Drain-water heat recovery
Drain-Water Heat Recovery Saves Energy
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Drain-water heat recovery, including:
- Design and build strategies
- Necessary codes
- Application how-tos
- Using materials
A simple device saves significant amounts of energy
These systems have speedy payback
The energy department estimates that energy losses in hot water amount to 80% to 90%, a good argument for installing a drain-water heat-recovery (DHR) system.
In a gravity-film heat exchangerDevice that transfers heat from one material or medium to another. An air-to-air heat exchanger, or heat-recovery ventilator, transfers heat from one airstream to another. A copper-pipe heat exchanger in a solar water-heater tank transfers heat from the heat-transfer fluid circulating through a solar collector to the potable water in the storage tank. (GFX), drain water flows through a copper pipe that is wrapped in smaller diameter copper tubing. Heat from the drain water is transferred to incoming water. Heat exchangers are made from solid copper so they are durable, and there are no ...
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Aug 26, 2009
7:51 AM EDT
7:51 AM EDT
Install Considerations / Details
by Mike Guertin, GBA Advisor
You have to consider the install details before buying a GFX. Vertical orientation is critical for the film to form on the drain pipe walls and the longer models are more efficient than the shorter models. So you have to locate the tallest vertical drop from the main drain line to the sewer / septic pipe exit for the best efficiency.
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