Authors

The effect of geometric parameters on the efficiency of an axial recuperator

DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2026-25-2-20-29
UDC 66.045.129.9

The effect of geometric parameters on the efficiency of an axial recuperator

Pronin V.A., Gorev Pavel I., Tsvetkov V.A., Belov Pavel A., Bykhanova Tatyana A.

For citation: Pronin V.A., Gorev P.I., Tsvetkov V.A., Belov P.A., Bykhanova T.A. The effect of geometric parameters on the efficiency of an axial recuperator. Journal of International Academy of Refrigeration. 2026. No 2. p. 20-29. DOI: 10.17586/1606-4313-2026-25-2-20-29 (in Russian)

Abstract
This article addresses the enhancement of energy efficiency in building ventilation systems through the application of heat recovery units. A comparative analysis of the most commonly used types of such units – plate recuperators and rotary regenerators – was conducted. The key drawbacks of these units were identified: significant overall dimensions of plate-type recuperators in their installed configuration and the risk of air stream mixing in rotary regenerators, which limits their application in spaces with stringent hygiene requirements. A design for an axial recuperator is proposed, configured as a block of coaxial thin-walled cylinders with a staggered arrangement of baffles. This technical solution ensures complete separation of the supply and exhaust air streams and a compact design. A mathematical model of heat transfer is presented, incorporating the assumptions made. A numerical study was conducted on two geometric configurations of the axial recuperator. The results of the preliminary calculation indicated the advantages of the configuration featuring a uniform cross-sectional area of the flow channels. Future research directions are outlined: improving the accuracy of the mathematical model by reducing the number of assumptions and validating the numerical results using the finite element method.

Keywords: heat recovery unit, axial recuperator, ventilation, mathematical modeling, heat transfer.

All references

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