Enhanced performance of heat recovery ventilator by airflow-induced film vibration (HRV performance enhanced by FIV)

Heat recovery of air ventilation is a means of energy conversation in buildings. In the present paper, a plastic film heat recovery ventilator that works under cross-flow mode was developed. The thin film vibrates when airflow passes through the channels, which enhances heat exchange performance. Experiments, as well as theoretical analyses, were carried out to study the performance of such a unit. Results show that the effectiveness of the heat exchanger varies from 0.65 to 0.85 with airflow rate and the pressure drop is less than 20.0 Pa. Film vibration induced by airflow can improve heat transfer. The extent of the enhancement is proportional to film vibration intensity that increases with airflow rate while decreases with film thickness.