• 01276 855 847 Nationwide (UK)
  • info@bmscontrols.co.uk Email Us
  • Unit C1D, Fairoaks Airport Surrey, GU24 8HX

BMS Controls Articles

What is an Energy Recovery Unit?

What is an Energy Recovery Unit?

When it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability, few devices are as important as the energy recovery unit. Used in both industrial and residential settings, this essential device is capable of recovering up to 90% of energy generated by air-conditioning systems, boilers, and more. But what exactly is an ERU? How does it work? And why should you decide to invest in one for your home or business? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision when considering installing an ERU.

What is an Energy Recovery Unit?

An Energy Recovery Unit, or ERU, is a device that helps to recover energy from waste heat. By doing this, it can improve the efficiency of a system by using the wasted heat to power itself, rather than letting it go to waste. There are many different types of ERUs available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we will take a look at what an ERU is, how it works, and some of the different types that are available.

How Does an Energy Recovery Unit Work?

An energy recovery unit, or ERU, is a devices that helps recover wasted heat from exhaust gases and use it to preheat incoming fresh air. By doing this, the ERU can help improve the overall efficiency of a HVAC system. Here’s a closer look at how an ERU works:

The first step is to install the energy recovery unit in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The unit will have two sets of coils, one for incoming fresh air and one for outgoing exhausted air.

Next, exhaust gases are passed through the outgoing air coil. This waste heat is then transferred to the incoming fresh air coil. As a result, the fresh air is pre-heated before it enters the building, which can help improve indoor comfort levels.

In addition to improving comfort levels, an ERU can also help reduce energy costs. By pre-heating incoming air, the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain indoor temperatures. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.

Benefits of an Energy Recovery Unit

There are many benefits of using an energy recovery unit, or ERU. One of the most significant benefits is that it can help to improve the overall efficiency of a facility. Additionally, using an ERU can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

Another benefit of an ERU is that it can help to improve indoor air quality. By removing contaminants from the air, an ERU can create a healthier environment for occupants. Additionally, by reducing energy consumption, ERUs can also help to reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

Types of Energy Recovery Units

There are several types of energy recovery units that can be used in a HVAC system. The most common type is the enthalpy wheel, which is used to recover both latent and sensible heat from exhaust air. Another type of energy recovery unit is the plate exchanger, which is used to recover latent heat from exhaust air. Finally, the rotary heat exchanger can be used to recover both sensible and latent heat from either exhaust or supply air.

How to Choose an Energy Recovery Unit

Energy recovery units (ERUs) are devices that capture wasted heat from industrial processes and use it to generate electricity. They can be used in a variety of industries, including power generation, steelmaking, glassmaking, and food processing.

When choosing an ERU, it is important to consider the specific needs of the industrial process. For example, power plants need to take into account the type of fuel being burned and the temperature of the exhaust gases. Other factors to consider include the size of the unit and its efficiency.

Conclusion

Energy recovery units can be a great way to both reduce energy costs and protect the environment. By making use of this technology, you can ensure that your equipment is running efficiently while also reducing your carbon footprint. We hope this article has given you an understanding of what an energy recovery unit is and how it works. Whether you are looking for a way to save money or help the planet, investing in an ERU could be just what you need!