How to Integrate HVAC Load Reduction® with Packaged Rooftop Units (RTU), Air Handling Units (AHU) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV)

Recently, we wrote about how to integrate HVAC Load Reduction^® (HLR) with Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS), Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV), and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) units. enVerid’s HLR Modules are also easy to integrate with mixed air HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce HVAC costs. 

The three examples below show some of the most common integration designs: with Packaged Rooftop Units (RTUs), Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)/Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs). Each can be used in ducted or plenum installations. While we also covered ERVs in the previous post, below we address integration with an ERV used in a mixed air system, which includes return air. 

Scenario 1: Packaged Rooftop Units (RTU)

The HLR 15R rooftop module can be directly ducted into rooftop air handlers. The HLR module cleans a side stream of the return air and reduces the need to bring in outside air (OA) to control indoor pollutants.  

enVerid’s PreK-12 School case study shows how HLRs were installed in this manner to reduce outside air requirements and save 33% in total HVAC energy consumption while removing the need for ERVs. 

Scenario 2: Air Handling Units (AHU)

For systems with indoor air handlers, enVerid’s indoor modules may be used similarly, by scrubbing a side stream of the return air and supplying it to the AHU. The two indoor units enable a wide array of installation locations wherever there is access to return air.  

In the case study for a Confidential Financial Services Client, 40 HLR modules were placed into a plenum return and ducted to the AHUs resulting in improved air quality and an 85% average reduction in outside air. 

Scenario 3: HLR Modules with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV)

Installations with energy recovery ventilation can benefit from even greater energy efficiency while downsizing ERV core and wheel sizes. The HLRs scrub a portion of the building’s return air which is combined with the ERV’s outside air.  

In the case study TLC Engineering for Architecture , this method was deployed to achieve LEED goals, eliminate DCV, and lower DOAS capacity requirements. 

With a rooftop and two indoor versions, HLR modules enable a wide array of designs that can be used in almost any building scenario, whether new construction or retrofit. 

Do you need help designing a system with HVAC Load Reduction modules? Please contact us for technical assistance.