High Flux Moisture-Permeable Membrane for Use in a Low-Cost Energy Recovery Ventilator

Lead Performer: Aspen Products Group Inc. – Marlborough, Massachusetts
DOE Total Funding: Phase 1 - $150,000
Project Term: June 12, 2017 – March 11, 2018
Funding Type: Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 Release 2

Project Objective

Aspen Products Group Inc. is developing a unique energy recovery ventilator (ERV) technology that will employ a lower cost vapor-permeable membrane that boosts latent recovery by 50% compared to current ERV technology. As part of this Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research project, the project team will validate the capability of high-performance membranes to transfer humidity from a moist air stream to a dry air stream at over three times the flux of existing membranes. Additionally, the membrane fabrication process will be matured and optimized and membrane performance parameters will be established. The project team will also model ERV to predict device performance and estimate life-cycle energy and cost-savings.

Project Impact

Substantial improvements to the integrity of residential building envelopes have been realized in recent years with the use of advanced house wraps, fenestration, and air-sealing technologies. While tight construction significantly lowers residential energy consumption, the concomitant reduction in natural ventilation results in less frequent air turnover that can adversely impact indoor air quality and occupant comfort. The addition of mechanical exhaust ventilation may improve comfort and air quality through increased air circulation and contaminant dilution, but without conditioning of the makeup air, the infiltration of cold dry air in the winter and hot humid air in the summer can significantly increase HVAC loads. This project will contribute to the development of an ERV that transfers heat and moisture between supply and exhaust air streams, utilizing a high-performance, low-cost, vapor-permeable membrane that will improve existing ERV performance while significantly reducing ERV cost. This ERV will significantly shorten the payback period for ERV installation and accelerate residential ERV adoption throughout the U.S.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Eric Werling
Lead Performer: Mark Fokema, Aspen Products Group Inc.