Analysis of the variable heat exchange efficiency of heat recovery ventilators and the associated heating energy demand

A simulation method was used to analyze the effect of the ERV's variable heat exchange efficiency on heating energy demand in the heating season. Two cases were analyzed. Case 2 analyzed the variable heat exchange effectiveness of the ERV based on the field measurements. Case 1 examined the fixed effectiveness proposed by the manufacturer. Simulation results showed that the heating energy demand in Case 2 was 69% higher than that in Case 1. This means that the heating energy demand may be underestimated if the heat exchange efficiency of the ventilation system is assumed to be constant in the simulation.