studies, the superiority of the combination system can be described
as follows:
1. Can reach the desired airflow rate (8 L/s to 10 L/s per person) for wind tower combination
system applications [54];
2. Can help to stabilize the heat flux of buildings to reduce the total energy consumption demands
and enhance indoor thermal comfort [48–51];
3. Can heat the indoor air (which varies from 0.9 to 4.5 ◦ C) through heat recovery, reducing
energy loss [53–56].
However, except for the potential of energy savings, the limitations of the systems may also be
summarized:
1. Insufficient data of real-scale investigations for heat pipes combined with walls. Latest research
focuses on computational simulations or testing of single wall prototypes [48,49,51];
2. Lack of real-life testing. There is insufficient data to evaluate performance of durability, cost,
and easy-operation. Further modelling using different climate zones needs to be investigated as
well [53];
3. The side effects of air pollution on heat recovery systems and inlet air are ignored [55];
4. For heat pipe heat recovery, the optimization of heat pipe space and plans are also
disregarded [53–55].
4.3. Heat Recovery in Dehumidification Systems

Heat recovery is an important component of a dehumidification system [12]. Kabeel has stated
that higher pressure drops and uneven humidity distribution are caused by using densely packed
beds [58]. Many studies have been carried out to investigate the performance of dehumidification with
heat recovery systems. Table 4 lists the development on common types of heat recovery, including
rotary wheel exchangers, fixed-plate exchangers, and desiccant-coated heat exchangers, combined
with dehumidification systems.
According to the aforementioned studies, the following summary could be given:
1. Rotary desiccant wheels are always the better choice for adjusting the relative humidity of
airflows [59]. These systems can achieve moisture removal rates of 1.7 g/kg~7 g/kg [60,61].
Rotary desiccant wheels find wide use in various climate conditions, mostly in humid and hot
climates. However, more optimal models and verification are needed, including extensive
cross-sectional area [62], airflow and rotation speed control [63], and lower pressure drop
strategies [59];
2. For fixed-plate heat exchangers, enthalpy heat recovery can improve frost resistance compared to
fixed-plate sensible heat recovery, as well as better sensible and latent effectiveness and smaller
space due to its more compact design compared to common cross-flow heat recovery system [64].
Fixed-plate enthalpy heat recovery enjoys a bright future in residential building applications as it
helps to avoid cross contamination and to improve air quality with the dehumidification system.
To achieve better thermal performance of enthalpy heat exchangers and more wide-ranging
applications for different climate conditions, increasing transfer units or changing the properties
of membrane materials chemically might be considered;
3. Solid desiccant cooling technology is energy-saving and eco-friendly. Desiccant-coated heat
recovery can transfer sensible and latent heat at the same time. It has been found that
silica gel-coated heat recovery has better performance than polymer-coated heat recovery [65].
As the dehumidification and regeneration cycles greatly affect the dehumidification process,
the best adjustable mode should be identified. However, it would be hard to repair or replace
desiccant-coated heat recovery system, as this would bring about high costs to the system, making
it unsuitable for small-scale residential building applications.
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 Energies
Energies 2019,
2019, 12, 12, xPEER
x FOR FOR REVIEW
PEER REVIEW 14 of 23
14 of 23 14 of 22
Table 3. A summary of different types of heat exchangers with dehumidification systems.

