Using heat-pipe heat exchangers for reducing high energy costs of treating ventilation air

In this paper, the author has investigated the impact that a heat-pipe heat exchanger (HPHE) has on the energy consumption (kWh) and the peak demand (kW) of an existing air conditioning system. A detailed performance investigation has been carried out by using the climate conditions for St. Louis, Missouri for year round operation of the HVAC system with HPHE. During the summer season, analysis has been conducted without and with indirect evaporative cooling. Economic analysis reveals that a simple retrofit on an existing air-conditioning system can pay for itself in less than a year. Based on this investigation it is recommended that this technology be used by the electric utilities for reducing the peak demand and energy consumption.