Regenerative heat exchanger
In a regenerative heat exchanger heat is exchanged from, for example a liquid to gas via temporary storage or a heat sink. The heat or coolth from one substance is absorbed by a heat sink and then passed to the next substance via that heat sink without coming in contact with the other substance.
Regenerative heat exchangers normally increase in efficiency with the time allowed for the temperature exchange to occur and so can run at lower temperatures. A recouperator heat exchanger normally requires a higher temperature metallic or plastic heat exchanger but can be more effective over shorter exchange periods.
In the design and operation of buildings, single room heat recovery units are often regenerative heat exchangers, for example used as bathroom extracts that regenerate some of the heat that is extracted from showers or baths.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Coefficient of Performance CoP.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
- Ground preconditioning of supply air.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Mechanical ventilation of buildings.
- MVHR.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Renewable energy sources: how they work and what they deliver: Part 3: Electrically driven heat pumps DG 532 3.
- Recouperative heat exchanger.
- Thermal labyrinths.
- Thermal storage for cooling.
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.