Total energy Wheels and large bathroom exhaust

[GBAILEY]

I'm considering using a total energy wheel in a system which will serve an interstate reststop bathroom and state tourism facility. (~3500 cfm of vent. air)

I'm worried about odor carryover and wanted to solicite opinions for using a total energy wheel in this application. It would be awful for the first impression a person has about a state to be one of foul odor! 3 angstrom wheels probably would be ok (according to the semco rep)...but they are expensive. My other option is a plate hx.

Opinions??

Thanks. GB

 

[willard3]

There is usually a purge section on an enthalpy wheel that assures no cross-contamination of exhaust/fresh air streams.

HVAC is expensive........

 

[AbbyNormal]

Blow the fresh air in, draw the exhaust air out

Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.

 

[GMcD]

Why not look at a plate type, or heat-pipe heat exchanger section? Maybe a little less efficiency, but a lot less potential maintenance compared to a heat-wheel. Passive heat exchangers have zero chance of carry-over. Check out DesChamps and Venmar brand air units.

 

[quark]

An enthalpy wheel is a better energy transferring device but cross contamination is difficult to avoid. However, you can use activated charcoal filters to remove odors.

 

[AbbyNormal]

Are you cooling these restrooms in the summer? If not, then just use an HRV.

Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.

 

[GBAILEY]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, these restrooms will be fully conditioned.

One reason for I'm tossing the the wheel around is that this will be a ground coupled water source heat pump job, and every bit of energy recovery saves me well field. Obviously wheels are a bit more efficient than plates (due to total recovery) in wringing out btu's of ER, thus my interest.

I'm leaning toward the plate to plate, mostly for maintenance reasons. I'm not really confidant filters (etc.) will be maintained as required, so the plate might hold up a bit better over the long haul.

I'm familiar with Venmar...I'll give them a look...

 

[atlas06]

3500 CFM seems too small to justify a total enery wheel. A DX unit with electric reheat will prove to be a better bet on a Life cylce cost.
Which climate are you in? if up north, consider the humidity out of the bathrooms and its freezing problems on a flat plate.

Good luck