EFFECT OF CONDENSATION ON THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS FOR BROILER HOUSES

Abstract

This study experimentally investigates the effect of internal condensation on the performance of a heat recovery ventilator. Experiments were performed using a plate-type sensible heat exchanger element that was designed for very humid and dusty environments such as chicken broiler houses. The results of these experiments show that the temperature efficiency considering condensation is always greater than that without considering latent heat. As outdoor temperature decreases or indoor relative humidity increases, temperature efficiency increases owing to an increase in the rate of condensation. The present polypropylene-based sensible heat exchanger element could be a solution for harsh environments because it can discharge condensate water by gravity and is resistant to moisture and other toxic gases.