Hospital Recovers Energy Without Risk of Supply Air Contamination
The Challenge
Hospitals provide an enormous opportunity for energy recovery due to their 24/7/365 operations. Energy from the exhaust air stream can be recovered in the winter and summer to precool or preheat supply air to the hospital and save a lot of energy dollars in the process. One key byproduct of energy recovery that must be avoided in hospitals is contamination of supply air with exhaust air. It is important that no odors or airborn pathogens be transferred into the supply air stream while energy is being recovered. Heat Pipe Technology provides the most reliable form of energy recovery without the threat of cross contamination.
The Solution
Energy Recovery Heat Pipe Systems
Heat Pipe Technology’s Energy Recovery Heat Pipes (HRMs) utilize the phase change of the working fluid, capture energy from the warmer air stream and transfer it to the cooler air stream. In colder climates such as Minnesota, the energy is transferred from the exhaust air stream to preheat the supply air stream. This reliable method has no moving parts, requires minimal maintenance, and is cross contamination proof
The Results
In July 2010, one HRM was installed in the hospital. The warm exhaust energy was transferred to the cooler supply air stream, yielding immediate savings by preheating the ambient air. Since Heat Pipe Technology’s HRMs are cross contamination proof, no pollutants or airborn pathogens from the exhaust air stream can enter the supply air stream; therefore, the ventilation requirements are truly met and the indoor air quality of the hospital is maintained.
The estimated savings for this system were just under $12,000 a year, resulting in a simple payback in under 2 years!
Related Blog Posts:
Energy Recovery Heat Pipes | 5 Advantages of using Heat Pipes for Air-To-Air Energy Recovery
Heat Pipe for HVAC Systems | Heat Pipe Theory
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