An energy recovery wheel is a rotary heat exchanger typically deployed in HVAC systems. These devices — sometimes referred to as enthalpy or heat wheels — transfer heat and moisture between incoming fresh air and outgoing exhaust air (i.e. the air that is deliberately removed from the building or other environment).

As the energy recovery wheel rotates, it absorbs heat and moisture from the exhaust air and transfers them to the incoming air, pre-conditioning the incoming air to reduce the load on other heating and cooling mechanisms within the system. This process serves to save on energy expenditure and improve indoor air quality.

In their function, they are similar to liquid and air-to-air heat exchangers, which you can read about in more detail here.

Energy recovery wheels in HVAC systems

Across industries, energy efficiency and sustainability are justifiably front of mind in the modern era. These factors are especially prominent in building design and operation, where the integration of HVAC systems has a fundamental role to play.

Key advantages of using energy recovery wheels

Among the various technologies enhancing HVAC efficiency, energy recovery wheels stand out due to their remarkable ability to maintain indoor air quality while minimising the energy required to heat or cool the air, offering substantial efficiency gains and broader benefits to building sustainability credentials.

Energy savings

By pre-conditioning the incoming air, energy recovery wheels reduce the load on broader heating and cooling systems, leading to energy savings that can significantly add up, especially in large commercial buildings with high ventilation needs.

Improved indoor air quality

An energy recovery wheel helps to maintain optimal humidity levels and temperature, contributing to increased comfort and an all-round healthier indoor environment. Their effectiveness further reduces the need for additional humidification or dehumidification devices, hence saving on energy and costs there as well.

Environmental benefits

Increasing energy recovery directly reduces energy demand, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation. The process of energy and heat transfer in energy recovery wheels directly aligns with industrial and global efforts to combat climate change, pushing the envelope for sustainable building practices in the future.

The role of Flusso’s sensors

Enhanced airflow and air velocity sensors from Flusso are crucial to maximising the effectiveness of energy recovery wheels. Our sensors — seamlessly integrated into even the most compact energy recovery wheel mechanisms — ensure the system operates within optimal parameters, balancing energy savings with indoor comfort.

Our fine-tuned, accurate sensors provide real-time data to the energy recovery wheel and overarching HVAC system, allowing for the optimisation of airflow rates and preventing over- or under-ventilation. Using Flusso’s sensing technology is also paramount to the early detection of issues such as blockages, air leakages or mechanical failures, ensuring minimal downtime and continued energy efficiency.

Optimising performance, efficiency and costs

While energy recovery wheels are inherently efficient, airflow and air velocity sensors further optimise system control to become vital, forward-facing solutions across HVAC and building development. Accurate measurement of airflow and air velocity is crucial for several reasons:

System performance optimisation

Fundamentally, airflow sensors help to maintain the optimal balance between energy savings and indoor air quality. By gathering precise airflow data, the system can adapt its ventilation settings to maximise efficiency and comfort.

Issue or fault detection

Our sensors can detect deviations from pre-programmed performance expectations within the energy recovery wheel, thereby signalling potential problems such as blockages, leaks, or mechanical failures before they progress. Early detection allows for timely maintenance, preventing costly downtime and preserving system efficiency.

Data-driven decision making

Flusso’s sensors provide valuable data that energy recovery wheel manufacturers — as well as broader HVAC and building design personnel — can analyse to improve overall function and operation. In the medium to long term, performance data can indicate trends that guide the development of new and even more efficient energy recovery wheel products to comply with future energy efficiency standards.

System longevity and reduced operational costs

Lower energy consumption directly translates to reduced utility bills and operational costs. Over time, the initial investment in energy recovery wheels can be offset by these savings, making them a cost-effective solution. Likewise, investing in Flusso’s sensors as part of the energy wheel recovery setup will increase system longevity and enhance cost-effectiveness over time.

Final thoughts: a bright future for energy wheel recovery systems

Energy recovery wheels are a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency of HVAC systems, providing significant energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and reduced operational costs. For these mechanisms to realise their full potential — and for longer-term benefits across the broader HVAC system — precise detection of airflow and air velocity is essential.

Demand for energy-efficient building solutions will only continue to grow in the coming years and decades. There is now an incredible opportunity for designers, manufacturers and developers to broaden the use of energy recovery wheels and capitalise on emerging sensor technology that further bolsters their function.

Flusso is leading the charge for compact sensor technology, bringing exceptionally accurate, reliable data to a breadth of applications across the HVAC industries, and further afield. Our sensors’ compact design, coupled with our commitment to tailored calibration, make them the perfect solution for energy recovery wheels across a host of buildings and environments.