TableTable 3. A summary
3. A summary of different
of different types types ofexchangers
of heat heat exchangers with dehumidification
systems.
Table 4. A summary of different types of heat exchangers
Research
Climate
Type Images Key Features Research
Research Results Climate Reference
Climate
Type Type Images
Images Key Features
Key Features Methodology
Methodology Results Results Conditions
Conditions
Reference
Reference
Type Images Key Features Methodology
Research Methodology ResultsConditions Climate Conditions Reference
Moisture removal
Moisture capacity
removal can can
capacity
Rotary wheelwheel
with polymer Moisture removal capacity can capacity can
RotaryRotary with polymer
wheel with polymer achieve 7 g/kg. Moisture
achieve The desiccantremoval
composite
Rotary desiccant,
wheel
composite with polymer
desiccant, achieve 7 g/kg.7 The
g/kg.
achieve
The desiccant
desiccant
7 g/kg. The desiccant
composite desiccant, wheel-heat pump
wheel-heat system
pump can
system can Humid Humid
sandwiched
composite between
desiccant,
sandwiched
sandwiched between
the
between
the the LaboratoryLaboratory wheel-heat
sandwichedLaboratory
decrease
pump
relative
system
wheel-heat
humidity
can
pump Humid
system can
subtropical [60] subtropical
Humid
condenser
between and
the evaporator
condenser and experiment
Laboratory decrease
decrease
experimentrelativerelative
decrease humidity
humidity relative humidity subtropical
subtropical
from [60] [60] [60]
condenser and evaporator
condenser and evaporator experiment
experiment from 59% to 45% and cool climate climate
evaporator
section section
of a heat of
pump a heat pump
with air from 59% to
59% 45%
from 59% to 45% and cool to and
45% cool
and cool down climate
climatethe
section
section of a of apump
heat heat pump
with with air
air down the air from 32 °C to 29
◦ ◦
with air channels
channels down the
down the air from air from
air from
32 °C3232 °C
to 29 to 29
C to 29 C
channels
channels °C during testing.
°C during
°C during during
testing.testing.testing.
The model can achieve

The model 55% of
can achieve
Laboratory The
Laboratory model can achieve
The model of55% of 55% of
55%can
Rotary desiccant
Rotary desiccant with withLaboratory
wheelwheel airflow dehumidification
airflow with achieve
dehumidification Temperate
Rotary
Rotary desiccant
desiccantwheel
wheel with
with experiment
experiment airflow dehumidification
airflow with withTemperate
dehumidification Temperate
with
passive
passive
passive
ventilation,
passive
ventilation,
ventilation,
coatedcoated
ventilation,
coated
in
coatedin inexperiment
and CFD
in silica
lowerlower
lower
regeneration
Laboratory experiment
regeneration
lower
air air
regeneration
air
regeneration
marine
marine
air
[59]
marine Temperate
[59] [59]
marine
[59]
silica silica
gel particles and andCFD
CFD
and CFDsimulation
temperature and a lower climate climate
gel particles
silica gel particles
gel particles simulation temperature
temperature and a and
lowera lower
temperature and a lower climate
climate
simulation pressure drop.
simulation pressure
pressure drop. drop.
pressure drop.
Rotary
RotaryRotary
Rotary desiccant
desiccant
desiccant
desiccant
wheel Silica gel and active alumina
wheel Silica Silica gelactive
and active alumina
wheelwheel Periodic total rotary heat
gel and
desiccant Silica
material
alumina
cangel and active alumina
achieve
Periodic
Periodic total rotary
total rotary heat heat desiccant
desiccant material
material can can
achieveachieve
desiccant material Humid
canHumid
achieve
recovery
Periodic with
total rotary heat recoveryLaboratory high moisture removal, 2.1 Humid
recovery
recovery with with Laboratory high
Laboratory high moisture
moisture high removal,
removal, 2.1 2.1
moisture subtropical
removal, 2.1 g/kg [66] subtropical
Humid
with polymer/alumina
polymer/alumina
polymer/alumina compositeexperiment
composite Laboratory experiment
g/kg and 1.7 g/kg, at subtropical
subtropical [66] [66] [66]
polymer/alumina composite composite experiment
experiment g/kg and
g/kg and 1.7 g/kg, 1.7 g/kg, at
andat1.7 g/kg, at regenerating
climate climate
desiccant
desiccant regenerating temperatures of ◦ climateclimate
◦
desiccant
desiccant regenerating
regenerating temperatures
temperatures
temperatures of C and 25 C,
of of 40
40 °C 40
and 25 °C, respectively.
40 °C and °C,respectively.
°C25and 25 °C, respectively.
respectively.
Mathematical
MathematicalThe COP was
The was calculated
COPcalculated
was as 5.5 as 5.5
calculated
Mathematical The COP The COP was
as 5.5calculated as 5.5
Humid
Heat pump-driven two-stage model and and under summer conditions with with Humid Humid
Heat Heat pump-driven
pump-driven two-stage
two-stage
Heat pump-driven two-stage model
Mathematical
model and under summer conditions
under summer conditions withconditions
model and under summer with a
continental Humid continental
[63] [63]
desiccant wheel system laboratory a supply air humidity ratio of continental [63]
continental [63]
desiccant wheel
desiccant
desiccant system
wheelwheel
systemsystem laboratory experiment
laboratory a supply
laboratory a supply supply air
air humidity
air humidity humidity ratio
ratio of climate
ratio of of climate
experiment 10 g/kg. climate
climate
experiment 10
experiment 10 g/kg. 10 g/kg.
g/kg.
The overall cooling capacitycooling capacity can

