SEMCO EXCLU-SIEVE® enthalpy exchanger recovers both sensible (temperature) and latent (moisture) energy, and does so far more effectively than other competitive offerings.

This performance edge is a result of EXCLU-SIEVE’s unique transfer core. This "honeycomb like" media utilizes an aluminum substrate coated with a fast-acting, 3Å molecular sieve desiccant. As the transfer core slowly rotates between the outdoor and return air stream, the higher temperature air stream gives up its sensible energy to the aluminum. This energy is then transferred to the cooler air stream during the second half of the revolution.

Just as the temperature is captured and released, so is the moisture (latent energy). This is accomplished by the desiccant coating of the wheel. The desiccant has a very strong affinity for water and an enormous internal surface area to bind the water on its surface. Since the opposing air streams have different temperatures and moisture contents, their vapor pressures on their surfaces differ. This vapor pressure differential is the driving force necessary for the transfer of water vapor.

The ability to recover latent energy is one of the major benefits of SEMCO’s EXCLU-SIEVE technology. It will do this both in the cooling and the heating season. During the cooling season the outdoor air is dehumidified and pre-cooled. This significantly reduces the cooling requirements of the conditioned space. In the heating season, the process reverses and the outdoor air is humidified and preheated. This reduces the costly humidification of ventilation air as well as the heating requirements of the indoor space.

Latent recovery doubles the energy savings potential recognized with the use of the sensible-only technology. It allows for cuts in chiller and boiler capacities. System designs incorporating total energy recovery are first cost equivalent to conventional designs when achieving the same ventilation requirements and supply air conditions. In addition, they provide operating cost savings year-in and year-out.