Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) for High-Volume Fresh Air Applications
In Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) for High-Volume Fresh Air Applications, you'll learn ...
- What is ERV and why it is an attractive option for spaces requiring a continuous supply of outside air
- The difference between HRV and ERV with regards to latent heat transfer and why that is an important consideration
- Why a run-around loop is a better option than a rotary enthalpy wheel if cross-contamination is an issue
- Why a recuperator has a higher chance of frosting in the winter relative to other options
Overview
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) is the process of exchanging the energy contained in normally exhausted building or space air and using it to treat (precondition) the incoming outdoor ventilation air in residential and commercial HVAC systems. During the warmer seasons, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies while humidifying and pre-heating in the cooler seasons.
Energy recovery can substantially reduce the mechanical heating and cooling requirements associated with conditioning ventilation air in spaces requiring large amounts of outside air. Spaces like battery rooms and laboratories typically require 100% outside air at high ventilation rates— between 6 and 15 air changes per hour—primarily for safety reasons.
Heating and cooling systems can be downsized when energy recovery is used, because energy recovery systems reduce peak heating and cooling requirements. The only energy penalty is the power needed for the blower to overcome the pressure drop in the system.
In this course, we’ll review several types of ERV systems, including operating principles, materials of construction, typical applications, benefits and challenges.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the benefits of using energy recovery ventilation (ERV).
- Identify recommended pressure-drop targets for the supply and exhaust air streams.
- Describe typical heat-exchange efficiencies for ERV systems.
- Explain the operating principles, features, and benefits of rotary enthalpy wheels, recuperators, heat pipes, and run-around loops.
- Identify key issues and design considerations for ERV systems.
- Describe standards for testing ERV equipment performance and standards that specify when energy recovery must or must not be applied.
- Interpret real-world examples of ERV performance.
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 10 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
| This course is applicable to professional engineers in: | ||
| Alabama (P.E.) | Alaska (P.E.) | Arkansas (P.E.) |
| Delaware (P.E.) | District of Columbia (P.E.) | Florida (P.E. Area of Practice) |
| Georgia (P.E.) | Idaho (P.E.) | Illinois (P.E.) |
| Illinois (S.E.) | Indiana (P.E.) | Iowa (P.E.) |
| Kansas (P.E.) | Kentucky (P.E.) | Louisiana (P.E.) |
| Maine (P.E.) | Maryland (P.E.) | Michigan (P.E.) |
| Minnesota (P.E.) | Mississippi (P.E.) | Missouri (P.E.) |
| Montana (P.E.) | Nebraska (P.E.) | Nevada (P.E.) |
| New Hampshire (P.E.) | New Jersey (P.E.) | New Mexico (P.E.) |
| New York (P.E.) | North Carolina (P.E.) | North Dakota (P.E.) |
| Ohio (P.E. Self-Paced) | Oklahoma (P.E.) | Oregon (P.E.) |
| Pennsylvania (P.E.) | South Carolina (P.E.) | South Dakota (P.E.) |
| Tennessee (P.E.) | Texas (P.E.) | Utah (P.E.) |
| Vermont (P.E.) | Virginia (P.E.) | West Virginia (P.E.) |
| Wisconsin (P.E.) | Wyoming (P.E.) | |



