Test Method to Evaluate Cross-Contamination of Gaseous Contaminants within Total Energy Recovery Wheels

This paper presents an overview of ASHRAE RP-1780, which developed a test method to evaluate gaseous contaminant transfer in energy wheels. The method was validated with data measured in the project. A new performance parameter called Exhaust Contaminant Transfer Ratio (ECTR) was introduced to quantify the cross contamination. In this paper, the proposed methodology is demonstrated using experimental data of two gaseous contaminants in two desiccant coated rotary wheels. Manufacturers and test laboratories can apply the test method to quantity gaseous contaminant transfer in energy wheels with an uncertainty of less than ±3%. These test data will assist designers select energy wheels to reduce energy consumption while minimizing the cross-contamination of gaseous contaminants to improve indoor air quality and health.