Heat Recovery Ventilation AI
Software that helps choose and size ERV and HRV units for a building.
Quick Answer
Heat recovery ventilation AI uses energy models and machine learning to help engineers choose and size heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). It estimates savings from preconditioning outdoor air using exhaust air, given climate, airflow, and operating hours, and supports early selection before the engineer finalizes the design.
The Full Picture
Ventilation brings in outdoor air, and that air has to be heated or cooled to indoor conditions. A heat recovery ventilator transfers heat between the outgoing exhaust air and incoming outdoor air without mixing the two streams. An energy recovery ventilator also transfers moisture, which helps control humidity in hot, humid or very dry climates.
Whether recovery is worth it depends on climate, hours of operation, airflow, and the difference between indoor and outdoor conditions. Energy codes such as those based on ASHRAE 90.1 require energy recovery in many situations above airflow and outdoor-air-fraction thresholds, so selection is often tied to compliance as well as savings.
Design choices include the core type, such as plate or rotary wheel, the recovery effectiveness, the pressure drop the units add to the fans, frost control in cold climates, and the cross-contamination limits for the type of exhaust air. Laboratory and healthcare exhaust often cannot be recovered in the same way as ordinary office air, so the exhaust source matters.
AI tools can compare units against hourly weather data and operating schedules, estimate energy savings and payback, and help size equipment to airflow and fan capacity. They rely on accurate airflow and schedule inputs, and results are estimates rather than guarantees. The engineer selects the equipment and confirms code compliance. For contractors, ERV and HRV units are specialty equipment that interacts with ductwork, controls, and electrical scope, so coordination matters at bid.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: HRV and ERV are the same thing.
Actually: An HRV transfers heat only. An ERV transfers both heat and moisture, which matters for humidity control and in climates with large humidity swings.
People assume: Heat recovery always pays for itself.
Actually: Savings depend on climate, hours of use, airflow, and added fan energy from pressure drop. Short operating hours or mild climates can make payback long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HRV and ERV?
An HRV recovers heat between exhaust and incoming air. An ERV recovers both heat and moisture, which helps manage humidity.
Does energy code require energy recovery?
Many energy codes based on ASHRAE 90.1 require it above certain airflow and outdoor-air thresholds, with exceptions. Check the adopted code and jurisdiction.
How can AI help select an ERV?
It can run weather-based simulations, compare unit types, estimate savings and payback, and check fit against the airflow of the air handler.
Can exhaust air always be recovered?
No. Exhaust from sources such as laboratories or certain healthcare spaces may be restricted from recovery, depending on codes and the contaminants involved.