Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
ClimateMaster will feature an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) option for the RE series rooftop water source heat pump (WSHP). The ERV uses a desiccant wheel coated with silica gel to recover energy from exhausted air, and transfer energy to the fresh air entering the building. ERV efficiency is about 70% efficient, which allows the standard RE series unit to handle the remaining 30% of the load with no modifications. Controls, maintenance and troubleshooting are greatly simplified. The combination WSHP/ERV system is available in 1,200 through 8,000 cfm (566 to 3776 l/s) for 100% outside air conditioning. In most areas of North America, the combination (ARI/ISO WLHP) EER is above 20 Btuh/Watt (5.86 Watts/Watt), significantly reducing operating costs. Building HVAC requirements are also reduced when a dedicated outdoor air system is applied, approximately 3 tons per 1,000 cfm (2.31 Watts per 100 l/s). The reduction allows for cost-effective, “green” building design, while conforming to the ASHRAE 62 standard. When applied to a ground source (geothermal) application, savings are even more significant, since loop field requirements are also reduced. ClimateMaster uses the AirXchange ARI 1060 certified energy recovery wheel, which includes a 5-year limited warranty. Many options are available, including CO2 sensors to limit operation during unoccupied times and economizer mode.