The overall
Internally
Internallycooled
cooled64%
64% can increase by increase
64% andbythe64% and the
Humid
EER by
Laboratory Humid subtropical
desiccant-coated
desiccant-coatedwheel
wheelwith
with heat EER by 21% with
Laboratory experiment 21%this
with this modelsubtropical
model compared [62] [62]
experiment climate
exchanger
heat exchanger to those
compared to those usingusing
an an adiabatic
climate
desiccant
adiabatic desiccant wheel.wheel.
The unit can achieve a

Theoretical
Desiccant wheel using temperature rise of up to 9.4 °C Humid
study and
humidity swing adsorption with an adsorption-to- continental [61]
laboratory
(HSA) regeneration air ratio of 1:2 climate
experiment
and 8 rph rotary speed.
Membrane heat exchanger Laboratory

The unit can help save up to
using Kraft paper to transfer experiment Humid
8% of annual energy
heat and moisture, assisting and HPRate subtropical [21]
consumption in hot and humid
heating, ventilation, and air software climate
climates.
Energies2019,
Energies
Energies 2019,12,
2019, 12,x
12, xxFOR
FORPEER
FOR PEERREVIEW
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 15 of
15
15 of 23
of 23
23
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 15 of 22
Theoverall
The
The overallcooling
overall coolingcapacity
cooling capacity
capacity
Internallycooled
cooled64%
64% The overall
increasecooling
canincrease 64%capacity
by64% andthe
the Humid
Internally
Internally cooled 64% can
can increase by
by 64% and
and the Humid
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Internally cooled 64% Laboratory
Laboratory
Laboratory can increase by 64% and the Humid
desiccant-coated
desiccant-coated
desiccant-coated wheelwith
wheel
wheel with
with Laboratory EERby
EER
EER by21%
by 21%with
21% withthis
with this
this model
model
model subtropical
subtropical
subtropical [62]
[62]
[62]
desiccant-coated Table 4.experiment
Cont.
experiment
heat
heat exchanger wheel with
heatexchanger
exchanger
experiment
experiment
EER by 21%towith
compared
compared
compared to those
to those
this
those model
using
using
using an
an
an
subtropical
climate
climate
climate
[62]
heat exchanger compared to those using
adiabaticdesiccant
desiccant an
wheel. climate
adiabatic
adiabatic desiccant wheel.
wheel.
Type Images Key Features adiabatic desiccant wheel. Results
Research Methodology Climate Conditions Reference
Theunit
The
The unitcan
unit canachieve
can achieve aaa can achieve a
The unit
achieve
Theoretical
Theoretical The unit can achieve a to 9.4rise
Desiccantwheel
Desiccant
Desiccant wheelusing
wheel using
using
Theoretical
Theoretical temperature
temperature
temperature rise
risetemperature
rise ofup
of
of up
up to
to 9.4 °C
9.4 °C to 9.4 ◦ C
°C of upHumid
Humid
Humid
Desiccant wheel
Desiccantswing using
wheeladsorption study
study
study
using humidity study and
and
and
Theoretical temperature
study and risewith
of up
an to 9.4 °C Humid Humid
humidity
humidity swing adsorption
humidity swing adsorption and with
with an
an adsorption-to-
adsorption-to-
with an adsorption-to- continental
continental
continental [61] continental
[61]
[61] [61]
humidity swing adsorption
swing adsorption (HSA) laboratory
laboratory with an adsorption-to-
laboratory experiment continental [61] climate
(HSA)
(HSA)
(HSA)
laboratory
laboratory regeneration
regeneration
regeneration airadsorption-to-regeneration
air
air ratioof
ratio
ratio of1:2
of 1:2
1:2 climate
climate
air
climate
(HSA) experiment
experiment
experiment regeneration air ratio
ratioofof1:2
1:2and 8 rph climate
experiment and888rph
and
and rphrotary
rph rotaryspeed.
rotary speed.
speed.
and 8 rph rotaryrotaryspeed. speed.
Membrane
Membrane
Membrane
Membraneheat heat
heat
heat exchanger
exchanger
exchanger
heatexchanger Laboratory
Laboratory
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exchanger using Laboratory
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The
The unitcan
unit canhelp
can helpsave
help saveup
save upto
up to
to
using
using
using Kraft
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paperpaper
paper totransfer
to
to transfer
transfer
to transfer experiment
heat and experiment
experiment The unit
Laboratory experiment can help
Thesave
unitupcan Humid
to help saveHumid
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up to 8%
using Kraft paper to transfer experiment 8%of
8% of annual
annual energy
energy Humid Humid
heat
heat andmoisture,
and
moisture, moisture, assisting
assistingassisting
heating, andHPRate
and HPRate
and
8% of
HPRate software
8% of
annual
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energy
of annual
