Three-Stage HRV Evaluation Project Proposal
CCHRC is working with Fairbanks builder Thorsten Chlupp to enable applied research of a novel heat recovery ventilator (HRV) and ground loop-based air preheating system.
This project enables CCHRC to perform the applied research relating to an HRV design that may address existing complaints against HRVs that have included cold drafts and an inability to warm the incoming air fully to room temperature. The HRV to be evaluated is a three-stage system that uses a glycol ground loop to preheat incoming air prior to reaching the air-to-air heat exchanger with a final stage electric heating element that operates, if needed according to user settings.
CCHRC will monitor the performance of the HRV using BTU and flow meters, temperature sensors, and sensors to collect data for electricity usage. Data collected will be used to address the following questions:
- How effective is a ground loop for preheating the air?
- How does the ground loop affect the ground temperature?
- How much electricity does the HRV system use compared to a traditional HRV?
- How often is the electric heating element used?
- What is the temperature of the air entering the conditioned space?
A technical report will be created that documents project methods, instrumentation, results, and findings. Additionally, the information from this project will be reported in a Snapshot and added to a PowerPoint presentation that is being developed for the overall house, which will include slides for wall, foundation, indoor shutters, HRV, and other innovations.