Choosing a Heat Exchanger Technology
Selecting between plate, rotary, heat-pipe and run-around-coil exchangers is the single most consequential decision in a heat-recovery project. This hub compares the four families on the dimensions that actually change your specification - and links to the dedicated head-to-head articles for each pairing.
Comparison Matrix
| Technology | Sensible recovery | Latent recovery | Pressure drop | Cross-contamination | Maintenance | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed plate | High | No | Low-Med | None | Very low | Clean air, strict hygiene |
| Rotary (enthalpy) wheel | High | Yes | Low | Small (carryover) | Medium (motor, belt) | Humid climates, high rate |
| Heat pipe | Med-High | No | Low | None | Very low | Passive, retrofit, freeze-safe |
| Run-around coil | Med | No | Med | None | Low-Med | Separated streams, phased build |
Head-to-Head Articles
- Counterflow vs Crossflow Plate Exchanger - why flow arrangement changes effectiveness.
- Plate vs Rotary Heat Exchanger: Which to Specify - the core commercial decision.
- Heat-Pipe vs Plate Heat Exchanger - passive vs plate for retrofit.
- Enthalpy Wheel vs Plate in Humid Climates - when latent recovery pays off.
- Fixed Plate vs Membrane Enthalpy Exchanger - adding latent capture to a plate.
- Run-Around Coil vs Plate Exchanger - separated-stream designs.
- Recuperator vs Regenerator - the stationary vs rotating distinction.
- Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Plate Cores - material selection for corrosion duty.
- HRV vs ERV: Sensible vs Total Energy Recovery - ventilation terminology.
- Sensible vs Enthalpy (Total) Heat Recovery - the recovery-mode decision.
- Single-Stage vs Two-Stage Heat Recovery - when a cascade pays off.
Decision Shortcuts
- Clean, hygienic, no humidity bonus needed - fixed plate. Read counterflow vs crossflow to set the arrangement.
- Hot, humid climate, high ventilation rate - enthalpy wheel or membrane plate. See wheel vs plate in humid climates.
- Retrofit, separated floors, freeze risk - heat pipe. See heat pipe vs plate.
- Streams far apart or built in phases - run-around coil. See run-around vs plate.
Material and Duty Notes
Corrosive or washdown duty drives the core material. Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Plate Cores compares the two common options; stainless welded plate working principle covers the robust build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the lowest maintenance? Fixed plate and heat pipe have no moving parts; the wheel needs motor and belt service.
Can a plate recover moisture? Not on its own; a membrane plate or a wheel is required. See fixed plate vs membrane.
What about freeze risk? Plates and wheels need frost mitigation (see the basics hub); heat pipes are inherently freeze-safe.
Related Hubs
Heat exchanger fundamentals · Standards and compliance · Sizing and selection
Ready to Specify?
Once the technology is chosen, use our sizing and selection guide, or send us your duty data for a comparison recommendation.