
Leakage through heat exchangers
Some heat exchangers let some air leak between both air channels. This is in
most cases not expected, since there are very few air handling units equipped
with both recirculation and a heat exchanger. In addition, some air is entrained
by the rotation of the wheel in rotating heat exchangers. The amount of air
transferred this way can be measured with tracer gases (see Chapter 2, ‘Airflow
measurements at ventilation grilles’), and the leakage flow rate is one of the
results of the measurement of airflow rates in the air handling unit.
As mentioned in Chapter 2, the glob al recirculation rate can easily be
checked by measur ing the concentration of a tracer injected in the ventilated
space, such as the carbon dioxide exhaled by occupants. Assuming that there
is no inverse recirculation and no leaks in the air handling unit, the global
recirculation rate is:
R ¼
C
supply
C
outdoor
C
exhaust
C
outdoor
ð5:14Þ
If no recirculation is expected, but a significant recirculation rate is observed, it
may be the result of leakage through the heat exchanger. If more information is
required, in particular to check whether it is the exchanger or another part of
the air handling unit that leaks, additional measurements could be performed,
as described in Chapter 2, ‘Airflow rate measurements in air handing units’.
Pressure differential measurements are useful to explain leakage. In addi-
tion, these are easier to perform than leakage measurements and can readily
bring information for a diagnosis. Pressure differentials should be measured
between the following locations (see Figure 5.7):
.
Between one and six on one hand, and three and four on the other hand.
These pressure differentials drive the leakage direction. They should be
zero or slightly posi tive, so that a possible leakage flow goes from supply
to exhaust, and not the contrary.
.
Between one and three on one hand, and four and six on the other hand.
These pressure differentials increase with clogging. Compare them with
the nominal pressure differential gi ven by the factory for the actual airflow
4
Exhaust air
Outdoor air
Supply air
Extract air
- +
31
6
Figure 5.7 Schematics of an air handling unit, showing locatio n of
pressure taps for pressure differential measurements
88 Ventilation and Airflow in Buildings
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