A review of air-to-air membrane energy recovery technology for building ventilation

Air-to-air membrane energy exchangers (MEEs) have become a key component in technological advancements for near-zero-energy building and green building. MEEs recover both heat and moisture from the exhaust air transferring them to the incoming outdoor air through the inner membrane and reduce the energy consumption of the building ventilation. This article reviews the main factors affecting the energy-recovery performance of MEEs, including the membrane, configuration, and operating conditions. It was found that the latent effectiveness of MEEs can be significantly improved with high-permeability membranes. By optimizing the flow arrangement and channel shape, the air-contact membrane area can be enlarged and the convective heat/moisture transfer on each side of the membrane can be enhanced. The curvature channel shape showed good comprehensive performance by improving the resistance, heat, and moisture-transfer rates. The actual operating conditions of MEEs are complex and dynamic processes involving outdoor climate conditions and airflow rates. This study aims to provide a reference for product performance optimization and engineering application energy efficiency improvement of MEEs. The application of MEE technology is an effective way to reduce the energy consumption in buildings in the future. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article reviews the key role of air-to-air membrane energy exchangers (MEEs) in near-zero-energy building and green building. By optimizing the membrane, configuration, and operating conditions, the energy-recovery performance of MEEs can be significantly improved. The application of MEE technology is an effective way to reduce the energy consumption in buildings in the future.