energy subtropical
subtropical [21] subtropical
[21]
heat
heat
and
and
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assisting
assisting
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and
HPRate
HPRate consumptionin
consumption
consumption inhot
in hotand
hot humid subtropicalin
energy
andhumid
and humid
consumption
subtropical [21]
[21] climate
[21]
heating,
heating,
heating, ventilation,
ventilation,
ventilation, andair
and air
and air conditioning
ventilation, and air software
software
analysis
software consumption inhot
hotand
andhumid
humidclimates. climate
climate
climate
heating, climates.
climates.
(HVAC)ventilation,
system.
conditioning
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conditioning (HVAC)
(HVAC)
(HVAC)
and air
system.
system.
system.
software
analysis
analysis
analysis
climates.
climates.
climate
conditioning (HVAC) system. analysis
Undercold
Under
Under coldconditions,
cold conditions,
conditions,
Under cold theconditions,
the
the unit
unit
unit the unit
Theoretical
Theoretical
Theoretical Under cold 88.5–94.5%
conditions, sensiblethe unit
Theoretical canobtain
can
can obtain
obtain 88.5–94.5%
can
88.5–94.5% obtainsensible
88.5–94.5%
sensible sensible
calculation
calculation
Theoretical calculation
calculation can obtain 88.5–94.5% sensible
Novel
Novel
Novel quasi-counter-flow
Novelquasi-counter-flow
quasi-counter-flow
quasi-counter-flow calculation effectivenessand
effectiveness
effectiveness and
and 73.7–83.5%and 73.7–83.5%
73.7–83.5%
effectiveness
73.7–83.5%
Fixed-plate Novel quasi-counter-flow and and laboratory
and
and effectiveness and 73.7–83.5% Coldclimate
Cold
Cold climate
climate [64]
Cold climate
[64]
[64] [64]
membrane
membrane
membrane
membrane energyexchanger
energy
energy
energy exchanger
exchanger
exchanger and latenteffectiveness
latent
latent effectiveness
effectiveness latent effectivenessCold
with
with
with withclimate
supply [64]
membrane energy exchanger experiment
laboratory
laboratory
laboratory latent effectiveness with
supply
supply air air
temperature temperature ranging from −4
Fixed-plate
Fixed-plate
Fixed-plate laboratory
experiment
experiment supply air air temperature
temperature ◦
Fixed-plate experiment supply
rangingair temperature
from −4toto1010
to 10C. °C.
experiment ranging
ranging from
from −4
−4 to 10 °C.
°C.
ranging from −4 to 10 °C.
Forcooling,
For
For cooling,increasing
cooling, increasing
increasing
For cooling, outdoor
outdoor
outdoor
increasing outdoor
For cooling,
relative increasing
humidity outdoor
willcause
cause
relative
relative humidity
humidity will
relative
will humidity will cause
cause
Mathematical
Mathematical
Mathematical relative humidity will cause
Mathematical decreased
decreased
decreased sensible
sensible
sensible heat
heat
decreased
heat sensible heat transfer
model
model
model decreased sensible heat
model transferefficiency
transfer
transfer efficiency
efficiency efficiency
and and increased latent
and
and
Heatexchanger
Heat
Heat exchangerwith
exchanger with
with (outdoor
(outdoor
(outdoor transfer efficiency and
Heat exchanger with Mathematicalincreased
(outdoor model latent
increased
increased latentheat
latent heattransfer
heat
heat transferefficiency. For
transfer
transfer
asymmetric
asymmetric composite
composite relative
with asymmetricrelative increased NA
NA [67]
[67]
asymmetric
asymmetric
composite
Heat exchanger
composite
relative
relative efficiency.latent
(outdoor relative
efficiency.
efficiency. For
For
heat transfer
heating
Forheating
heating
heating with
with
with
NA
with outdoor relative
NA
[67]
[67] NA [67]
membranes
membranes
composite membranes
membranes humidity
humidity efficiency.
humidity range
humidity For heating
humidity with
below 60%, a higher
membranes humidity outdoor
outdoor relative
outdoor relative humidity
relative humidity
humidity
Energies 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW range
range
range45%−90%) outdoor relative relative
humidity humidity (RH) rate will 16 of 23
range below60%,
below
below 60%,
60%, aahigher
a higher
higher relative
relative
relative
45%−90%)
45%−90%)
45%−90%) below 60%, a causerelative
higher a slightly increased latent
45%−90%) humidity
humidity
humidity (RH) (RH)
(RH) rate
rate will
will cause
will cause
rate also cause
effectiveness
humidity (RH) effectiveness
while
rate will causewhile also
aaaslightly
slightlyincreased
slightly increased
increased latent
latent
latent
producing a rather stable and
a slightly increased latent and
producing a rather stable
sensible effectiveness. sensible effectiveness.
Under simulated conditions,

