Open Access

ARTICLE

Efficiency Analysis and Performance Optimization of Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) for Residential Indoor Air Quality Enhancement in Cold Climates

Hamed Yousefzadeh Eini, Mohammad Hossein Sabouri, Mojtaba Babaelahi^*

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, 3716146611, Iran

* Corresponding Authors: Mojtaba Babaelahi. Email: ,

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2025, 21(7), 1771-1788. https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2025.066747

Received 16 April 2025; Accepted 14 July 2025; Issue published 31 July 2025

Abstract

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) are essential for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and reducing energy consumption in residential buildings situated in cold climates. This study considers the efficiency and performance optimization of HRVs under cold climatic conditions, where conventional ventilation systems increase heat loss. A comprehensive numerical model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics, integrating fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and solid mechanics to evaluate the thermal efficiency and structural integrity of an HRV system. The methodology employed a detailed geometry with tetrahedral elements, temperature-dependent material properties, and coupled governing equations solved under Tehran-specific boundary conditions. A multi-objective optimization was implemented in the framework of the Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm, targeting the maximization of the average outlet temperature and minimization of the maximum von Mises thermal stress, with inlet flow velocity as the design variable (range: 0.5–1.2 m/s). Results indicate an optimal velocity of 0.51563 m/s, achieving an average outlet temperature of 289.44 K and maximum von Mises stress of 221 MPa, validated through mesh independence and detailed contour analyses of temperature, velocity, and stress distributions.

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Keywords

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