As HVAC systems evolve to meet growing demands for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability, choosing the right heat recovery technology becomes a strategic decision. Rotary heat exchangers continue to play a vital role in many modern ventilation applications — thanks to their versatility and well-balanced performance.

Why rotary heat exchangers?

✅ Dual energy recovery – transfers both sensible heat and moisture for improved indoor comfort (when using enthalpy or sorption rotors)

✅ Stable in cold climates – less prone to frost formation compared to plate exchangers

✅ Compact & adaptable – space-saving design with controllable rotor speed and purge options

✅ Humidity control – helps maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels in winter

💡 Rotary heat exchangers come in several types, each suited to different project needs:

• Condensation-type. Recovers sensible heat by condensing moisture from the exhaust air — ideal for dry recovery
• Enthalpy-type. Uses a hygroscopic coating to recover both heat and moisture through sorption and desorption
• Sorption-type. Offers enhanced latent recovery, particularly effective in climates with large humidity differences

🔸 Compared to other technologies

• Sensible-only plate exchangers offer the highest thermal efficiency (up to 90%) but cannot transfer moisture and are more susceptible to frosting
• Enthalpy plate exchangers recover some moisture via membrane diffusion but are less efficient and not dynamically adjustable
• Glycol systems work over long distances but require pumps, antifreeze, and consume more energy

Where rotary heat exchangers work best?

🏢 Commercial and office buildings – year-round ventilation with improved comfort and humidity balance

🌡 Cold climates – frost-resistant operation with consistent energy recovery

🛠 Compact AHUs – perfect for tight spaces

🏭 Industrial and mixed-use facilities – ideal for high-demand and continuous-use systems

🔄 Demand-based systems – dynamic control over rotor speed and purge sectors for seasonal adjustment

⚖️ Efficiency alone isn’t everything

While plate exchangers may excel in dry heat transfer, rotary heat exchangers offer greater adaptability — combining energy savings, humidity control, and operational stability in one compact solution.

At ZERN ENGINEERING, we design and manufacture rotary heat exchangers that support the next generation of smart, efficient, and resilient ventilation systems.

Let’s engineer the air — efficiently.