ANSI/AHRI Standard 1061 (SI)

2011 Standard for

Performance Rating of Air-
to-Air Heat Exchangers for
Energy Recovery
Ventilation Equipment

Approved by ANSI on 27 October 2011

 IMPORTANT

SAFETY DISCLAIMER

AHRI does not set safety standards and does not certify or guarantee the safety of any products, components or
systems designed, tested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with this standard/guideline. It is strongly
recommended that products be designed, constructed, assembled, installed and operated in accordance with
nationally recognized safety standards and code requirements appropriate for products covered by this
standard/guideline.

AHRI uses its best efforts to develop standards/guidelines employing state-of-the-art and accepted industry
practices. AHRI does not certify or guarantee that any tests conducted under its standards/guidelines will be
non-hazardous or free from risk.

Note:

This standard supersedes ARI Standard 1060-2005.

For I-P ratings, see ANSI/AHRI Standard 1060 (I-P)-2011.

Price $10.00 (M) $20.00 (NM) ©Copyright 2011, by Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
Printed in U.S.A. Registered United States Patent and Trademark Office
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Section 1. Purpose.................................................................................................................. 1

Section 2. Scope ..................................................................................................................... 1

Section 3. Definitions............................................................................................................. 1

Section 4. Test Requirements ................................................................................................ 3

Section 5. Rating Requirements ............................................................................................. 5

Section 6. Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings ........................................... 6

Section 7. Marking and Nameplate Data ............................................................................... 7

Section 8. Conformance Conditions ...................................................................................... 7

TABLES

Table 1. Standard Rating Conditions .................................................................................. 4

Table 2. Multiples for Rated Airflow.................................................................................. 6

FIGURES

Figure 1. Scheme of Airflows for Exchangers…………………………………………….2

APPENDICES

Appendix A. References - Normative ........................................................................................ 8

Appendix B. References - Informative....................................................................................... 8

Appendix C. Calculation of Effectiveness - Normative ............................................................. 9

 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

PERFORMANCE RATING OF AIR-TO-AIR HEAT

EXCHANGERS FOR ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION
EQUIPMENT
Section 1. Purpose

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to establish for Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers intended for use in Air-to-Air
Energy Recovery Ventilation Equipment: definitions; test requirements; rating requirements; minimum data requirements for
Published Ratings; marking and nameplate data; and conformance conditions.

1.1.1 Intent. This standard is intended for the guidance of the industry, including manufacturers, designers,
installers, contractors and users.

1.1.2 Review and Amendment. This standard is subject to review and amendment as technology advances.

Section 2. Scope

2.1 Scope. This standard applies to factory-made Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for use in Air-to-Air Energy Recovery
Ventilation Equipment as defined in Section 3.

2.2 Exclusions. This standard does not apply to the rating and testing of heat Exchangers joined by circulated heat transfer
medium (run-around loop). A run-around loop employs liquid-containing coils connected in a closed loop and placed in each
of two or more airstreams.

Section 3. Definitions

All terms in this document shall follow the standard industry definitions in the current edition of ASHRAE Terminology of
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and ASHRAE Standard 84, unless otherwise defined in this section.

3.1 Air-to-Air Energy Recovery Ventilation Equipment (AAERVE). Energy recovery components and packaged energy
recovery ventilation units which employ Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers to recover energy from exhaust air for the purpose of
pre-conditioning outdoor air prior to supplying the conditioned air to the space, either directly or as part of an air-
conditioning (to include air heating, air cooling, air circulating, air cleaning, humidifying and dehumidifying) system.

3.2 Air-to-Air Heat/Energy Exchanger (hereinafter “Exchanger”). A device that transfers heat/energy from an exhaust
airstream to a separated supply airstream. Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers are also referred to as energy recovery components.

3.2.1 Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger. A device employing tubes charged with a fluid for the purpose of transferring
sensible energy from one airstream to another. Heat transfer takes place through the vaporization of the fluid exposed
to the warmer airstream and condensation of the fluid in the cooler airstream.

3.2.2 Plate Heat Exchanger. A device for the purpose of transferring energy (sensible or total) from one airstream
to another with no moving parts. This Exchanger may incorporate parallel, cross or counter flow construction or a
combination of these to achieve the energy transfer.

3.2.3 Rotary Heat Exchanger. A device incorporating a rotating cylinder or wheel for the purpose of transferring
energy (sensible or total) from one airstream to the other. It incorporates heat transfer material, a drive mechanism, a
casing or frame, and includes any seals which are provided to retard the bypassing and leakage of air from one
airstream to the other.

