MULTIFLOW REDESIGN OF ENERGY RECOVERY UNITS
Buildings and their occupants need fresh air. Hence, there is a need for energy recovery equipment to recover energy from exhaust air.
As we pull out of COVID-19, the requirement for fresh air and mixing of air between occupied spaces are being re-evaluated. It is predicted that there will be a shift towards individual airflow and contaminant isolation of occupant areas, such as motel and accommodation precincts. Thus, the demand for multiple small-capacity equipment could rise.
There are many options in the 100-1000 l/s capacity to suit residential and small commercial projects, but every installer knows that these applications often have limited space for equipment. It is very common to get a unit on-site only to find that there is some unforeseen obstacle.
The basic principle of Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is the use of a heat exchange core to transfer heat (or cool) from the exhaust air leaving a building, to the incoming fresh air. This results in less energy needed to bring the fresh air up (or down) to the required indoor temperature and therefore saving significant operating costs.
The Research & Development team at Armcor Air Solutions has radically redesigned their XCM range of ERVs, to bring to market not only the most versatile unit available but also an Australian Made leading product.
The XCM is the XCHANGE COMPACT MULTIFLOW. XCHANGE refers to energy exchange, the heart of the unit. COMPACT signifies the low-profile height for horizontal or vertical installation, particularly suited for ceiling or underfloor spaces. And the key to success is the MULTIFLOW design thinking, which enables installation with a multitude of duct connection options by simply interchanging the access panel and the duct connection panel.
No shortcuts with quality – every unit is built from solid galvanised steel, with internal insulation, and has inbuilt 50mm accessible filters for both fresh air and return air inlets. The four access panels allow easy servicing of filters and fans. The electrical connection box is designed for simplicity of on-site connection and collars for duct connection are supplied with the unit.
Consultants and Contractors are encouraged to consider the benefits of specific energy-saving EC fans, which come fitted with a 0-10-volt variable speed controller. With a low power requirement and allowing full control from a BMS or low-level control system, these fans are becoming the most popular choice. Centrifugal fans are also available to help provide a lower initial cost option.
The selection of the Energy Recovery media is also important for a successful outcome. For example, an Enthalpy Energy Exchanger will transfer both sensible and latent heat, making it ideal for areas with high humidity. The exchanger is made from a special moisture infiltration material which allows the transfer of moisture while keeping the airstreams separate. On the other hand, a Sensible Energy Exchanger will only transfer sensible loads between two airstreams and is used in places where temperature transfer is required without any cross-contamination.
A true game-changer for flexible installation options – installers will love the time saving and versatility of the new XCM Compact Multiflow range of ERV from Armcor.
