Energy Recovery: Connecting Core Performance to Building Systems

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UBC researchers working with CORE have developed predictive models of transport processes through membranes, in ERV flow passages, and of full ERV cores. These models include the effects of membrane deflection, variable permeability and condensation. However, these models of the core have not yet been integrated into a systems model of the ventilation system, let alone a whole building model. Some important systems-level questions arise from our collaborations in the last 7 years, which we propose to address in the next phase of work. CORE can engineer custom membrane materials. How do climate and building operation affect the choice of the membrane?What is the best way to mitigate the effects of condensation and frosting in ERVs?Recently we have investigated the effect of flow-induced membrane deflections on ERV performance. At the systems level, how do unbalanced flows and building pressure biases affect system performance?Previously, we investigated the effect of fouling of membranes. Considering whole-building operation, including infiltration and recirculation ratios, how should filters be used to improve air quality, ERV life, and energy efficiency? These issues are relevant to both extreme pollution events (such as wildfires) and indoor airborne transmission of disease (eg. COVID-19).The program would fund a 2 PhD students developing and validating models at the ERV and building scales.