The difference between recouperative and regenerative heat exchangers
Typically, heat exchangers are used to allow heat from liquids or gases to pass to other liquids or gases, without the two coming into direct contact. Essentially they transfer the heat without transferring the fluid that carries the heat.
Recouperative heat exchangers normally run at higher temperatures with two flows and shorter exchange periods, they are a more direct for of heat exchange and depending on type will normally be more efficient. The materials used are normally metal or plastic.
Regenerative heat exchangers have single intermittent flows that exchange heat via a third medium acting as a heat battery, so increase in efficiency with the time allowed for the temperature exchange to occur and so can run at lower temperatures. In general when compared with recouperative heat exchangers they are less efficient depending on the circumstances of the waste heat being recovered.
In buildings it is most common to have centralised whole house recouperative heat exchange systems that employ flate plate exchangers within mechanical heat recovery systems (MVHR) exchanging heat between waste warm air and colder fresh air. However there are more recently single room recouperative heat exchange units available, that act as a tube exchanger, traditionally though single room heat recovery ventilation units such as from bathrooms and showers were regenerative and therefore less efficient.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.