Multi-Pathway Air Transfer, Thermal Energy Exchange System

Abstract

A system transfers thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air. The system comprises: at least four rotary heat exchange units positioned in an array so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and partitions defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units. A method of transferring thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air is also described. The method comprises: positioning at least four rotary heat exchange units in an array in an air transfer system so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units.

1 . A system for transferring thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air, the system comprising:
 at least four rotary heat exchange units positioned in an array so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and   partitions defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units.   
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein each rotary heat exchange unit includes a rotatable wheel of a matrix of heat absorption material defining passageways through which the air passes, wherein the combined weight and heat absorption capacity of the wheels of the rotary heat exchange units of the array is less than the weight of a single wheel providing the equivalent rate of air flow and heat transfer capacity of transferring heat from air. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein each rotary heat exchange unit is mounted in a frame. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein each frame and corresponding rotary heat exchange unit is a part of a cassette assembly. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 4 , further including an assembly for supporting the cassette assemblies as the array. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 1 , further including at least one blower for moving air through each of the pathways. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system is an air handler system. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system is a ventilation system. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein each rotary heat exchange unit includes a wheel comprising a matrix of heat absorption material and defining porous passageways through which the air passes. 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein each wheel includes a plurality of removable segments. 
     
     
         11 . A method of transferring thermal energy between incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air, the method comprising:
 positioning at least four rotary heat exchange units in an array in an air transfer system so that incoming supply air and outgoing exhaust air passes through each of the wheels as counter flowing air streams; and   defining at least three pathways for directing the counter flowing air streams through the rotary heat exchange units.   
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1 , each rotary heat exchange unit includes a rotatable wheel of a matrix of heat absorption material defining passageways through which the air passes, further including constructing the wheels of the array so that the combined weight and heat absorption capacity of the wheels of the rotary heat exchange units of the array is less than the weight of a single wheel providing the equivalent rate of air flow and heat transfer capacity of transferring heat from air.