Energy Recovery Ventilator – ConsERV (ERV)

What is an ERV? And why is it Important?

A commercial Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering energy. Unlike traditional ventilation systems that simply expel conditioned air, an ERV system incorporates a heat exchanger that facilitates heat/moisture exchange between the outgoing and incoming air streams. This process preconditions the fresh air, reducing the workload on the building’s main HVAC system.

This technology is crucial for commercial and industrial buildings for several reasons. By recovering thermal energy and moisture from the exhaust air, an ERV lowers the total energy usage of the building’s HVAC integration, which can lead to significant cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint. It also allows for the downsizing of air conditioning systems because it reduces the latent load on the equipment. The continuous supply of fresh, filtered air improves indoor air quality by reducing pollutants, allergens, and odors that can build up in well-insulated, modern buildings.

The Conserv is a specific type of ERV that utilizes a fixed-plate design and a patented nanostructured polymer material. This design allows it to transfer both sensible heat and humidity, eliminating the need for a condensation pan and drain systems. The nonporous membranes in the Conserv form a barrier against the transfer of pollutants, odors, and other contaminants between the air streams. It is known for high performance, reliability, and is suitable for various environments, including schools, commercial offices, and medical facilities.

What Benefits Do EVRs Offer?

The Conserv HVAC Energy Recovery Ventilator offers several key benefits for commercial and industrial buildings including Indoor Air Quality, Energy Savings and Comfort:

Financial and Energy Savings:
- Reduced HVAC system energy consumption and OPEX by 20–67%.
- CAPEX reduced to 33% by downsizing associated HVAC equipment.
- A simple payback period of less than two years is common.
- Provides increased ventilation rates without an energy penalty.
Environmental Impact:
- Contributes to lower CO2 emissions, averting approximately 28 metric tons of CO2 per 1,000 CFM of fresh air.
- Offers a direct contribution to achieving corporate carbonless and ESG goals.
Health and Wellness:
- This type of system is ASHRAE’s recommended approach for pathogen (including COVID-19) management.
- It inactivates over 99.9% of coronaviruses that contact the Aqualyte membrane.
- Can lead to a 101% average cognitive improvement by doubling the ASHRAE ventilation rate.
- Lowers or has no triggers for asthma and allergies.
Operational Benefits:
- The system offers ease of ongoing maintenance.

How does the ConsERV Work?

The Conserv™ EVR works like traditional systems incorporating

Like many ERVs the Conserv uses a stale air exhaust to draw in stale, polluted air from inside the building. Simultaneously, the ERV pulls in fresh air through a Fresh Air Intake. The two air streams pass through a central component called the energy recovery core. This core is a heat exchanger with a series of channels or plates that separate the two air streams while allowing energy (both heat and moisture) to be transferred between them. The two airstreams never mix. The next step is energy transfer, , In the winter, the warm, moist indoor air passes through the core and transfers its heat and some of its moisture to the cold, dry incoming outdoor air. This pre-heats and pre-humidifies the fresh air before it enters the interior. In the summer, the cool, dry indoor air transfers its “coolness” and some of its dryness to the warm, humid outdoor air. This pre-cools and dehumidifies the fresh air before it enters the building. Finally, the now-conditioned fresh air is then distributed throughout, and the stale air is expelled to the outside.

What Makes the ConsERV Better?

The Conserv™ EVR, uses a unique nanotechnology-based material for its energy recovery core. This core, called Aqualyte™, is a key differentiator.

Aqualyte™ Membrane: The core is made of a moisture-transfer membrane composed of a polymeric material. Unlike some other ERV cores, this membrane is non-porous. This means it physically separates the two air streams without allowing any air or pathogens (like viruses and bacteria) to pass through.
Selective Permeability: The Aqualyte™ membrane is designed to be selectively permeable. It allows water molecules to pass through but effectively blocks other components of dry air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
Pathogen Elimination: The Aqualyte™ material contains permanently bound acid groups that lower the pH on its surface. This acidic environment is designed to kill bacteria and viruses, providing an additional layer of air purification.
Energy Transfer: The mechanism for energy transfer is similar to a standard ERV, but it is highly efficient due to the nature of the Aqualyte™ membrane. In both heating and cooling seasons, the membrane facilitates the transfer of heat and moisture between the two air streams. This is especially effective in humid climates where controlling moisture is critical for comfort and preventing mold growth.

coronavirus size comparison to membranbe

Viruses and bacteria are too large to pass through the hydrophilic regions that channel water between surfaces

Warm humid outside air enters ConsERV , humidity is decreased and cool fresh air is supplied. The Exhaust air removes heat, moisture, odor and allergens.

The ConsERV Line of EVRs

Whether you’re designing for a residence or a large commercial facility, Conserv offers multiple configurations to meet diverse needs like rooftop and modular units or high capacity commercial models.