the lowest humidity ratio of
supply air decreases
supply from
air decreases from about
Desiccant-coated heat about 9.5 g/kg to 8 g/kg. The
9.5 g/kg to 8 g/kg. The Humid
cooling
Desiccant-coated heat exchanger,Mathematical Humid subtropical
exchanger, desiccant cooling Mathematicalcooling
model capacitycapacity
of the model subtropical
of the model increased [68] [68]
Desiccant-coated heat desiccant cooling system model climate
system increased by 30%bycompared
30% compared with other
climate
exchanger
desiccant-coated heat recovery
with other desiccant-coated
systemswithout
heat recovery systems without
self-cooled recovery.
The average moisture removal

Outdoor Humid
Fin-tube heat exchanger with rate is 5.3 g/kg and the average
experiment subtropical [69]
Desiccant- silica gel coating thermal COP was calculated as
investigation climate
coated heat being 0.34.
exchanger
effectiveness while also
effectiveness while also
sensible effectiveness.
sensible effectiveness.
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 supply air decreases from 16 of 22
supply air decreases from
Desiccant-coated heat about 9.5 g/kg to 8 g/kg. The Humid
Desiccant-coated heat Mathematical about 9.5 g/kg to 8 g/kg. The Humid
exchanger, desiccant cooling Mathematical cooling capacity of the model subtropical [68]
exchanger, desiccant cooling model cooling capacity of the model subtropical [68]
system model increased by 30% compared climate
system increased by 30% compared climate
Table 4. Cont. with other desiccant-coated
with other desiccant-coated
Type Images Key Features Research Methodology
self-cooled recovery. Results Climate Conditions Reference

The average moistureHumid
removal
Outdoor The average moisture removal
Fin-tube heat
Fin-tubeheat exchanger
heatexchanger with
exchangerwith Outdoor
with silica rate is 5.3 g/kg and
Outdoor experiment the
rate the average
is 5.3 Humid
g/kg and the average Humid subtropical
Fin-tube experiment rate is 5.3 g/kg and average subtropical [69] [69]
Desiccant- gel coating
silica gel coating experiment
investigationthermal COP was thermal COP as
calculated subtropical
was calculated as [69] climate
Desiccant- silica gel coating investigation thermal COP was calculated as climate
coated heat investigation being 0.34. being 0.34. climate
coated heat being 0.34.
exchanger
exchanger

