Energy in laundry exhaust

Commercial laundries, tunnel washers, and industrial dryers exhaust large volumes of hot, moisture-laden air. That latent and sensible heat is a major utility cost; recovering it for make-up air or water preheat directly lowers gas and electricity use.

Suitable exchanger types and how they work

A sensible plate exchanger recovers heat from the dryer exhaust to preheat incoming air (or, via an air-to-water loop, the wash water). Where exhaust and make-up paths are separate, a run-around coil links them without mixing. A heat pipe core suits compact, vertical installations.

Design considerations for laundry

The exhaust is humid and can carry lint and detergent residue. Use washable, corrosion-resistant plates, fit lint filtration upstream, and provide condensate drainage. Keep pressure drop low for the dryer fans, and ensure the recovered heat has a clear use (air or water preheat) so savings are realized.