Numerical simulation for a regenerative heat exchanger in a ventilation system with a periodic change in the airflow direction

The paper presents a 2D mathematical model for a regenerative heat exchanger designed for a ventilation system operating with a periodic swap of airflow direction. This kind of ventilation system saves the heat energy required for heating of domestic premises during a winter season. Results for calculations by a two-dimensional model are compared with one-dimensional modeling and with experimental data. The authors formulated a definition of energy efficiency in terms of the reduction of heat losses. Our calculations demonstrate that the efficiency of a regenerative heat exchanger might exceed 90 %. The numerical simulation was applied for a parametric study of this problem; we revealed the influence of the heat exchanger operational and design parameters on the energy efficiency. Numerical experiments found a group of parameters that are most significant for energy efficiency of this ventilation system; recommendations on system optimization were formulated.