3.3 Airflow

3.3.1 Entering Supply Airflow (OA). The supply Airflow (outdoor air) before passing through the Exchanger, also
referred to as outdoor air, indicated in Figure 1 as Station 1. Sometimes referred to as the outdoor Airflow.

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ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

3.3.2 Leaving Supply Airflow (SA). The supply Airflow (outdoor air) after passing through the Exchanger,
indicated in Figure 1 as Station 2. Sometimes referred to as the supply Airflow.

3.3.3 Entering Exhaust Airflow (RA). The exhaust airstream (indoor air) before passing through the Exchanger,
indicated in Figure 1 as Station 3. Sometimes referred to as the return Airflow.

3.3.4 Leaving Exhaust Airflow (EA). The exhaust airstream (indoor air) after passing through the Exchanger,
indicated in Figure 1 as Station 4. Sometimes referred to as the exhaust Airflow.

Figure 1 – Scheme of Airflows for Exchangers

3.4 Effectiveness. The difference in temperature, humidity ratio, or enthalpy between the Leaving Supply Airflow and
Entering Supply Airflow divided by the difference in temperature, humidity ratio, or enthalpy between the Entering Supply
Airflow and the Entering Exhaust Airflow, multiplied by the Leaving Supply Airflow mass flow rate divided by the
minimum of Leaving Supply Airflow or Entering Exhaust Airflow mass flow rates. The equation for determining
Effectiveness is Equation C1 in Appendix C.

Effectiveness is not adjusted to account for that portion of the psychrometric change in the Leaving Supply Airflow that is the
result of leakage of Entering Exhaust Airflow rather than exchange of heat or moisture between the airstreams.

3.4.1 Sensible Effectiveness. The Effectiveness value determined in Section 3.4 using only measured dry bulb
temperature differences and mass airflow rates.

3.4.2 Latent Effectiveness. The Effectiveness value determined in Section 3.4 using only measured humidity ratios
and mass airflow rates.

3.4.3 Total Effectiveness. The Effectiveness value determined in Section 3.4 using only measured enthalpies and
mass airflow rates.

3.4.4 Net Effectiveness. The Effectiveness adjusted to account for that portion of the psychrometric change in the
Leaving Supply Airflow that is the result of leakage of Entering Exhaust Airflow rather than exchange of heat or
moisture between the airstreams. The equation of Net Effectiveness is given in Equation C3.

3.5 Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio (EATR). The tracer gas concentration difference between the Leaving Supply Airflow and
the Entering Supply Airflow divided by the tracer gas concentration difference between the Entering Exhaust Airflow and the
Entering Supply Airflow at the 100% rated Airflows, expressed as a percentage. The equation for EATR is given in Equation
C2.

3.7 Net Supply Airflow. That portion of the Leaving Supply Airflow that originated as Entering Supply Airflow. The Net
Supply Airflow is determined by subtracting air transferred from the exhaust side of the Exchanger from the gross Airflow
measured at the Supply Airflow leaving the Exchanger and is given by the equation:

Net Supply Airflow = Leaving Supply Airflow • (1 - EATR) 1

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 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

3.8 Outdoor Air Correction Factor (OACF). The Entering Supply Airflow divided by the measured (gross) Leaving
Supply Airflow.

3.9 Pressure Differential . The difference in pressure between two specific points in two separate airstreams (i.e. leaving
supply airflow static pressure verses entering exhaust airflow static pressure).

3.10 Pressure Drop. The difference in static pressure between the Entering Supply Airflow and the Leaving Supply
Airflow.

3.11 Published Rating. A statement of the assigned values of those performance characteristics, under stated Rating
Conditions, by which a unit may be chosen for its application. These values apply to all Exchangers for use in Energy
Recovery Ventilation Equipment of like size and type (identification) produced by the same manufacturer. The term
Published Rating includes the rating of all performance characteristics shown on the unit or published in specifications,
advertising or other literature controlled by the manufacturer, at stated Rating Conditions.

3.11.1 Application Rating. A rating based on tests performed at application Rating Conditions (other than Standard
Rating Conditions).

3.11.2 Standard Rating. A rating based on tests performed at Standard Rating Conditions.

3.12 Rating Conditions. Any set of operating conditions under which a single level of performance results, and which
cause only that level of performance to occur.

