The Three Main Options
| Factor | Plate | Rotary Wheel | Heat Pipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max effectiveness | ~75% sensible | ~85% sensible, ~80% latent | ~65% sensible |
| Moving parts | None | Motor, seals | None |
| Moisture recovery | No (unless membrane) | Yes | No |
| Cross-contamination | None | Small | None |
| Maintenance | Very low | Moderate | Very low |
Decision Path
- Need peak effectiveness + humidity control? -> Rotary wheel
- Need isolation + simplicity? -> Plate core
- Need rugged, no-moving-parts, sensible only? -> Heat pipe
- Need humidity control but no moving parts? -> Membrane plate
Secondary Filters
Also weigh space, available fan pressure, climate (frost risk), and maintenance staff. The "best" device is the one that meets the duty at the lowest lifecycle cost.
Next Step
Once the technology is chosen, move to the specific selection guide for that device and size it against your duty.