Two Forms of Energy

Air carries energy as dry-bulb heat (sensible) and as water vapour (latent). Sensible recovery moves only the first; enthalpy recovery moves both.

Why It Matters

In a humid climate, a large part of the cooling load is the energy needed to remove moisture. A sensible-only exchanger leaves that moisture in the incoming air, so the cooling coil still works hard. An enthalpy exchanger pre-conditions both temperature and humidity.

Typical Results

• Sensible plate: ~70 percent temperature recovery, 0 percent moisture
• Enthalpy wheel: ~80 percent temperature, ~70 percent moisture
• Membrane plate: ~70 percent temperature, ~60 percent moisture

When Sensible Is Enough

In dry or cold climates, humidity control is not the bottleneck, so a simpler sensible plate core is the cost-effective choice.

When Enthalpy Pays Off

In tropical or subtropical buildings, enthalpy recovery often halves the dehumidification load and shortens the payback of the whole system.