3.12.1 Standard Rating Conditions. Rating Conditions used as the basis of comparison for performance
characteristics.

3.13 "Shall” or "Should.” “Shall” or “should” shall be interpreted as follows:

3.13.1 Shall. Where “shall” or “shall not” is used for a provision specified, that provision is mandatory if
compliance with the standard is claimed.

3.13.2 Should. “Should” is used to indicate provisions which are not mandatory but which are desirable as good
practice.

3.14 Standard Air. Air weighing 1.2 kg/m3 which approximates dry air at 21°C and at a barometric pressure of 101.3 kPa.

3.15 Station. For each of the Airflows defined in 3.3, and shown in Figure 1, the location in the test apparatus at which
conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or Airflow are measured. These locations are identified as 1-4 in the
circles in Figure 1 and Sections 3.3.1 through 3.3.4.

Section 4. Test Requirements

4.1 Test Requirements. All Standard Ratings shall be verified by tests conducted in accordance with ASHRAE Standard
84 at the Standard Rating Conditions in Table 1, except where modified by this standard.

4.2 Test Set-Up.

4.2.1 Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers. For the purpose of rating, the tilt angle of Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers shall be as
specified by the manufacturer. The tilt angle may change between heating and cooling conditions provided that a
mechanism to do so is provided by the manufacturer.

4.2.2 Plate Heat Exchangers. For the purpose of rating, ensure that the orientation of the Exchanger is as specified
by the manufacturer.

4.2.3 Rotary Heat Exchangers.

4.2.3.1 General. For the purpose of rating, drive motors used in Rotary Heat Exchangers shall be placed in
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ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

the airstream as specified by the manufacturer. All Standard Ratings, under both heating and cooling
conditions, shall be measured with the drive motor in the same location. In addition, the Exchanger shall
rotate at the speed specified by the manufacturer.

Table 1. Standard Rating Conditions

Conditions
Item
Heating Cooling

1. Entering supply airflow temperature

a. Dry-bulb (°C) 2 35
b. Wet-bulb (°C) 1 26

2. Entering exhaust airflow temperature

a. Dry-bulb (°C) 21 23
b. Wet-bulb (°C) 14 17

3. Leaving Supply Airflow, m3/s 100% of the rated Airflow(s)

75% of the rated Airflow(s)

4. Entering Exhaust Airflow (return Airflow), m3/s Same rate as Leaving Supply Airflow*

5. Pressure Differential, leaving supply airflow static 0.00

pressure minus entering exhaust (return) airflow static
pressure, for effectiveness tests, Pa

6. Pressure Differential, leaving supply airflow (1) 0.00 and

static pressure minus entering exhaust (return) (2) manufacturer’s choice of two or more of the following:
airflow static pressure, for outdoor air -1250, -750, -250, -120, 120, 250, 750, 1250
correction factor tests and tracer gas tests of
Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio, Pa
* Adjustments to balance the Airflows shall be made at the Standard Rating Conditions (i.e., temperatures), just prior to
data acquisition.

4.2.3.2 Adjustable Purge. For the purpose of rating, if an adjustable purge is provided, it shall be set at the
manufacturer’s specified purge angle or setting. The purge angle or setting may vary between different tests;
however, Standard Ratings of Effectiveness shall be measured using the same purge angle or setting used
when measuring Standard Ratings of Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio and Outdoor Air Correction Factor at the
required zero pressure differential condition (see Table 1).

4.3 Testing Tolerances. For the test to be valid, it shall meet all the requirements of this section.

4.3.1 Airflow and Pressure. For the purpose of rating, measured Airflow shall remain within a tolerance of ±1.5%
or 0.002 m3/s, whichever is greater, for the duration of the test. For the purpose of rating for a zero Pressure
Differential, the average differential shall be between 2.5 Pa and 0 Pa, and no reading shall be above 12.5 Pa or below
-12.5 Pa. For the purpose of rating for non-zero Pressure Differentials, measured pressures shall remain within a
tolerance of ± 12.5 Pa.

4.3.2 Stability. Neither sensible nor latent Effectiveness shall exhibit a trend up or down for the duration of the test.

4.3.3 Equal Massflow Requirement. Measurement at Stations 2 & 3 shall be equal within ±1.5% or 0.002 m3/s,
whichever is greater.

