Choosing an MVHR: How Does It Operate?

Controlled ventilation is provided by MVHR, which uses slow, steady air motions. Natural ventilation, on the other hand, is an unregulated type of ventilation that varies according to temperature, wind speed, and internal impediments like open or closed windows, doors, and vents. Because of this, MVHR systems work well in buildings with comparatively high air tightness.

Moreover, MVHR systems can provide the ideal preventive measure for business properties that have issues with humidity, odors, poor air quality, external noise, and pollution.

How does it work?

The fundamental components of MVHR systems are two supply and extract fans, a plate heat (or cross-flow) heat exchanger, a filter, and a basic ductwork system that surrounds the building.

The decentralised heat recovery ventilation units are made to remove humid, stale, and contaminated air, which is subsequently sent through a heat exchange cell to recover and hold onto energy in the form of heat that would have otherwise been released into space. With less heat loss and a cozier interior, this heat is subsequently transferred to newly arriving, filtered air that the unit resupplies back into the space. For instance, when the extract air temperature is 20 ºC, efficient systems can usually elevate the temperature of chilly outside air from 0 ºC to 18 ºC by heat transfer. Conversely, a summer bypass produces a cooling effect.

The heat exchanger, which moves up to 90% of the heat from the extracted air to the supply air without causing any physical contact or mixing between the two air streams, is the brains behind the MVHR system. In contrast to air conditioning, MVHR systems do not recycle any air, and the counter-flow or plate heat exchanger maintains a physical separation between the supply and extract air streams, making them safe to use in scenarios where it is necessary to restrict the spread of contaminants or viruses.

Things to remember when choosing an MVHR platform

The amount of ventilation needed depends on several factors, such as the amount of fresh air needed for the anticipated number of people in the space and their activities, the kinds of local heat sources like computers, small appliances, and lighting, any sources of pollutants in the area, and sources of humidity.