Outdoor The average moisture removal Humid
Solid desiccant-coated heat Outdoor rate was 8 g/kg The
and average
the moistureHumid
removal
Solid
Soliddesiccant-coated
desiccant-coatedheat rate was 8 g/kg and the
Outdoor experiment
experiment subtropical Humid
[70] subtropical
exchanger experiment rate was 8 g/kg
thermal COP was calculated as subtropical
and the thermal [70] [70]
heat exchanger
exchanger investigation
investigation thermal COP was calculated as climate climate
investigation being 1.2. COP was calculated as being 1.2.
climate
being 1.2.
NA: Not available

NA: Not
NA:available
Not available.
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 17 of 22
For all combination systems, strategies for controlling airflow and real-life investigation under
different climate conditions are needed.
4.4. Heat Recovery with Thermoelectric Units

Since passive heat recovery systems take advantage of temperature differences between indoor
and outdoor air streams, exhaust heat cannot be fully recovered. To tackle this disadvantage
of conventional heat recovery, some researchers have proposed novel thermoelectric heat pump
recovery systems [71–74]. Thermoelectric modules are solid state heat pumps that utilize the Peltier
effect. During operation, DC current flows through the thermoelectric module, causing heat to be
transferred from one side of the thermoelectric device to the other and creating a cold and hot side [75].
Temperature difference could be an approach to achieve heat recovery. Thermoelectric modules
can also create electric energy when there is heat flux, which is called the thermoelectric generator
(TEG) and works via the Seebeck effect [75]. Much focus has been placed on heat exchangers with
thermoelectric generators for industrial and car waste heat recovery over decades, especially with
the heat pipe type [76–79]. Currently, several studies about fixed-plate and heat pipe heat exchangers
combined with thermoelectric modules for building ventilation application have appeared.
Table 5 lists current studies of heat recovery combined with thermoelectric units, including key
features and economic evaluation.
From the current literature, some prospects and outlooks may be described:
1. Heat exchangers combined with TE modules have more potential to achieve better thermal
performance under optimal condition simulations [71]. However, further study is needed to
investigate their long-term operation in domestic building applications;
2. These novel systems benefit from their compact size, low electric energy consumption,
environmental-friendly device structure, and rather low cost [71], which makes them a sensible
choice with which to deal with heat loss during building ventilation;
3. Since TE modules create redundant heat during their operation, the application of energy storage
materials might be considered to balance out cooling and heating needs [72].
Table 4. Heat recovery systems integrated with thermoelectric (TE) modules.
Extent of Research
Type Images Outcomes Economic Analysis Suggestions Reference
Energies 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW Study Methodology/Software 18 of 23
By controlling
operating variables,
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 including 18 of 22
Table 4. Heat recovery systems integrated with thermoelectric thermoelectric
(TE) modules.
Extent of Research numbers, filling Under the optimal Further study is

