Abstract: A system transfers thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air. The system comprises: at least four rotary heat exchange units positioned in an array so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and partitions defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units. A method of transferring thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air is also described. The method comprises: positioning at least four rotary heat exchange units in an array in an air transfer system so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units.

Abstract: A regenerator energy exchange device comprises an energy recovery wheel having interchangeable segments of a heat and moisture exchange matrix material. Each segment may include one or more desiccants having different moisture adsorption characteristics deposited thereon. Alternatively, the energy recovery wheel may contain a matrix which is uniformly coated with at least two different desiccants. In still another embodiment, the wheel may have zones of different desiccants or desiccant combinations which are arranged in series in the direction of air flow through the matrix to provide different moisture adsorption characteristics along the air flow path. The zone closest to a highly humid airstream may contain, for example, a type 5 desiccant, while the zone closest to a conditioned exhaust airstream may contain a type 3 desiccant. All configurations are designed to increase the effectiveness of the energy recovery device over the middle to high range of relative humidities.

Abstract: A rotary heat regenerator wheel in which one or more performance characteristics, such as heat exchange efficiency and air flow rate, can be adjusted during manufacturing, during or after installation and/or after use of the regenerator. The wheel comprises removable segments having differing performance characteristics. One embodiment of the regenerator wheel includes segments containing both latent and sensible heat exchange material. Latent heat transfer efficiencies between those provided by heat regenerators having segments made only of sensible heat exchange material, and by regenerators having segments made only of latent heat exchange material, are achieved by adjusting the ratio of segments with exposed surface area of latent heat exchange material relative to segments having exposed surface area of the sensible heat exchange material. In another embodiment the air flow, pressure drop or surface area density of the wheel can be adjusted by using segments having different surface area densities.

Abstract: A rotary heat regenerator comprises a regenerator matrix mounted for rotation in a central aperture of a housing wall, and an improved seal disposed in the annular gap between the matrix and the housing wall. The seal includes (a) a first portion of pile-like material which is secured to the peripheral surface of the matrix, and (b) a second portion of pile-like material which is secured to the housing wall such that the two interact to provide a seal while allowing the matrix to rotate in the aperture.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat wheel having a heat exchange matrix comprised of a spirally wound strip of plastic having a coating of dry desiccant affixed thereto. The quantity of desiccant affixed to the strip is selected so that the sensible and latent heat transfer efficiencies of the wheel are relatively high and approximately equal. An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying a desiccant coating to a sheet of plastic.

Abstract: A rotary heat regenerator assembly comprising an enclosure, a regenerator matrix disposed in the enclosure and releasably mounted on a matrix support secured to a rotatable shaft, a first air passage and associated blower for forcing air through a portion of the regenerator wheel, and a second air passage and associated blower for forcing air to flow through another portion of the regenerator wheel. The matrix and matrix support are designed so that rotational drive is transmitted from the rotatable shaft to the matrix via the matrix support and so that the matrix can be easily and quickly inserted on and removed from the matrix support. A blower driving motor and the blowers are mounted on a common shaft. Speed reducing driving means connects the common shaft to the rotatable shaft carrying the matrix.