A review of heat recovery technologies and their frost control for residential building ventilation in cold climate regions

Abstract

This study reviewed heat recovery technologies and their application in residential buildings in cold climates. The increasing efforts on reducing building energy use over the recent years have resulted in improved insulated and airtight buildings. Reduced infiltration can result in poor indoor air quality owing to insufficient ventilation rates.

In cold climates, an energy-efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery provides controlled airflow rates and thereby ensures healthy indoor air quality while using a limited amount of energy. This is of particular importance during the heating season when the windows and doors are closed to sustain indoor thermal comfort. This review examines the various heat recovery technologies employed in residential buildings, including state-of-the-art approaches adapted to cold climates. These technologies were compared in terms of various criteria.

Frosting has been observed frequently in heat exchangers used in cold regions, which reduces their performance. Various frosting control strategies were discussed in this review including frosting prevention and defrosting. Currently, available frost control strategies degrade indoor air quality or result in increased energy consumption. Finally, The effects of applying heat recovery for mechanical ventilation on indoor air quality were addressed. Based on the current review, recommendations for future research are proposed.