Recuperators with plate heat exchanger

Plate

— a heat exchanger based on a set of thin metal plates, between which the supply and exhaust air moves. "Warm" and "cold" channels are located, alternating, and separated by plates; due to the high thermal conductivity of the latter, heat transfer from the exhaust air to the supply air is ensured. The main advantages of plate heat exchangers are simplicity and low cost; in addition, this design is absolutely silent (except for the noise from the movement of air) and does not require additional power.

Among plate heat exchangers, two varieties can be distinguished, differing in material. The first is classic devices with metal or plastic plates; they are relatively inexpensive, but not very efficient (efficiency does not exceed 80%); besides, they do not return moisture from the exhaust air into the room and tend to freeze in the cold. The latter requires the use of automatic bypasses, and during the defrosting period, the heat exchanger is generally switched off. Heat exchangers with cellulose plates are considered more advanced — they return up to 92% of energy, do not freeze and work to recover not only heat but also moisture. However, such devices should not be used in swimming pools, bathrooms and other places with high humidity.