4.3.4 Mass and Energy Balance. Mass and energy balances shall be held within ± 0.04 for the duration of the test,
and shall be calculated as follows:

Mass flow balance = 1-[(m 2 +m 4 )/(m 1 +m 3 )] 2

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 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

Sensible energy balance = 1-[(s 2 +s 4 )/(s 1 +s 3 )] 3

Latent energy balance = 1-[(l 2 +l 4 )/(l 1 +l 3 )] 4

where:

l n = Latent energy through Station n, kW/h

m n = Mass through Station n, kg
n = Station number (see Section 3.15)
s n = Sensible energy through Station n, kW/h

4.4 Tracer Gas Test. The tracer gas tests shall be performed at the 100% rated Airflow listed in Table 1 and at the
Pressure Differentials listed in Table 1. The tracer gas used shall be sulfur hexafloride SF 6 . Tests shall be conducted at
laboratory ambient temperature conditions with no psychrometric changes. Relative humidity shall be maintained between
20% and 60% for the duration of the test.

Section 5. Rating Requirements

5.1 Standard Ratings. Standard Ratings shall be determined at the Standard Rating Conditions specified in Table 1. All
Standard Ratings shall be verified by tests conducted in accordance with Section 4.

5.2 Tolerances. To comply with this standard, Published Ratings shall be based on data obtained in accordance with the
provisions of this section and shall be such that any production unit, when tested, shall meet these ratings except for an
allowance to cover testing and manufacturing variations.

5.2.1 Allowance for Sensible and Total Effectiveness. Test results for sensible and total Effectiveness shall not be
less than 95% of the Published Rating, or more than two absolute percentage points below the Published Rating,
whichever tolerance is greater.

5.2.2 Allowance for Latent Effectiveness. Test results for latent Effectiveness shall not be less than 93% of the
Published Rating, or more than two absolute percentage points below the Published Rating, whichever tolerance is
greater.

5.2.3 Allowance for Pressure Drop. Test results for Pressure Drop shall not be more than 110% of the Published
Rating, with a minimum tolerance of 12.5 Pa.

5.2.4 Allowance for Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio. Test results for EATR shall not be more than one absolute
percentage point greater than the Published Rating.

5.2.5 Allowance for Outdoor Air Correction Factor. Test results for OACF shall not be less than 90% or more
than 110% of the Published Rating.

5.2.6 Rotational Speed for Rotary Heat Exchangers. The rotational speed at which a Rotary Heat Exchanger is
tested shall be within ± 10% of the rated rotational speed.

5.3 Calculation of Pressure Drop at Standard Rating Conditions. The rated Pressure Drop shall be corrected for air
density and viscosity using the following equation:

m
 ρ   µs 
∆P s = ∆P     5
 ρs   µ 
where:

ΔP s = Rated Pressure Drop, kPa

ΔP = Tested Pressure Drop, kPa
ρ = Density of air as tested, kg/m3

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ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

ρ s = Density of Standard Air, kg/m3

μs = Viscosity of Standard Air, kg/m·s
μ = Viscosity of air as tested, kg/m·s
m = 1

Section 6. Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings

6.1 Values of Standard Ratings.

6.1.1 Rated Airflow. The rated Airflow shall be specified by the manufacturer and shall be expressed in m3/s as
indicated:

Table 2. Multiples for Rated Airflow

Rated Airflow for Units Multiples

m3/s m3/s
< 0.12 0.005
≥ 0.12 and < 0.24 0.01
≥ 0.24 and < 0.47 0.02
≥ 0.47 0.05

6.1.2 Effectiveness. Sensible, latent and total Effectiveness and net sensible, net latent, and total Net Effectiveness
(see Appendix C) shall be reported and expressed in %, in multiples of 1%.

6.1.3 Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio. EATR shall be reported and expressed in %, in multiples of 0.1%.

6.1.4 Outdoor Air Correction Factor. OACF shall be reported and expressed in multiples of 0.01.

6.1.5 Pressure Drop. Pressure Drop through the Exchanger shall be reported for all thermal performance tests and
expressed in Pa, in multiples of 12.5 Pa.

6.2 Additional Information. In addition, the following information shall be reported for the Exchanger unless otherwise
noted:

a. Rated rotational speed, rev/s (Rotary Heat Exchanger only);

b. Rated tilt angle at heating and cooling conditions (Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger only), °;
c. The results of the tracer gas test as defined in Section 5.3.2 of ASHRAE Standard 84 and presented as EATR;
d. Seal type and configuration, if any;
e. Net Supply Airflow at the 100% rated Airflow, m3/s;
f. Net sensible, latent and total Effectiveness at the 100% rated Airflow (The Net Effectiveness shall be calculated as
shown in Appendix C and reported in % in multiples of 1%);
g. Purge angle, or setting (Rotary Heat Exchanger only) listed for all tests, °.