Type Images Outcomes
factors, length of P- Economic
parametricAnalysis
conditions, Suggestions
needed to test the Reference
Study Methodology/Software
Mathematical model ByNcontrolling legs, couple the operating cost of feasibility of cost-
Theoretical
Table 5. Heat recovery systems integrated with thermoelectric (TE) modules.
analysis
including cost- numbersvariables,
operating of [71] the heat exchanger with performance
performance model thermoelectric
including thermoelectric module conditions when
cooler (TEC),
thermoelectric and (HE-TE) system is multiple TECs
Type Images Extent of Study Research Methodology/Software Outcomes Economic Analysis Suggestions Reference
overall thermal
numbers, filling lower
Underthan 0.02 $/kWh. Further
the optimal are applied.
study is
conductance, By controlling operating variables,
factors, length of P- parametric conditions, needed to test the
including thermoelectric numbers, Under the optimal parametric
Mathematical model Nseparately,
legs, couple the COP the operating cost of feasibility of cost- Further study is needed to test
Theoretical of the system varies the heatfilling factors, length of P-N legs, conditions, the operating cost of
including cost-
Mathematicalnumbersmodel of including exchanger with performance [71] the feasibility of
analysis
Theoretical analysis from 2.18 to 4.37. couple numbers of thermoelectric the heat exchanger with [71]
Fixed- performance model thermoelectric
cost-performance model thermoelectric module conditions when cost-performance conditions
cooler (TEC), and
cooler (TEC),
(HE-TE) system is
and overall thermal
Phase
multiple change
TECs
thermoelectric module (HE-TE)
plate when multiple TECs are applied.
overall thermal
conductance, separately,
lower than 0.02 $/kWh.
the COP
material
are applied.
of
(PCM) system is lower than 0.02 $/kWh.
conductance, the system varies from 2.18 to 4.37.
could be
separately, the COP considered as the
Phase change material (PCM)
ofThis novel system
the system varies thermal energy
could be considered as the
can achieve
from 2.18 to 4.37. overall This novel system can achieve
storage of the
Fixed-
thermal energy storage of the
Fixed-plate coefficients of overall coefficients of Phase cooling and
solar-driven
change
plate
Experimental solar-driven exhaust air
Establish an experimental
cooling and heating platform heating of about 50.6% and 57.9%,
exhaust
material air
(PCM)
NA [72]
investigation
Experimental Establish an thermoelectric heat pump
of about 50.6% and respectively,
NA under optimal thermoelectric
could be [72]
investigation experimental platform recovery (SDEATHP) system to
57.9%, respectively, operating current and voltage.
heat pump
considered as the
Energies2019,
Energies 2019,12,
12,xxFOR
FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
REVIEW 1919ofof2323
balance the cooling or heating
Energies 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW under
This novel optimal
system thermal recovery
energy 19 of 23 needs of fresh air handling.
operating
can achieve overallcurrent (SDEATHP)
storage of the
and voltage.
coefficients of system to balance
solar-driven
The
cooling finned
and heat
heatingsink the cooling
exhaust air or
Experimental Establish an The finned heat sink
The
ofwithfinned
about heatand
thermoelectric
50.6% sink NA heating needs of
thermoelectric [72]
investigation experimental platform with thermoelectric The finned heat sink with
with
57.9%, thermoelectric
unitshashas relatively
respectively, fresh
heat pump air
Laboratoryconditions units
conditions units relatively thermoelectric units has relatively
Experimental Laboratory
Experimental Laboratory poor
under has relatively
output
conditions
optimal and Heatexchanger
exchangercost
costisis handling.
recovery Heat exchanger cost is
and conditions
MATLAB poor output Heat poor output performance [73] [73]
Experimental
investigation and MATLAB
investigationmathematic MATLABpoor output
performance
mathematic model Heat$15.12/(W/K).
exchanger cost
$15.12/(W/K). is [73]
investigation and MATLAB model
operating
performance current
compared to the heat pipe with
(SDEATHP) [73] $15.12/(W/K).
investigation mathematic model performance
compared $15.12/(W/K).
mathematic model and voltage.
compared totothe
the
TE units.
system to balance
compared
heat pipe to theTE
with the cooling or
heat pipe with TE
heat pipe with TE
units. heating needs of
units.
units. fresh air
handling.
Theoretical model
Theoretical model
Theoretical model
usingeffectiveness-
effectiveness- Withincreasing
increasingair air
using With
Theoretical using
NTU effectiveness-
of With
(numberofTheoretical increasing
model
flowvelocity,
velocity, air
using
the
Theoretical NTU (number flow the
Theoretical
Theoretical
analysisand
and NTU
analysis (number of flow
and unit) effectiveness-NTU
transfer method heat velocity,
heatrecovery the
(number of
recovery With increasing air flow velocity,
analysis transfer unit) method N/A [74]
analysis and
experimental transfer
experimental unit) method
andlaboratory
laboratory transferheat
scale unit) recovery
method
efficiency and
increased N/A
the heat recovery efficiency [74] N/A [74]
experimental and scale efficiency increased N/A [74]
experimental
investigation and
investigationwith laboratory
two scaleair scale
laboratory
separate efficiency
from with
67.9% increased
two to separate increased from 67.9% to 72.4%.
investigation with two separate air from 67.9% to
investigation with two
ducts separate
(170 air
mmairducts from
160 (170 67.9%
mm ×to160 mm)
ducts (170 mm ××160 72.4%.
72.4%.
ducts (170mm) mm × 160 72.4%.
Heat pipeHeat mm)
mm)
Heat
Heat
pipe
pipe Theheat
heatpipe
pipe
pipe The
The heat pipe
combined withthe
the
combined with
combined with the
thermoelectric unit
thermoelectric unit The heat pipe
Experimental condition thermoelectric
Laboratorycondition coolingmethod
cooling method unit Heat
Heat exchanger
exchanger costcombined
cost isis with the
Experimental
Experimental Laboratory Laboratory
condition condition
cooling method and Heatthermoelectric
exchanger unit cooling method
cost is [73]
Heat exchanger cost is
[73]
investigation
investigation andmathematic
and mathematic model
model shows
shows betteroutput
better output $10.67/(W/K).
$10.67/(W/K). [73] [73]
investigation
investigation and mathematic modelmathematic
shows model
better
performance output shows better output performance
$10.67/(W/K). $10.67/(W/K).
performance
performance
comparedtotothat
thatofof compared to that of the heat sink.
compared
compared
theheat to that of
heatsink.
sink.
the
the heat sink.
NA:Not
NA: Notavailable.
available.P:P:p-type
p-typesemiconductor;
semiconductor;N:
N:n-type
n-typesemiconductor.
semiconductor.
NA: Not available.NA:
P: p-type
Notsemiconductor;
available. P:N:p-type
n-type semiconductor.
semiconductor; N: n-type semiconductor.
Energies 2019, 12, 1285 19 of 22
5. Summary
This review has presented a summary of heat recovery technologies for residential building
applications, including the integration of heat recovery with some energy-saving systems. Some
conclusions about and limitations of these current studies are the following:
1. The combination of heat recovery with passive systems of building components can obviously
reduce heat losses and inlet air flow rate. The combination of heat pipe and rotary wheel heat
recovery with wind towers would be more compact than normal fixed-plate heat recovery [40].
However, unexpected noise from the DC motor for rotary wheel heat recovery could be an issue.
Further real-scale testing is needed for complex building wall systems to improve their heat flux
stability. In addition to wind towers and roofs, chimneys and transom could also be chosen to be
combined with heat recovery technology.
2. The effects of air pollution on decentralized ventilation with heat recovery systems lack further
investigation. Future study is also needed to deal with bypass leakages during operation [44].
3. Regarding heat recovery-assisted dehumidification systems, desiccant material should have low
sensible heat effectiveness [63]. Meanwhile, for membrane heat recovery, increasing transfer units
could be considered as a means to process better heat transfer.
4. Heat recovery combined with TE modules should be developed due to its compact size, low
electric energy consumption, environmental-friendly devices, and rather low cost. Further study
is needed to investigate its long-term operation in domestic building applications.
5. Heat pipe heat recovery systems enjoy more potential to be combined with other sustainable
technologies such as thermoelectric modules and solar energy systems due to its advantages,
including handy manufacturing and convenient maintenance, a lack of cross contamination,
and greater thermal conductance [39,73].
6. As seen in the current literature, many studies focus on mathematical model-based economic
analysis for heat recovery systems [71]. Further investigations into real-life evaluations with
economic analysis should be developed [56].
Funding: This research was funded by Innovate UK (project code: 104019). And the APC was funded by WSSET
(world society of sustainable energy technologies).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
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Energies: Review of Heat Recovery Technologies For Building Applications

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energies

Keywords: heat recovery; energy-efficient systems; residential building applications

Energies 2019, 12, 1285; doi:10.3390/en12071285 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Figure 2. Diagram of rotary wheel heat exchanger working mode [7].

Energies 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 23

Heat Pipe Fixed-Plate

Fixed-Plate Rotary Wheel Heat Pipe Run-around

Figure 11. Arrangement of the three heat exchangers [44].

Figure 14. Temperature

Table 3. A summary of heat recovery systems integrated into building components.

System can cool down

The application of the

The combination system

4.3. Heat Recovery in Dehumidification Systems

Table 3. A summary of different types of heat exchangers with dehumidification systems.

The model can achieve

The overall cooling capacitycooling capacity can

The unit can achieve a

Membrane heat exchanger Laboratory

Under simulated conditions,

The average moisture removal

The average moisture removal

The average moisture removal

NA: Not available

4.4. Heat Recovery with Thermoelectric Units

Extent of Research numbers, filling Under the optimal Further study is

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