6.3 Application Ratings. Ratings at conditions other than as shown in Table 1 may be published as Application Ratings
and shall be based on data determined by the methods described in Section 4.

6.4 Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings. As a minimum, Published Ratings shall include all Standard
Ratings. All claims to ratings within the scope of this standard shall include the statement “Rated in accordance with AHRI
Standard 1061 (SI)”. All claims to ratings outside the scope of this standard shall include the statement “Outside the scope of
AHRI Standard 1061 (SI)”. Wherever Application Ratings are published or printed, they shall include a statement of the
conditions at which the ratings apply.

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 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

Section 7. Marking and Nameplate Data

7.1 Marking and Nameplate Data. As a minimum, the following information shall be shown in a conspicuous place on
the equipment:

a. Name or trade name of manufacturer;

b. Manufacturer’s model number;
c. Heat transfer fluid (where appropriate).

Nameplate voltages for 60 Hertz systems shall include one or more of the equipment nameplate voltage ratings shown in
Table 1 of AHRI Standard 110. Nameplate voltages for 50 Hertz systems shall include one or more of the utilization
voltages shown in Table 1 of IEC Standard 60038.

Section 8. Conformance Conditions

Conformance. While conformance with this standard is voluntary, conformance shall not be claimed or implied for products
or equipment within the standard’s Purpose (Section 1) and Scope (Section 2) unless such product claims meet all of the
requirements of the standard and all of the testing and rating requirements are measured and reported in complete compliance
with the standard. Any product that has not met all the requirements of the standard shall not reference, state, or
acknowledge the standard in any written, oral, or electronic communication.

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ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

APPENDIX A. REFERENCES – NORMATIVE

A1 Listed here are all standards, handbooks, and other publications essential to the formation and implementation of this
standard. All references in this appendix are considered as part of this standard.

A1.1 AHRI Standard 110-2002, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment Nameplate Voltages, 2002, Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203, U.S.A.

A1.2 ANSI-ASHRAE Standard 84-2008, Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers, 2008, American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.3 ASHRAE Terminology of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Second Edition, 1991,
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta,
GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.4 IEC Standard 60038, IEC Standard Voltages, 2002, International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de
Varembe, P.O. Box 131, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.

APPENDIX B. REFERENCES - INFORMATIVE

None.

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 ANSI/AHRI STANDARD 1061 (SI) - 2011

APPENDIX C. CALCULATION OF EFFECTIVENESS –

NORMATIVE
C1 Effectiveness. The sensible, latent or total Effectiveness of an Exchanger for use in Air-to-Air Energy Recovery
Ventilation Equipment is described by the following equation:

ε=
(m s ) (X1 − X 2 )
(m min ) (X1 − X 3 ) C1

C2 Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio (EATR). The EATR of an Exchanger for use in Air-to-Air Energy Recovery Ventilation
Equipment is described by the following equation:

C2 − C1
EATR = C2
C3 − C1

C3 Net Effectiveness. The Net Effectiveness is given by the equation:

 X − (EATR )X 
(m s ) X1 − 2(1 − EATR ) 3 
ε net =   C3
(m min ) (X1 − X 3 )

C3.1 Derivation of Net Effectiveness. The formula for Effectiveness is given in Equation C1. The formula for Net
Effectiveness is the same except that X net is substituted for X 2 where X net is derived from the mixed air condition at
Station 2 and the EATR as follows:

X 2 = (1 - EATR) X net + (EATR) X 3 C4

Solving for X net yields:

X 2 − (EATR ) X3
X net = C5
(1 − EATR )
C4 Symbols and Subscripts. The symbols and subscripts used in Equations C1 through C5 are as follows:

C = Tracer gas concentration, %

ε = Sensible, latent or total Effectiveness
m = Mass flow rate, kg/s
X = Dry-bulb temperature (for sensible Effectiveness), °C
or
Absolute humidity ratio (for latent Effectiveness), kg H 2 O/kg dry air
or
Total enthalpy (for total Effectiveness), J/kg

Subscripts:

min = Minimum of the exhaust and supply values

s = Supply Airflow
1 = Measurement Station 1
2 = Measurement Station 2
3 = Measurement Station 3